Nitin Mehta paints a rosy picture of contemporary self-rule India (Letters, 18 August). This is unless, of course, you are talking about the millions of people who suffer daily as dalits and adivasi (tribal) people. Their abuses include daily mob lynching, punishment rape, social exclusion and economic and educational disadvantage and deprivation. But they probably don’t count.
Santosh Dass
Anti Caste Discrimination Alliance, Hounslow, Middlesex
• Still on the theme of all things pink and glittery for girls (Letters, 16 and 18 August), perhaps we can hope for a big increase in the number of girls who want to play cricket now that they are using pink balls?
Gwyneth Pendry
Caergybi, Ynys Mon
• Suzanne Moore’s anxiety about the adverse affects of tourism (G2, 17 August) might be allayed somewhat if she promoted the following principle common in this region: never go to a destination where they can’t guarantee the availability of the Yorkshire Post. Guardian readers might consider adopting the same principle.
David Handley
Gargrave, North Yorkshire
• Re Prof Jonathan Mitchie’s letter (18 August), my late wife, Nancy McArdle (head of Thomas Wolsey school for children with physical and/or sensory needs in Ipswich) would sometimes be addressed by interviewers as “headmistress”, to which she would politely reply: “I was trained as a teacher, not a mistress.”
Gerard McArdle
Brockdish, Norfolk
• I have always limited use of my academic titles to my university life. Many years ago, before the advent of online booking, I visited a travel agent in Cambridge to arrange a long-haul flight. The agent asked if I was Prof, Dr or Mr. I replied: “All three, but use Mr. I’m going on an plane, not conducting a seminar.” He responded: “But if I use your title you’re more likely to be upgraded.” Against my principles I accepted his suggestion – and found myself in first class to Montreal. Now, with online booking, I always fly economy.
Dean Hawkes
Cambridge
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