Letters to the editor: The cruelty concealed by sentimental talk about man's best friend

Selective friendship Sir — The domestication of wolves began a symbiotic relationship in which humans and dogs hunted together and offered each other protection. That bond has since become deeply unequal. A biotechnology firm now claims to have created hypoallergenic dogs through gene editing, despite the risk of unintended consequences. Humans have, in effect, edited dog genes for centuries through selective breeding, leaving many animals prone to disease and deformity. The dachshund's damaged back and the pug's breathing difficulties expose the cruelty concealed by sentimental talk about man's best friend. ADVERTISEMENT Rima Roy, Calcutta Inseparable fields Sir — The author, Su. Ven­katesan, has rightly observed that literature shaped by history often has a more en­during impact than conventional historical writing ('Stories and histories', Sept 5). History records what happened; literature draws upon the past to illuminate the present. In acclaimed works such as Kaaval Kottam and Velpari, Venkatesan places contemporary lives and struggles against historical backdrops. For him, retelling history is a political and cultural act that connects inherited traditions with present realities. Political work may offer immediate relief but literature can influence public consciousness for generations. S.S. Paul, Nadia Sir — History and literature are distinct academic disciplines: history is concerned with fact, while literature frequently draws upon imagination. Yet, G.M. Trevelyan had described them as inseparable twin sisters. Poetry and prose cannot be fully appreciated without some knowledge of the period from which they emerged. Literary works contain allusions to the social and the political circumstances of their times, even when they address universal themes. An understanding of the past therefore deepens the reading of literature. Tapan Kumar Mukherjee, Burdwan Rights restored Sir — The Supreme Court's decision to quash first information reports against the youth involved in the Cockroach Janta Party protests is commendable. By invoking Article 142 to deliver 'complete justice', the court has protected thousands of young people from the lasting consequences of criminal records. The protests arose from legitimate anger over examination failures and paper leaks. As the court observed, participation in a public demonstration is not a criminal offence. Its direction to formulate a nationwide compensation policy for bereaved families of NEET students is equally welcome. Student unrest demands reform and understanding, rather than indiscriminate criminalisation. Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai Sir — The apex court's use of its special powers to quash cases filed by the Delhi Police against young protesters at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere is welcome. It reaffirms the democratic right to protest against the State. Subjecting peaceful protesters to criminal cases merely because some miscreants infiltrate a gathering is unjust. The court has corrected this indiscriminate approach and restored the confidence of law-abiding young citizens raising legitimate concerns. D.V.G. Sankara Rao, Andhra Pradesh Lessons for life Sir — Teachers shape young minds, encourage lifelong learning and guide pupils through their conduct as well as their words. The growing use of Artificial Intelligence in classrooms has raised questions about the future of teaching. Technology, however, cannot replicate a teacher's capacity to form emotional connections. Teachers help young people become independent thinkers, compassionate individuals and responsible citizens. Their role will remain indispensable. M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu