Real beauty is found in who we are, not how we look

Our readers have their say on self-image, Indian politics and Sheikh Hamdan's wedding

Cosmetics can change how we look, but it's who we are inside that matters. EPA

Referring to your story, Why we need to talk about Kim Kardashian and body positivity (May 19), I believe that beauty can be placed in two ­categories: ­appearance and virtue. ­However, the majority of ­people reach conclusions based on a person's appearance alone. As a result, their virtues are ignored.

Nowadays, bloggers play a vital role in defining beauty. Make-up can change the way someone looks. In addition to this, we have various ­applications on our mobile phones, which can make us look flawless.

When I see this today, I imagine the women of the past. Beauty was not defined by social media posts back then. Today, I keep wondering where our perception of ­beauty is really heading?

When we see someone beautiful on a magazine cover, numerous alterations will have been made to their image. I automatically assume that what I see is an augmented version of reality. I think most people today are aware of this, too.

The setting of unreachable beauty standards can harm people’s mental health.

I look up to people that are real and admit to having flaws. This makes them so much more human and relatable.

I believe that everyone is beautiful, but that we can all make ourselves 10 times

more attractive by acts of kindness, love, respect, ­honesty, and loyalty.

Lamiya Siraj, Abu Dhabi

Politicians must use their public platforms wisely

I write in reference to your recent article Outrage over BJP candidate's praise over ­Mahatma Gandhi's assassin (May 17). It was a very ­upsetting piece to read.

The comment made by the controversial BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur about Nathuram Godse, the ­killer of the father of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, is ­utterly contemptible and to be condemned. For a politician to refer to a cold-blooded killer as a patriot is disgraceful.

Unsurprisingly, her remarks provided a sensational opportunity for  opposition parties to criticise the current government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also disavowed her comment.

Political leaders should be very careful about what they choose to say from their very public platforms.

Even though Ms Thakur has since apologised, that does not seem to be enough to make up for this reprehensible statement.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

All the best for a long and happy future, Sheikh Hamdan

After reading your article Sheikh Hamdan married (May 17), I'd like to say, congratulations, Sheikh Hamdan! I wish I could tell you in person, but God bless you and your wife with good health, happiness and togetherness forever.

Anil Crasto, US