Selective call

Those pushing for the full rendition of Vande Mataram should also acknowledge that Jana Gana Mana is rendered in its prescribed version rather than in its entirety as a longer composition. Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana have different historical and textual contexts, and the question of how much of either should be sung should be approached consistently. If the ruling party insists on a full rendition of Vande Mataram, why should a similar principle not be considered for the national anthem?

Madhavachar K.,

Bengaluru

Visit cancelled

The explanation offered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the U.S. leg of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s overseas tour appears to leave several questions unanswered. The lack of transparency surrounding an important matter concerning the State’s external economic and investment interests raises legitimate questions. It would appropriate for the Telangana government and the MEA to place the details in the public domain.

M.V. Nagavender Rao,

Hyderabad

Sowcar Janaki

Sowcar Janaki’s portrayal of women characters of varied hues and shades was astounding. Her verbal sparring with master performer Sivaji Ganesan in Uyarntha Manithan, and her stunning performance opposite Gemini Ganesan in Iru Kodugal, where she played a District Collector, are unforgettable. The song, Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakkathile, brought out the best in Sowcar Janaki in Bagyalakshmi (1961). In her production, Kaviya Thalaivi, her dual portrayal of mother and daughter was equally outstanding.

S.V. Venugopalan,

Chennai