Sir — When someone does a job well, we say that he deserves a ‘pat on the back’. The ‘pat’ in essence amounts to mark of appreciation of the work done. Though this term can be
figuratively used in writing, one has to be more careful when one decides to pat someone literally, notwithstanding the intentions, more so if it revolves round a male-female interaction.
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit’s pat on the cheek of a woman journalist is the talk of the town. After the news vent viral and the journalist herself tweeted that it was inappropriate, notwithstanding the explanations offered by the Governor, the latter, in his letter, expressed regret.
It is common to hug one another during religious or social functions. This is a form of greeting. But like it is said, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Exchange of such pleasantries even with no mala fide intention can be interpreted in a different manner when unsolicited. To put it succinctly, it is just not on.