With regard to Mrs Pemela Guruwacharya's letter (Letters, #82), I am sure Narayan Gopal's having once been a taxi driver does not detract from his greatness as a crooner. Quite the contrary. If our good old CK Lal's memory is to be trusted, Narayan Gopal is a shining example of a person rising above adverse circumstances to fashion a magnificent life. Mrs Guruwacharya should not try to cloak her late lamented spouse in the false garb of Babu Sahebs and deny his greatness in the process. Is driving a taxi shameful?

Saradchandrika Sharma
PK Campus, Kathmandu

I thoroughly enjoy Mr Lal's columns. However, instead of insisting that the late singer was a taxi driver, I think a writer of his stature, intelligence and standard should have closed the issue by apologising for hurting the feelings of Pemela Guruwacharya, instead of adamantly insisting that he is right. A bit of humility and sympathy, Mr Lal, instead of arrogance. After all, taxi drivers don't like to be called taxi drivers, sweepers don't like to be called sweepers, madheses don't like to be called madheses, etc, etc. The list is never-ending.

Dr Amrit KC
Bishalnagar

This matter is now closed. - Ed