Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Letters Urge Safer Institutions and More Thoughtful Travel
These letters share readers’ opinions about safety, travel, festivals and public manners.
One writer says colleges should make streets and workplaces safer instead of keeping women at home.
Several readers say travellers should respect the people and places they visit.
They argue that visitors should listen to local residents and follow wildlife safety advice.
Another writer is excited about a Durga Puja display about Bengali sweets and suggests selling sweets there.
A final letter asks people to use earphones on public transport.
Together, the letters ask people and institutions to show more care and respect.
A letter criticizes Lady Shri Ram College’s move to online classes after a minor was raped, arguing that institutions should address unsafe environments rather than confine women.
Several writers responding to Uddalak Mukherjee’s “Inner journeys” say travel should challenge prejudice, respect local priorities and avoid treating villages as scenery for visitors’ personal growth.
One letter says responsible wildlife tourism means following safety guidance, limiting vehicle use and turning back when warned about elephants.
A letter previews Wellington Nagarik Kalyan Samity’s Durga Puja theme on Bengali sweets and suggests setting up a sweets stall.
Another letter calls on transport authorities to address people playing audio aloud on buses, metros and trains.
- Who
- Readers writing letters to the editor, including Rounaq Mallick, A.K. Sen, Harish G., Shreya Basu, Yashodhara Sen, Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Anjan Majumdar and Anil Bagarka.
- What
- The letters discuss women’s safety, responsible travel, a Durga Puja theme and courtesy on public transport.
- When
- The letters refer to Durga Puja and to an essay published on September 30; no publication date for the letters is given.
- Where
- The letters mention Calcutta, Nadia, Kollam, Nainital, Hooghly and Mumbai, as well as travel destinations in Bankura and Piardoba.
- Why
- The writers offer views on how institutions, visitors, festival organisers and commuters can act more responsibly and respectfully.
- College response
- Lady Shri Ram College moved classes online after the rape of a minor in a park, according to a letter.
- Travel essay
- The letters respond to Uddalak Mukherjee’s “Inner journeys,” identified as published on September 30.
- Wildlife travel
- A letter cites World Wildlife Fund-India guidance to observe wildlife from a distance, minimise automobile use and help guides follow rules.
- Puja theme
- Wellington Nagarik Kalyan Samity’s planned theme is “Mishtanna Puran,” about sweets of Bengal before and after Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Public transport
- A letter asks transport authorities to enforce basic courtesy, including using earphones rather than playing audio aloud.