We have reclaimed our place on the global runway (‘Farm to fashion’, August 10). Designers like Rahul Mishra are not only stitching couture, but also weaving rural resilience into high fashion. A hand-embroidered star on a sari may dazzle on foreign runways, but its true brilliance lies in the quiet mastery of village artisans.
Indian fashion is no longer a borrowed identity; it is a celebration of dignity and homegrown genius.
K. Chidanand Kumar,
On email.
You have done the right thing by highlighting internationally acclaimed designers who have put India on the world map and ensured that the villagers who make it possible receive their rightful dues. This should serve as impetus—especially for the younger generation—to proudly embrace our indigenous textiles and designs, rather than blindly hankering after western wear.
Suman Anand,
On email.
India—steadfast friend of the Maldives
The ‘India Out’ campaign never gained traction, as it largely served the vested interests of a few (‘Sunny side up’, August 10). The Maldives has every right to strengthen ties with China, but not at India’s expense. While Chinese assistance often comes with ulterior motives, India’s support does not.
We cannot change our neighbours, and it is in our interest to maintain cordial relations with them.
Pradeep Raghava,
On email.
India should strengthen its ties with the Maldives, a nation of strategic importance. I am glad that we stood firm in extending help to the Maldives and did not get provoked by the rhetoric coming from there.
Kunal Tyagi,
On email.
India not a Hindu nation
Tarun Vijay’s article was interesting. Perhaps, India stayed silent because this concerns the affairs of two sovereign nations—Cambodia and Thailand (‘Look away policy’, August 10). Islamic nations may speak out on disputes related to mosques, but India is not a Hindu nation.
It is reasonable to voice concern when temples or gurdwaras abroad are vandalised, but not in matters like the temple dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.
Veena Rajan,
On email.
Remarkable impact
Surviving in the market is far more challenging than entering it (‘Right angle’, August 10). Timely supply and consistent excellence in quality care are critical to survive.
I recall the case of the Bhilai Steel Plant, which in the 1980s was the sole supplier of rails to Indian Railways. One day, the Railways abruptly rejected a large consignment, citing quality issues. They turned to imports from the UK, Canada and elsewhere. Rails were Bhilai’s only major product, so the news hit hard. Perks and bonuses were stopped in an effort to sustain operations temporarily, but closure loomed.
After intense discussions, it was decided that quality had to become a shared responsibility at every level. The management introduced the ICS—Internal Customer Satisfaction—model, under which every department treated the next as its customer and ensured top-quality output. All 30,000 employees were trained in ICS.
The impact was remarkable. Within a year, Bhilai was once again producing rails that met the standards of the Indian Railways. Today, the Bhilai Steel Plant stands proud as one of India’s ‘Navratna’ companies.
V. Shridhar, former AGM, Bhilai Steel Plant,
On email.
To no avail
The truth behind the arrests of the two nuns in Kerala must be established (‘Twist of faith’, August 10). If any forcible conversions have occurred, they should be dealt with firmly. At the same time, no group or political party has the right to rough up nuns based solely on unverified allegations.
The BJP’s central leadership appears to be going too far in trying to curry favour with the Christian community in Kerala, even though most Christians in the state are unlikely to vote for the party.
In Kerala, there is a deep-seated mistrust among minorities towards the BJP, and that sentiment is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Raghunathan Marar,
On email.
Arresting the nuns was a misstep. Their release—engineered with the full weight of the BJP’s central leadership—will change nothing. In Kerala, the BJP is a sinking ship. No matter how hard the current state president tries, the situation is unlikely to improve.
The BJP leaders in Kerala are divided: one faction insists that Christian outreach is essential, while the old guard fears it will erode the Hindu vote bank if they are seen supporting nuns accused of conversion and human trafficking. Given the state’s demographics, the BJP stands little to gain, and there is no realistic scope for a third front in Kerala.
Chacko Vattothu,
On email.
The humble Smriti Irani
Smriti Irani appears far more humble after her defeat to Rahul Gandhi in 2024 (‘Schizo-nation’, August 10).
Smriti was known for her brutal, arrogant and aggressive style. But not any longer. Perhaps, it is time for her to leave politics behind. Acting was what brought her fame and even her political debut owed much to it.
I have read reports claiming Smriti charged 14 lakh per episode, making her the highest paid TV actor in India. This, to me, feels a bit excessive.
Nirmala Kumari,
On email.