Society

Par Avion

A random sample from the British periodicals

Advertisement

Par Avion
info_icon

No Ode to the King

Dr Kusoom Vadagama asserts that the Indian national anthem Jana Gana Mana was written to honour George V’s visit to India in 1911, but this is not so. It was first played on the second day of the 27th session of the Indian National Congress on December 26, 1911, a few days before King George’s arrival in India. Due to the close proximity of these two events, it was mistakenly thought to be a tribute to King George. In fact another song Badshah Humara was sung to welcome the king.

Paul Seligman, New Delhi, in The Times

Advertisement

Wounded People

The European Union’s propo­sal to ‘invest' more money in refugee camps in countries neighbouring Syria is to be welcomed, but it will not solve the long-term problem. Life in these camps is bleak. Even if schooling is provided there is little prospect of getting a job and moving forward in life. That is why the young refugees are heading for Europe. Europe is capable of registering and accepting these people, but of course the real answer lies in bringing about peace in Syria.

Duncan Rayner, Berkshire, in The Daily Telegraph

Arms and the Man

What tosh Helen Mirren is speaking when she says a “man’s arm around a girlfriend’s shoulder is an unwelcome sign of ownership”. A man is being protective, comforting and loving when he puts his arm around your shoulders. My husband died a year ago and his arm around my shoulders is one of the things I miss the most.

Advertisement

K.M. Soulsby, Spain, in The Daily Telegraph

Tags

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    Advertisement