Hafta Letters: Epstein files and Modi’s Israel visit, journalism’s role, and cuss words

Pooja 

Writing because you told a subscriber they should not let their daughter listen to Hafta. My 9-year-old son listens to most of your discussions. He then asks questions about how things are and why they (you) are saying what they (you) are saying, which leads both of us to look for answers and read more, trying to better understand civics.

Also, my son couldn't believe Abhinandan is as old as he is, 'cause he mentioned playing football and is always so impatient to give up when things aren't going well. As for the usage of ‘f**k’, which is a constant complaint from everyone, I think children will hear things from anywhere they go. Lots of kids who are protected early later use them more than not.

This may stir up many listeners. All that aside, you are all great. Continue the great work. Relearnt precise writing for this.

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Anonymous

Why was the connection of the Epstein file revelation to PM Modi's Israel visit not discussed?

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Maya Hashmi

Hello Hafta Team,

You guys are my oasis of calm in this world of chaos! Even when you are discussing very difficult and emotional news, your sound tone and approach are one of a kind.

I am a rather recent subscriber, so I can’t say I built Newslaundry. I certainly hope to see it bloom further. I regularly listen to your podcasts, Hafta, TNM, and A&A. Not being a Hindi speaker, I often find myself looking up the meanings of terms (palayaan is one example), but I enjoy them a lot. 

I was born and bred across the border and am now raising my family in Europe. I consume a lot of news from around the world, but nothing beats Newslaundry. 

Thank you and all the best. 

Maya Hashmi

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Haridutt Jani

Dear NL team,

I'm an atheist yet a religious listener of Hafta. I must say, all of you have a unique layer of perspective to add to the Hafta, making it a very satisfying listen, a feeling of having listened to something that adds value to society.

Which brings me to throw a question full of curiosity, around the panel and know their views on it:

How do you see the role of the media as a part of society? (a) To keep the public — rest of the society — informed? (b) To keep the government in check, which may invite some space for bias? (c) Something that is even more complex yet beautiful? (d) Or something even simpler and beautiful?

Happy Holi or Ramadan or a boring day to y'all,

Cheers,

Haridutt

PS: A candidate for the song recommendation this week: Nothing Without You - NFAK & Michael Brook.

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Satwik Banerjee

Wah uncle wah! Amazed at your confidence and tech knowledge in the Ankur interview. ‘Lot of data is called metadata.’ I am still laughing!!!

Thanks for making my week.

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Drishti Bhattacharya

Dear Newslaundry team, 

In hearing about the Lutyens' bust row, I agree with Fahad Zuberi's point that the government should focus on necessary issues, and also with Jayshree's point about creating an issue that isn't one.

Another thing: when I heard about The Kerala Story 2, I thought of one person whom my sister and I knew whose brain was totally washed. She watched The Kerala Story when it was released and is also a Modi 'Andh Bhakt.' She even hates visiting places built by Muslims, like the Taj Mahal.

I love listening to NL Hafta more than mainstream media prime time debates and Indian TV serials.

Regards, 

Drishti Bhattacharya

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