The eyes have it; Wasted effort; Brilliant knock

The eyes have it

• Sir - The Supreme Court recently quashed a criminal case against the actress, Priya Prakash Varrier, for a scene in her forthcoming film ("SC scraps blasphemy case on wink girl", Sept 1). Varrier became an overnight sensation after the clip in which she winks was released. Although most people liked the clip, a few also complained that their religious sentiments have been hurt owing to the wink. One must not forget that the main objective of films is to entertain. There is nothing wrong if film-makers take creative licences. It is easy to criticize, but difficult to create a work of art.

S.S. Paul,

Nadia

Wasted effort

• Sir - The Reserve Bank of India has said in its annual report that about 99.3 per cent of the demonetized 500 and 1000-rupee notes have been returned to the banks ("99.3% of demonetised currency returned to banks: RBI", Aug 29). This information has raised doubts about the efficacy of the demonetization drive. At the time of demonetization, the government had claimed that its decision would help in curbing both black money and counterfeit currency. If most notes have been returned, then clearly the Centre has failed to realize its stated objectives.

The Indian authorities have also shown little interest in taking back the demonetized notes that are lying with the central banks of Nepal and Bhutan. This reluctance has affected relations with neighbouring countries and further hit the credibility of the Indian rupee. The RBI report proves, once again, that demonetization was an ill-thought-out plan.

Pooja Bansal,

New Delhi

• Sir - The government has, from time to time, attempted to change the narrative on demonetization - when the Centre realized that the policy was floundering, it said that demonetization will help the country move towards a cashless economy. Before that, it stated that the exercise would help in unearthing black money.

The country had to incur a lot of expenditure on account of printing new currency notes. The ATMs had to be recalibrated. Further, demonetization led to loss of business and jobs. Citizens had to toil hard to draw their own money from the banks. The bhakts hyped the exercise as a 'surgical strike' against black money but, in hindsight, the government's move was more like carpet bombing on Indian people, especially those in the informal sector.

H.N. Ramakrishna,

Bangalore

• Sir - Demonetization led to the death of more than 100 persons and destroyed small businesses. But it could neither unearth black money, nor did it stop terror financing. Therefore, the prime minister should tender a televised apology to the nation and resign from his post.

Fazal Ibrahim,

Calcutta

Brilliant knock

• Sir - The Indian pugilist, Amit Panghal, won the gold medal in men's 49 kg boxing in the recently-concluded Jakarta Asian Games ("Amit Panghal wins gold in men's 49 kg boxing at Asian Games 2018", Sept 1). Panghal notched up a tactical win over the reigning Olympic champion, Hasanboy Dusmatov, in the final. He outwitted his Uzbek opponent to win the match by one point. Panghal's victory played a part in India securing its best-ever medal haul at the quadrennial event. The country finished with 69 medals, of which 15 are gold.

The performance of India, however, could have been even better had other Indian boxers played like Panghal. Unfortunately, the Indian boxing contingent could only win a bronze medal, apart from Panghal's gold.

Badshah Chakraborty,

Calcutta

• Sir - Amit Panghal played marvellously in the men's 49 kg boxing final at the Asian Games. It was not easy for the 22-year-old armyman to beat Hasanboy Dusmatov. The former had to raise his game considerably to achieve the feat. The same opponent had trumped Panghal in last year's World Championships. His determination and undying spirit have served Panghal well. One hopes that the young man would continue to earn laurels for the country.

M.U. Qasmi,

Mumbai

• Sir - Amit Panghal showed his presence of mind in the men's 49 kg boxing final. He stayed well out of the reach of his opponent during the bout. This ploy frustrated the latter and made him lose his concentration. Panghal, who had won a silver medal at this year's Commonwealth Games, has again made the country proud. He is still very young, we have high expectations of the boxer.

Anisuzzaman Chowdhury,

Calcutta