Virtual hell

Apropos ‘Alone in the vast world of social media’ (Sunday Tribune, Jan 26), it is sad we are living in times that seemingly have all the ingredients needed to make a life ‘happy’, but we are still in a vulnerable space. Many like Sunanda find themselves standing alone. The virtual world has swallowed many Sunandas. Why do men marry if they have to abandon their wives emotionally? We hear politicians talking about women emancipation. Is it really happening?

Charu Mehta, Patiala

II

Sunanda’s death underscores the role of the virtual world in which a majority of the so-called elite live and die. In the era of social media, a friendship list might extend to millions, but there is not one who could read the turmoil fomenting in her mind, not even her husband. Unsure about what they expect from life and relationships, disenchantment turns to depression and the death instinct overpowers the will to live.

Dr Sanjay Pathak

Others before self

In a world full of vested interests, once in a while we come across people like social activist Shobha Nehru (‘Special school that fills their hours with laughter’ by Deepender Deswal; Sunday Tribune, Jan 26). The work being done by SAKAR is commendable. It is an irony that a state like Haryana, which claims to be one of the most developed states, felicitates NGOs like the infamous Apna Ghar, but neglects institutes like SAKAR. The saying ‘service of jiva is the service of Shiva’ was repudiated by the temple authorities who made the school vacate the temple premises for religious activities. Which one of the two purposes God would have liked to see being served is a matter of debate.

Shweta Suhag, Delhi