Man of the people

People of the country responded to the demise of former President APJ Abdul Kalam with deep sorrow. He was a person of qualities seldom found in ordinary humans. A person of deep intellect with interests in various branches in the intellectual and mental realm ranging from science, engineering, philosophy, fine arts and psychology, and free from aspirations of political power, there are few of his ilk in contemporary India. His name will surely be etched in the minds of all his brethren in the country.

TR Anandan

Email

The nation has lost a true ‘Man of Letters’, a peace-loving ‘Statesman of the World’ and surely the greatest citizen of India! For those of us born after the Gandhian era, he was not just our rashtrapati , but the rashtra pita of our nation. His mission must have been — “I have smiles to go before I sleep”. And, from missiles to smiles, he launched them both to perfection and took us to great heights. He made everything look simple. To him ‘Rocket Science’ was no rocket science!

S Venkatachalam

Alwarpet, TN

Punjab terror strike

Pakistan’s hand in the audacious Gurdaspur terror strike, that left eight people dead, has once again been exposed by the twin GPS devices recovered from three slain fidayeen revealing that they were of Pakistani make. The plot has thickened with news coming to light that the entire modus operandi was planned well in advance on Pakistani soil.

With preliminary leads emerging from the investigation also indicating that there was no direct involvement of homegrown Sikh militants Pakistan’s intent is clear for all to see. However, these developments should only make the government face adversity better and it should continue to engage Pakistan in meaningful dialogue to wipe out terror.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bengaluru

Exam dress code

The CBSE’s diktat on dress code for examinees is ill-advised and ridiculous. Rather than resort to imposition of impractical dress codes, the agency should have looked for better ways to prevent cheating. Larger sized headgear can conceal much more intricate gadgets if the wearer chooses to do so.

If this logic is extended to its absurd extreme the day is not far when the candidates will be asked to come to the exam hall in loin clothes!

VS Aboobaker

e-mail

GST, a good idea

A GST regime is good for Indian industry. And its proper and successful implementation will go a long way in addressing all tax-related issues in the country. The aim of the GST is to simplify the present indirect tax system, which is not only full of anomalies but also attracts multiplicity of tax – tax on tax.

Instead of creating unnecessary chaos and politics, corporates and other business houses should look at the larger and long-term benefits the new GST regime is going to ring in.

For example, the export industry is either zero-rated or exempted from state taxes (that now account for 4-6 per cent of the total export value of a product) as per GST norms.

And the same benefits would go to the special economic zones (SEZ). As a result, the country’s export houses would remain competitive. India Inc should thoroughly study the GST papers before coming to any conclusion. This will definitely avert any mess in the process.

Senthil Saravana Durai

e-mail

Bangalore blues

A recent IISc study on how diminishing green cover in Bengaluru has led to more divorces is quite revealing, and in retrospect not surprising. Green spaces give character and life to a city and make a holistic, sustainable living possible. The life force is ebbing away each day and it is time we hugged a pal in need!

The lakes are almost extinct, the greenery is disappearing and now borewells “suck the life” out of whatever is left. What is the point in penthouses and gated communities if the element that gives life is found wanting?

Anoop Hosmath

Mysuru

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