Letters: To the letter

This refers to Kanika Datta's column "Standard Business" (Swot, October 10). It came as a surprise that the letters to the editor section of a newspaper is also flooded with promotional material. Before the advent of e-mail, the letters to the editor section was considered as a punishment posting since one had to read, sort out and edit them for publication. Indian newspapers do not acknowledge the letters sent for consideration as is the practice with newspapers in nations such as the UK, the US and Hong Kong etc. This is my experience. A Singapore newspaper has a condition that letters should be sent before 2.30 p m, if they are to be considered and should be related to the day's news. Another US newspaper puts the condition that the letters should relate to the news of the week gone by and not more than that. Writing letters to the editor is a good exercise for the brain and it is said such exercises may prevent the onset of a disease such as Alzheimer's. One feels elated to see their letter published in a reputed newspaper such as Business Standard. It is like passing the joint entrance examination for admission to an IIT.

Deendayal M Lulla Mumbai

Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number