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| The cultural character of a city is determined by its history (Bond over Bong connection, April 21). As Calcutta began to grow into a city from three small villages, people of different religions, castes and cultures came here in search of livelihood. With the establishment of the railways and rapid increase in trade and commerce, people of communities from other regions of India too migrated here to make a fortune. So the fabric of Calcutta was built around diverse cultural patterns. Calcutta had the cosmopolitan heart to welcome them all and assimilate their cultural traits into its own during a period spanning two centuries and more. The trend continues today. - Chanchal Banerjee |
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| The origin of Calcutta gives an impression of it being a potpourri of cultures. Calcutta has been witness to continuous change — be it good or evil. This dynamism enables people of different cultures and regions to adapt themselves well and connect with the City of Joy. Unlike other metropolitan cities in India, the vast and distinguished cultural, social and moral heritage of Calcutta has given it a unique position both nationally and internationally. This uniqueness of the city makes everyone feel at home here.- Ipsita Moitra Bonhooghly |
The La Martiniere boys have devised a very innovative method to protect the school walls (Graffiti boys vs spit vandals, May 1). I congratulate them for their earnest effort and attachment to their school. They are very much an inspiration for us.
Sudeshna Nath, Auxilium Convent School
A brave and noble effort by the boys of La Martiniere to stop people from spitting and relieving themselves by painting the walls with colourful graffiti, but alas it will not deter those who do these disgusting acts. The only way to stop them is to paint images of various deities.
Manju Sethia
The boys have done a good job in this heat. People who spit should think twice. After all this is their city too.
Khurshid Ansari
My heartiest thanks to the La Martiniere team for beautifying the city walls. It is indeed a commendable effort as most of the city walls are getting defaced by poll graffiti, advertisement stickers and spit. Considering this sorry state of affairs, the effort of the school boys are admirable. Kudos to them for braving the scorching heat and spending hours on beautification. Painting a 200ft-long wall is no easy task, especially when the mercury is soaring. The boys have set an example and other schools should follow in their footsteps. My best wishes to the La Martiniere team. Keep it up!
Indranil Sanyal, Dhakuria
Kudos to the gang for their artistic attempt at inculcating an aesthetic sense in the nonchalant, ungracious masses who don’t spare a second thought before littering or spitting. The use of psychedelic colours and song lyrics that appeal to alert minds are worthy of praise but I would also suggest writing some simple slogans to get the message across to the see-wall-will-spit brigade. As a teacher I feel proud of these young boys who endured the heat and devoted time to a worthy cause. All the best to them.
Mita Dutta, Dakshineswar Sri Sri Sarada Devi Balika Vidyamandir
Keep up the good work, boys. Show your true colours, your true grit!!
Amit Kumar Bose
The walls of a city reflect the culture of its dwellers. Thanks to the students of La Martiniere for Boys for setting an example of our rich and vibrant culture by painting colourful graffiti on the school’s boundary walls. Three cheers for the LMB graffiti gang for the excellent work. I hope more schools would come forward with such innovative ideas and give a new look to our city.
Rakesh Bhatia, Loudon Street
Soccer stars
Congratulations to Rajib and Arko on your achievements (Talent from dark alley, ticket to Old Trafford, April 24). Considering the hardship you have gone through, it’s indeed a matter of great pride that you are going to the Old Trafford for a training stint with the Manchester United under-21 team. You are glaring examples of the saying — where there’s a will, there’s a way. I am a big fan of Manchester United too and it’s inspiring to see that despite all odds you have achieved something so big. All the very best.
Arup Choudhury, Dum Dum Cantonment
Heartiest congratulations to Rajib and Arko for making it to the Manchester-bound team. They have proved that there is no deterrent when strong willpower and indomitable determination go hand in hand. Both of them have braved the odds and come up with flying colours. But the one thing they have to keep in mind is that this training stint with the Manchester United under-21 squad is a great opportunity for them to learn new things and such chances do not come often. So they shouldn’t get carried away and must make best use of this opportunity. Our best wishes will be with them.
I Sanyal, Kalibari Lane
Congratulations to Rajib and Arko for getting this rare opportunity. The journey ahead is full of surprises. Just believe in yourself and don’t stop dreaming. If you don’t believe in your dream, you will not work for it to change it into reality. As the adage goes — where there is a will, there is a way. All the best. Enjoy every moment and keep learning.
Isha Bubna, La Martiniere for Girls
My hearty congratulations to and best wishes for Rajib and Arko, the two football tigers from the City of Joy. Go ahead, boys.
Raja Basu, New Delhi
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