Mint Lounge (21 June 2008)
In Disney’s defence
I disagree with what Sonya Dutta Choudhury has to say with regard to Disney (‘Why Mickey Mouse makes me mad’ June 14). All Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Aladdin & Snow White have been great entertainers. Generations have grown up enjoying Disney comics & cartoons. The writer is being unfair with her objections regarding Disney because of the “spider & fly” anecdote. This analogy can also be applicable to the Harry Potter series, where hype played an important role in making the books so popular. Even die-hard fans will admit to a feeling of déjà vu in the later instalments of Harry Potter.
Ketan R. Meher
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Obsessed with foreign praise
The Asian Age (16 June 2008)
Obsessed with foreign praise
Indians are unnecessarily obsessed with what foreigners think about India (How not to pick a story from Net litter, Of Cabbages & Kings – Farrukh Dhondy, June 14). Our countrymen are convinced of their talents only when praise comes from foreigners. Some years ago, Aamir Khan, one of the finest Indian actors (who avoids all Indian award ceremonies), went all out to lobby for his movie Lagaan at the Oscars. It was more important for Aamir Khan to receive a pat on the back from the Western viewers than applause from the Indian audience. That is the typical Indian mentality. However, if the country wants to progress, it will need to shed this attitude and take pride in its achievements.
Ketan R. Meher
Obsessed with foreign praise
Indians are unnecessarily obsessed with what foreigners think about India (How not to pick a story from Net litter, Of Cabbages & Kings – Farrukh Dhondy, June 14). Our countrymen are convinced of their talents only when praise comes from foreigners. Some years ago, Aamir Khan, one of the finest Indian actors (who avoids all Indian award ceremonies), went all out to lobby for his movie Lagaan at the Oscars. It was more important for Aamir Khan to receive a pat on the back from the Western viewers than applause from the Indian audience. That is the typical Indian mentality. However, if the country wants to progress, it will need to shed this attitude and take pride in its achievements.
Ketan R. Meher
Reader’s haven
Mint Lounge (14 June 2008)
Reader’s haven
Your cover story ‘Bookworm Paradise’ (Lounge, June 07) was interesting. During the past few years, Indian writers have written good novels. A list of such works would be useful for readers. It would be great if you could print extracts from recently released books (especially fiction). This would help readers decide whether to buy a book or not.
With reference to ‘Nutcase nations, bookcase gems’ (Lounge, June 07), I was introduced to reading at a very tender age. It is very difficult to remember the first book that I must have read, but, we (brothers, cousins & friends) were crazy about comics & I am quite sure that it was none other than my all-time favourite super hero Phantom. I recollect reading Enid Blyton’s “The Goblin Hat” from my school library, when I was in class V.
Ketan R. Meher
Reader’s haven
Your cover story ‘Bookworm Paradise’ (Lounge, June 07) was interesting. During the past few years, Indian writers have written good novels. A list of such works would be useful for readers. It would be great if you could print extracts from recently released books (especially fiction). This would help readers decide whether to buy a book or not.
With reference to ‘Nutcase nations, bookcase gems’ (Lounge, June 07), I was introduced to reading at a very tender age. It is very difficult to remember the first book that I must have read, but, we (brothers, cousins & friends) were crazy about comics & I am quite sure that it was none other than my all-time favourite super hero Phantom. I recollect reading Enid Blyton’s “The Goblin Hat” from my school library, when I was in class V.
Ketan R. Meher
Pitch saves team
The Asian Age (11 March 2008)
Pitch saves team
It seems that the performance of the Indian cricket team depends solely on the pitch conditions (Proteas sink in Kanpur dust bowl, April 14). At times, one cannot help but conclude that, Indian cricketers are often at the mercy of external conditions & have limited skills to overcome unfavourable situations.
Ketan R. Meher
Pitch saves team
It seems that the performance of the Indian cricket team depends solely on the pitch conditions (Proteas sink in Kanpur dust bowl, April 14). At times, one cannot help but conclude that, Indian cricketers are often at the mercy of external conditions & have limited skills to overcome unfavourable situations.
Ketan R. Meher
Win-win situation
The Economic Times (12 April 2008)
Win-win situation
This refers to your edit ‘Who is afraid of takeovers?’ (Edit, April 10). India does not have a history of hostile takeovers. Due to the correction in the stock markets, many companies, especially, medium & small ones are trading at attractive valuations. Because of this, cash rich financial institutions, & private investors will be tempted to target companies with good business models, having low promoter holding. This is a win-win situation for all as such moves will also benefit small & large investors in these companies, as well as, the promoters, who are willing to give up management control, in favour of an equally competent investor for a price.
Ketan R. Meher
Win-win situation
This refers to your edit ‘Who is afraid of takeovers?’ (Edit, April 10). India does not have a history of hostile takeovers. Due to the correction in the stock markets, many companies, especially, medium & small ones are trading at attractive valuations. Because of this, cash rich financial institutions, & private investors will be tempted to target companies with good business models, having low promoter holding. This is a win-win situation for all as such moves will also benefit small & large investors in these companies, as well as, the promoters, who are willing to give up management control, in favour of an equally competent investor for a price.
Ketan R. Meher
Child woes
Mint Lounge (12 April 2008)
Child woes
Nowadays, securing nursery admission for your child is not child's play (Wanted: Exceptional Parents April 05). It is sad that when your child is supposed to enjoy his time, he is subjected to unnecessary pressures.
If this continues to be a part of our education system, then future generations are likely to turn into insensitive money-making robots.
Ketan R. Meher
Child woes
Nowadays, securing nursery admission for your child is not child's play (Wanted: Exceptional Parents April 05). It is sad that when your child is supposed to enjoy his time, he is subjected to unnecessary pressures.
If this continues to be a part of our education system, then future generations are likely to turn into insensitive money-making robots.
Ketan R. Meher
Disappointed
The Economic Times (2 April 2008)
Disappointed
It is good to know that iGate Corporation is focused on accelerating its growth and to benefit all its stakeholders (‘IT industry needs new business models’ : Interview with Phaneesh Murthy, April 01). Shareholders of iGate Global Solutions, remained invested throughout the re-structuring, as they were confident of Mr. Murthy's capabilities. However, the investors
were somewhat disappointed, as iGate de-listed from stock exchanges in India at relatively cheap valuations, at a time, when it was clearly visible that the worst was over & there were better times ahead for iGate. That's why, Mr. Murthy's views regarding his intentions to benefit all its stakeholders seemed quite contradictory.
Ketan R. Meher
Disappointed
It is good to know that iGate Corporation is focused on accelerating its growth and to benefit all its stakeholders (‘IT industry needs new business models’ : Interview with Phaneesh Murthy, April 01). Shareholders of iGate Global Solutions, remained invested throughout the re-structuring, as they were confident of Mr. Murthy's capabilities. However, the investors
were somewhat disappointed, as iGate de-listed from stock exchanges in India at relatively cheap valuations, at a time, when it was clearly visible that the worst was over & there were better times ahead for iGate. That's why, Mr. Murthy's views regarding his intentions to benefit all its stakeholders seemed quite contradictory.
Ketan R. Meher
Load-shedding means daily Earth Hours
Mint (2 April 2008)
Load-shedding means daily Earth Hours
It is true that participation from India was negligible in Earth Hour, the global initiative regarding climate change (A candle in the dark, Quick Edit, April 1). However, in an altogether different way, Maharashtra (barring Mumbai) contributes to containing the consumption of electricity & thereby lessens the pollution burden. I refer to the load shedding that happens for more than 6 hours every day! There seems to be little by way of initiative to overcome this problem, despite Maharashtra being one of the most important states in India. Leading business houses seem to maintain a deafening silence in this matter.
Ketan R. Meher
Load-shedding means daily Earth Hours
It is true that participation from India was negligible in Earth Hour, the global initiative regarding climate change (A candle in the dark, Quick Edit, April 1). However, in an altogether different way, Maharashtra (barring Mumbai) contributes to containing the consumption of electricity & thereby lessens the pollution burden. I refer to the load shedding that happens for more than 6 hours every day! There seems to be little by way of initiative to overcome this problem, despite Maharashtra being one of the most important states in India. Leading business houses seem to maintain a deafening silence in this matter.
Ketan R. Meher
Humility pays
The Economic Times (31 March 2008)
Humility pays
This refers to your edit, ‘Tatas in auto big league’ (ET, March 27). Congratulations to Ratan Tata & his team for being successful in acquiring iconic Ford brands, Jaguar & Land Rover. Though, the financial aspects of the deal will be a cause for concern, one can be certain that the Tatas have the expertise to turn around the brands. It requires a lot of strength to remain humble in such a glorious moment, when some of his business rivals go over the top with their achievements.
Ketan R. Meher
Humility pays
This refers to your edit, ‘Tatas in auto big league’ (ET, March 27). Congratulations to Ratan Tata & his team for being successful in acquiring iconic Ford brands, Jaguar & Land Rover. Though, the financial aspects of the deal will be a cause for concern, one can be certain that the Tatas have the expertise to turn around the brands. It requires a lot of strength to remain humble in such a glorious moment, when some of his business rivals go over the top with their achievements.
Ketan R. Meher
Market Crash
The Asian Age (11 March 2008)
Market Crash
Dear Sir,
The never ending market crash has sent most of the market participants running for cover (Poor market performance, Editorial, March 10). At such a time, when there’s all round pessimism, “smart” investors go cherry picking, rather than “waiting for sentiment to change” (read waiting for markets trading at all time highs) & getting trapped again. It is improper on your part to say that the earlier corrections did not last as long as this one. The editorial should have laid more emphasis on driving home the point that investing in stock markets should be for many months & not for a few days & weeks, which will not only burn small investors’ fingers but much more than that.
Ketan R. Meher
Market Crash
Dear Sir,
The never ending market crash has sent most of the market participants running for cover (Poor market performance, Editorial, March 10). At such a time, when there’s all round pessimism, “smart” investors go cherry picking, rather than “waiting for sentiment to change” (read waiting for markets trading at all time highs) & getting trapped again. It is improper on your part to say that the earlier corrections did not last as long as this one. The editorial should have laid more emphasis on driving home the point that investing in stock markets should be for many months & not for a few days & weeks, which will not only burn small investors’ fingers but much more than that.
Ketan R. Meher
Mint Editor's reply
Mint
Dear Sir,
By far, Lounge is the best weekend reads among all newspapers. In the form of Shoba Narayan, M Venkatesh, Arjun Nair, R Sukumar, etc., you have the best writers in your arsenal. The only missing element in this otherwise perfect menu is the lack of space for reader’s feedback. I request you to regularly devote some space (maybe half a page) for reader’s letters. It is quite often seen that readers are equally intelligent as your writers & have very insightful views. I hope it is not too much of an expectation, to share other reader’s views with us.
A suggestion to Mr. R. Sukumar – Please feature an article on my favourite Indrajal Comic Heroes like Phantom, Mandrake, Bahadur, Rip Kirby, etc.
Ketan R. Meher
-------------------------------------------
The editor’s reply is as follows:-
Dear Mr Meher,
Thank you for your email. We really appreciate you taking the time to write to us. You also make a valid point on letters. But, you might be surprised to know there are not many letters that come in that appeal to a broader audience of Lounge readers. Often they are questions or aimed at specific writers. But your larger point is well taken.
With regards,
Raju Narisetti
Managing Editor
Mint
Dear Sir,
By far, Lounge is the best weekend reads among all newspapers. In the form of Shoba Narayan, M Venkatesh, Arjun Nair, R Sukumar, etc., you have the best writers in your arsenal. The only missing element in this otherwise perfect menu is the lack of space for reader’s feedback. I request you to regularly devote some space (maybe half a page) for reader’s letters. It is quite often seen that readers are equally intelligent as your writers & have very insightful views. I hope it is not too much of an expectation, to share other reader’s views with us.
A suggestion to Mr. R. Sukumar – Please feature an article on my favourite Indrajal Comic Heroes like Phantom, Mandrake, Bahadur, Rip Kirby, etc.
Ketan R. Meher
-------------------------------------------
The editor’s reply is as follows:-
Dear Mr Meher,
Thank you for your email. We really appreciate you taking the time to write to us. You also make a valid point on letters. But, you might be surprised to know there are not many letters that come in that appeal to a broader audience of Lounge readers. Often they are questions or aimed at specific writers. But your larger point is well taken.
With regards,
Raju Narisetti
Managing Editor
Mint
Sachin should retire
The Asian Age (1 March 2008)
Sachin should retire
With reference to the news report 'Mumbaikars feel Tendulkar is still the ‘Master Blaster’ (February 29), though the career graph of Sachin Tendulkar has been quite impressive, his recent performances clearly show that, age is catching up with him. He should emulate Sunil Gavaskar, who retired from international cricket when he was in his best form, rather than Kapil Dev, whose retirement was a bit long drawn, as he somewhat struggled to overhaul Sir Richard Hadlee’s highest Test wicket record. It is better to retire when people question “Why” instead of “When”.
Ketan R. Meher
Sachin should retire
With reference to the news report 'Mumbaikars feel Tendulkar is still the ‘Master Blaster’ (February 29), though the career graph of Sachin Tendulkar has been quite impressive, his recent performances clearly show that, age is catching up with him. He should emulate Sunil Gavaskar, who retired from international cricket when he was in his best form, rather than Kapil Dev, whose retirement was a bit long drawn, as he somewhat struggled to overhaul Sir Richard Hadlee’s highest Test wicket record. It is better to retire when people question “Why” instead of “When”.
Ketan R. Meher
Give children books
The Asian Age (26 February 2008)
Give children books
The article ‘The Write Stuff’ (The Age on Sunday, February 24) was very interesting. It is good to see that book sales are going up in this age of electronic media. To keep the habit of reading books alive, parents should make sure that their children have regular access to books, which are relevant to them. Instead of gifting them expensive toys & fancy gadgets, parents should buy them good books.
Ketan R. Meher
Give children books
The article ‘The Write Stuff’ (The Age on Sunday, February 24) was very interesting. It is good to see that book sales are going up in this age of electronic media. To keep the habit of reading books alive, parents should make sure that their children have regular access to books, which are relevant to them. Instead of gifting them expensive toys & fancy gadgets, parents should buy them good books.
Ketan R. Meher
Past Perfect
Mint Lounge (14 July 2007)
Past Perfect
The column immediately took me on a nostalgia trip. During the 1980s, stamp collection was a hobby that was pursued passionately. Exchanging stamps among friends was very common. On a boring day when there was nothing to do, one could easily pass the time browsing through a stamp collection. But, with the advent of email and courier companies, sending letters by post has seen a consistent decline. The new generation can hardly connect with stamp collection as a hobby. In fact, it would be interesting to do a survey among teenagers & youngsters (aged below 25), to find out how many of them have ever sent a letter by post. As technology progresses, new & sophisticated means replace the old, & one has no option but to accept that change in order to keep pace with the world.
Ketan R. Meher
Past Perfect
The column immediately took me on a nostalgia trip. During the 1980s, stamp collection was a hobby that was pursued passionately. Exchanging stamps among friends was very common. On a boring day when there was nothing to do, one could easily pass the time browsing through a stamp collection. But, with the advent of email and courier companies, sending letters by post has seen a consistent decline. The new generation can hardly connect with stamp collection as a hobby. In fact, it would be interesting to do a survey among teenagers & youngsters (aged below 25), to find out how many of them have ever sent a letter by post. As technology progresses, new & sophisticated means replace the old, & one has no option but to accept that change in order to keep pace with the world.
Ketan R. Meher
Stock Question
The Asian Age (26 February 2006)
Stock Question
Dear Sir,
With the stock markets touching new heights, hence forth, one will have to be very careful while picking stocks for the purpose of investment. Inspite of Sensex touching 12000, there have been some stocks which have largely under performed. Though the financial performance of these companies has remained mostly sluggish, they have good management teams at their helm. So it would be useful for investors if your newspaper could publish detailed articles about such companies & whether these companies would be able to turn their businesses around, thus giving good returns to the investors.
Ketan R. Meher
Stock Question
Dear Sir,
With the stock markets touching new heights, hence forth, one will have to be very careful while picking stocks for the purpose of investment. Inspite of Sensex touching 12000, there have been some stocks which have largely under performed. Though the financial performance of these companies has remained mostly sluggish, they have good management teams at their helm. So it would be useful for investors if your newspaper could publish detailed articles about such companies & whether these companies would be able to turn their businesses around, thus giving good returns to the investors.
Ketan R. Meher
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