Letters to The Editor — September 14, 2026 - The HinduPublished - September 14, 2026 12:24 am ISTIndia’s BRICS momentThe high-profile 18th BRICS Summit could not have come at a more opportune time, with the United States flexing its muscles, adopting a belligerent, obstinate and defiant stand across a raft of issues, and treating a galaxy of countries across the world with disdain and contempt (Front page, September 13). The successful summit is, undeniably, a testament to India’s steadfast commitment and desire to usher in an era of durable peace, stability and security in the world. One positive aspect was the interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which, it is hoped, will pave the way for a ratcheting up of relations between the two countries, which are currently far from rosy. Whether the outcome of the Summit will lead to an enhanced level of cooperation and coordination among the participating nations across a plethora of spheres, and whether it will have an impact on Washington’s style of functioning, only the days ahead will reveal.V. Johan Dhanakumar,ChennaiStatesmanship vs theatreThe dignified response by DMK president M.K. Stalin to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s recent visual gesture in the Assembly serves as a profound lesson in political maturity. Mr. Stalin’s injury should not have been a punchline or a subject for mimicry; it was a physical scar from 1976. By choosing to offer statesmanship and constructive advice, Mr. Stalin held up a mirror to the current administration. True leadership is earned through decades of public struggle and administrative execution, not through social media reels or theatrical swipes meant to mask governance deficits.R. Sivakumar,ChennaiDecline of political discoursePoliticians across parties have, at times, indulged in ridicule and personal jibes. But when such language comes from the highest political office in India, it is no longer merely about the individual politician — it also affects the dignity of the office theleader occupies.Terms such as “naraz phupha” may work as political punchlines, but they erase the line of dignity between an ordinary political speaker and the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has every right to rebut criticism, challenge the Opposition and defend his government. But disagreement need not descend into mockery.What is even more striking is the government’s growing attempt, particularly since July 20, to project the Prime Minister as someone directly connecting with Gen Z and young India. But what should that connection actually mean? It should mean conversation — young people asking difficult questions, the Prime Minister answering them honestly, and their anxieties, aspirations and frustrations being heard. It cannot simply mean presenting the Prime Minister as a celebrity or a hero.The recent events, where his entry has been accompanied by songs such as “Aari Aari” from Dhurandhar and “We Will Rock You” by Queen, make the distinction even sharper. There is nothing inherently wrong with making a political event youthful or energetic. But when the presentation increasingly revolves around the leader himself, it risks becoming self-obsession masquerading as youth connect.The same problem is visible in the Prime Minister’s celebration of the economy’s reported 7.8% growth. The number itself has become contested, with former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg arguing that the underlying picture is far weaker and raising serious questions about the revisions and methodology behind the new GDP series. One does not need to be an economist to see the larger disconnect: when official numbers suggest spectacular growth while ordinary people continue to struggle with employment, wages, prices and household finances, the numbers cannot simply substitute for reality. If statistical revisions and methodological changes make the economy look better on paper, they may produce headlines and political applause. Still, they cannot erase the lived economic experience of millions. And if questioning that narrative makes someone a “naraz phupha”, then every critic, every questioning citizen — and perhaps even those writing this letter — must be one. The answer to uncomfortable questions cannot be ridicule; it should be transparency, evidence and an honest engagement with the facts.Over the past few days, even platforms such as college convocations have been used to ridicule political opponents. That may generate applause, headlines and social-media clips, but it does little to restore genuine political communication.The uncomfortable truth is that the Prime Minister once possessed a far more organic connection with the public, particularly during his first term. Today, much of that connection appears increasingly mediated through carefully designed events, slogans, music, visuals and a professional PR machinery. A leader cannot manufacture a youth connection merely by being surrounded by the aesthetics of youth. He has to listen to young people — and, more importantly, allow himself to be questioned by them.When the politics of communication becomes the politics of ridicule and image management, something important is lost: the dignity of the office, the seriousness of public discourse and, ultimately, the genuine connection between the ruler and the ruled.Aditya Das,Bhowali, UttarakhandPublished - September 14, 2026 12:24 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }