Your cover story (‘The chips are in’ April 27) was comprehensive and offers excellent insights into the status of India’s semiconductor journey. With India’s semiconductor imports projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, it has become imperative for the country to re-energise its ‘Make in India’ efforts in this critical sector.
What is particularly encouraging is that the government of India is providing capital subsidies—rather than traditional Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) as explained by Dr V.K. Saraswat.
Between 1985 and 1995, my team and I had successfully set up facilities for producing polysilicon, ingots and wafers. We supplied polished wafers, in addition to photovoltaic (PV) wafers for chip-making, to BEL. However, due to small scale of operations, lack of incentives, and management, our effort could not be sustained.
I am hopeful that, with the present thrust and policy support, India will emerge as a global manufacturer of both PV modules and semiconductor chips.
H.S. Gopal,
On email.
As we transitioned from the transistor era to integrated circuits (ICs), the size of components became smaller, enabling more elements to be fitted into increasingly compact spaces.
Miniaturisation has become the norm, driven by the demand for slimmer phones, tablets, and fashionable mini gadgets. The renewed momentum in the semiconductor industry will significantly boost our economy, helping it grow by leaps and bounds.
P.S. Mehta,
On email.
Your cover story on semiconductors was interesting, and it is heartening to know that India is poised for a surge in this sector. Building a robust semiconductor ecosystem will make a significant difference for the country. That said, this is a gradual process, and our reliance on imported chips will not end overnight.
P.V. Narayanan,
On email.
Peace over war
It is truly heartbreaking to know that the scars of Syria still remain (‘Still catching the breath’, April 27). Chemical attacks and wars do not serve any purpose. Peace was the key to everything the world has achieved till today. Wars destroy an entire generation—causing unimaginable sufferings that cannot be justified.
Survivors of gas and chemical attacks endure tremendous pain—though some manage to live on, the physical and emotional agony they face is unbearable.
Preetha Divakaran,
On email.
War never gives anything back. It is not a solution to any problem; it only leads to greater sufferings. The scars borne by survivors never truly heal—they remain for life. Children, often the most innocent victims, grow up carrying the weight of these traumas and resentments.
That said, there is no place for terrorism in any sane society.
Renuka Kothari,
On email.
Let him pursue his dreams
My heart goes out to Kabir Paharia (‘Justice disabled?’, April 27). Any loopholes in medical admission norms for persons with disability must be addressed firmly from here on. I hope the court enables him to pursue his dreams. People with disabilities should never face barriers anywhere.
Tanushri Nagori,
On email.
The great Stephen Hawking once said that disability should not be an obstacle to success. Hawking, who won the world’s respect, gave disabled people aspiration and optimism. Paharia has not given up, and rightly so. I am with him; we are all with him.
Nikhil Sharma,
On email.
Thought-provoking read
Your cover story on untouchability made for a thought-provoking read (‘Lives, buried’, April 20). It is going to pose serious questions to our society.
We pride ourselves on being the largest democracy and a secular nation, yet why do we still struggle to eliminate untouchability. Time to ponder!
M.K. Abhishek,
On email.
Prize catch
Many doctors live in a cocoon; rarely expressing themselves. Though they are intelligent, their brilliance often remains confined to their subject knowledge, with little time spent on other creative pursuits.
Having Dr Mazda Turel as a columnist is truly a prize catch. I hope he will also share his experiences dealing with the wide variety of patients and bystanders he encounters.
Jaya Menon,
On email.
I am sure everyone will agree that the column by Dr Turel is a masterpiece. It is rare to find a doctor with such a gift for subtle humour. Dr Turel could easily have been a writer, philosopher, or comedian. There is no doubt that he is exceptionally talented. Kudos to THE WEEK for discovering such a gem!
Manoj Das,
On email
Strong message
The Supreme Court’s verdict against the governor of Tamil Nadu has evoked a mixed response (‘Who’ll blink first’, April 27). The governor’s ‘catch me if you can’ attitude has earned a harsh indictment from the apex court.
The court’s directive imposing a three-month time for the president of India to act on state bills sends a strong message reinforcing federalism and the autonomy of states.
C. Chandrasekaran Bharathi,
On email.
At the beginning of his tenure, Stalin was careful to cultivate a positive image beyond politics. However, over time, he has become increasingly egoistic, indulging in the comforts of power. His confrontations with the governor and his non-cooperation with the Union government reflect arrogance.
Mind you, it was similar arrogance that led to J. Jayalalithaa’s downfall. Also, Arvind Kejriwal’s decline followed much the same path. I fear that Stalin, too, is heading in the same direction.
Jayakumar A.V.,
On email.