MyVoice: Views of our readers 23rd September 2026
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MyVoice: Views of our readers 23rd September 2026
Festival celebrations must not burden society
This refers to “Diverse hues, divine forms: Ganesh idols adorn city” (Sept 22). Ganesh Chaturthi, like any other festival, must be celebrated with devotion, reverence, and simplicity, but it has changed into a spectacle of diverse idol sizes, elaborate decorations, and marriage-like processions accompanied by beating of dappulu. No Hindu scripture prescribes such noisy displays as a form of worship to Lord Ganesha. True devotion lies in prayer, chanting stotras and singing bhajans with humility, not by way of noisy road shows.
These extravagant practices are unsustainable on several counts: they impose heavy costs on families and communities, disrupt traffic systems and contribute to pollution of air, water, and sound. Reverence should mean bowing before Ganesha with folded hands, maintaining silence, and observing rituals with discipline. Festivals must nurture collective harmony and respect for others’ convenience, not burden the society. A true approach for celebrations calls for being considerate of both faith and civic responsibility.
Dr O Prasada Rao, Hyderabad
Don’t mock at ‘sleep talking’
Apropos ‘Sleep talking is not funny, it is serious business’ (THI Sept 22). We often tend to laugh away at sleep talking, treating it as harmless entertainment or a quirky habit. But science suggests otherwise. Sleep talking occurs when the brain’s speech and language areas remain active while the body is supposedly at rest. It can be triggered by fever, illness, alcohol, or stress, and often disrupts the sleep partner as much as the sleeper.
While most episodes are brief and forgotten by morning, persistent sleep talking may signal deeper issues like sleep deprivation, emotional overwhelm, or even REM sleep behaviour disorder. Rather than mocking it, we should treat it as a signal worth listening and attending to. If it disturbs relationships or daily functioning, consulting a doctor is a wise move. Sleep is not a luxury; it is essential for health.
K Chidanand Kumar, Bengaluru
Sleep talking: Pay heed to social dimension
This is further to “Sleep talking is not funny, it is serious business”. There is also a social dimension to sleep talking that deserves attention. A person sharing a room may lose sleep when the episodes involve loud speech, laughter or shouting. This can gradually affect everyone staying in small houses.
Rather than treating the matter as a source of irritation, families should discuss it calmly and consider practical adjustments such as regular sleep schedules, quieter surroundings and reducing evening stimulants. If the disturbance is persistent, medical advice should be considered. Employers and schools should also recognise that poor sleep can affect daytime concentration.
Pon. Arun Kumar, Namakkal–637202
Modern lifestyles can also be a factor
The piece “Sleep talking is not funny, it is serious business” aptly highlights how modern lifestyles may affect sleep quality. Long working hours, irregular schedules, excessive screen exposure and constant connectivity can make proper rest difficult. Sleep talking should therefore be viewed within the wider question of sleep hygiene.
Individuals can begin with practical changes: fixed sleeping and waking times, less caffeine in the evening, reduced screen use before bed and regular physical activity during the day. These measures are simple but often neglected. If symptoms persist, self-diagnosis should be avoided. A doctor can assess the broader pattern and suggest appropriate care. Sound sleep deserves the same attention as diet and exercise.
A Senthil Kumar, Kaniyur-64 659
Approaching sleep specialists is a safer bet
This refers to “Sleep talking is not funny, it is serious business”. Sleep talking deserves a more informed response, particularly when it occurs repeatedly. People often treat such episodes as a form of entertainment, yet disturbed sleep can affect concentration, mood and daytime performance. The first step should be simple observation rather than alarm.
A consistent bedtime, reduced caffeine intake late in the evenings and a calmer sleeping environment may help. Persistent or disruptive episodes should be discussed with a doctor or a sleep specialist, who can decide whether medical evaluation is necessary when symptoms persist further.
M Barathi, Bengaluru-560076
Why blame teachers for a student’s death?
Suryanarayana Doolla was merely carrying out his duty supervising students writing the examinations. When there are any anomalies or malpractices being indulged by students, they will attract the attention of the invigilator, following which suitable remedial action is taken. If students thus caught, feel death is the only way out of this crisis; they themselves must be blamed.
The removal of Doolla from the post of Dean of Administrative Affairs is merely to make him a sacrificial goat, in the face of mindless protests by the students of IIT Bombay. Such incidents will only help demoralise teachers in prestigious institutions like IITs in the country. The SC/ST Act is redundant and needs to be abolished in the country.
Sakunthala K R, Hyderabad
