Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Letters Debate Dissent, Campus Suicides and Jeffrey Archer’s Legacy
Readers wrote letters about several different subjects.
One writer says art that makes fun of political leaders can show disagreement, but worries that people in India may be punished for sharing political cartoons.
Other writers are concerned about students dying by suicide at leading Indian colleges and say their problems need more attention.
They disagree about whether the reservation system may be part of the reason some students face disdain.
Several letters remember British novelist Jeffrey Archer, who died at 86.
They praise his popular stories and discuss his final novel, Adam and Eve.
One writer also mentions Archer’s public complaint that some Bollywood works used ideas from his books without permission.
A letter contrasts a statue mocking Donald Trump in Strasbourg with the risks it says political satire faces in India.
Writers raise concerns about student suicides, caste-based remarks, academic pressure and complaints they say go unheard at Indian institutions.
One letter suggests disdain toward marginalised students may partly stem from reservation and calls for discussion with institute management.
Several letters remember Jeffrey Archer, praising his novels, storytelling and career, while one notes his dispute with parts of Bollywood.
The letters cite Archer’s more than 300 million books sold and the October 6 release of Adam and Eve, a day after his death.
- Who
- Letter writers discussing political dissent, student suicides and British novelist Jeffrey Archer.
- What
- The letters express concern about restrictions on satire, deaths and distress among students at premier Indian institutions, and Archer’s death and literary career.
- When
- The letters refer to events in 2016, recent student deaths, and Jeffrey Archer’s death and the October 6 release of Adam and Eve; the publication date is not stated.
- Where
- The discussion includes India, Strasbourg near the European Parliament, and the University of Hyderabad, IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi.
- Why
- The letters aim to express views on political dissent, marginalisation and student welfare, and to remember and assess Archer’s life and writing.
Criticism and concern
Alternative views and responses
Political satire and dissent
Criticism and concern
One letter argues that mocking political leaders can be a creative form of dissent, but that such expression is difficult in India because political cartoons may lead to sedition charges.
Alternative views and responses
The letters offer no direct defense of restrictions on political satire; the comparison is made with a protest sculpture of Donald Trump unveiled near the European Parliament.
Student suicides and marginalisation
Criticism and concern
One writer says casteist remarks, academic pressure and ignored student distress contribute to suicides among students from marginalised communities at premier institutions, and urges authorities to respond.
Alternative views and responses
Another writer says disdain toward students from marginalised communities may partly stem from the reservation system and calls for deeper examination, including consultations with institute management.
Jeffrey Archer’s stature
Criticism and concern
Several writers praise Archer’s storytelling, popular novels and lasting appeal, with one arguing he deserved the Nobel Prize.
Alternative views and responses
A letter notes that Archer’s connection with India was not always smooth, citing his public accusation that parts of Bollywood used ideas from his books without permission.
- Political artwork
- The Orange Plague, a statue depicting Donald Trump, was unveiled near the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
- Student deaths mentioned
- Letters refer to Rohith Vemula’s 2016 death, Sahil Wakode’s death at IIT Bombay and another recent death at IIT Delhi.
- Author
- Jeffrey Archer, British novelist, died at age 86, according to the letters.
- Books sold
- The letters say Archer’s books sold more than 300 million copies.
- Final novel
- Adam and Eve was released on October 6, a day after Archer’s death, according to one letter.
- Indian readership
- A letter says 50 million Indians claimed to have read Kane and Abel.