Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Letters Address Vegetarian Labels, Tariffs, Changing Lives and Cinema
The letters discuss several different issues that matter to readers.
One writer says soaps and cosmetics will now use colored dots to show whether their ingredients are vegetarian.
The writer also wants clearer information about what products contain and whether they are safe.
Other writers worry that the United States could impose very high tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
They say India may need to diversify its energy supplies, exports and trade relationships.
Another letter compares slower life in the past with today's fast, technology-filled world.
It says progress is useful, but people should protect time for family and friendship.
Finally, readers remember actor Mithu Mukherjee and her popular film performances.
They say she represented the charm of 1970s Bengali and Hindi cinema.
A new regulation requires colored dots on personal-care products to indicate vegetarian or non-vegetarian ingredients.
Readers question whether labeling alone is enough without clearer information on ingredients and product safety.
Letters warn that possible United States tariffs on buyers of Russian energy could hurt Indian exports and the wider economy.
One writer reflects on how technology, education, family life and relationships have changed over time.
Readers mourn actor Mithu Mukherjee, remembering her prominent Bengali and Hindi film roles of the 1970s.
- Who
- Letters to the editor by Sanghamitra Das, A.G. Rajmohan, S.S. Paul, Bal Govind, Shibaji Roy Choudhuri, Deba Prasad Bhattacharya, Khokan Das and Sourish Misra.
- What
- The letters discuss vegetarian product labeling, possible United States tariffs, social and technological change, and the death of actor Mithu Mukherjee.
- When
- The letters refer to a current labeling regulation, a law signed by Donald Trump, and Mithu Mukherjee's recent death; specific dates are not provided for most issues.
- Where
- The writers are from Calcutta, Andhra Pradesh, Nadia and Noida, while the economic discussion concerns India, the United States, Russia and West Asia.
- Why
- The writers seek clearer product-safety information, warn about economic risks, reflect on balancing progress with human connection, and commemorate Mithu Mukherjee.
Reader concerns and priorities
Alternative views and policy responses
Vegetarian labeling
Reader concerns and priorities
The regulation may help consumers identify vegetarian or non-vegetarian ingredients.
Alternative views and policy responses
Transparency should also include clearer ingredient information and accessible evidence about product safety.
Response to possible United States tariffs
Reader concerns and priorities
India should protect its energy access and strategic autonomy while maintaining purchases of cheaper Russian crude.
Alternative views and policy responses
India should diversify energy supplies and export markets, strengthen compliance and pursue diplomatic outreach to reduce trade risks.
Technology and modern life
Reader concerns and priorities
Smartphones, scientific progress, freedom and wider choices have improved access to information and opportunities.
Alternative views and policy responses
Fast-paced technology, competition and separate screens can reduce patience, learning enjoyment and personal connection.
- Product labeling
- Soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and cosmetics are required to carry colored dots indicating vegetarian or non-vegetarian ingredients.
- Label colors
- Green dots signify vegetarian ingredients, while red or brown dots signify non-vegetarian ingredients.
- Potential tariff power
- A law signed by Donald Trump is described as allowing country-specific tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
- Russian crude share
- One letter says Russian crude accounted for more than 51% of India's oil imports in July; another cites approximately 30% in 2025.
- Mithu Mukherjee
- Readers remember her roles in films including Swayamsiddha, Marjina Abdulla, Mouchak, Shesh Parbo and Ashrita.
- Mithu Mukherjee's age
- One letter says she died at 71.