Saturday, June 21, 2008

In Disney’s defence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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