It is a fact that big tech is carving the world into digital colonies for the US and China. Little can be done to stop it (‘From Madras to Menlo Park’, August 24). As the world’s leading economies, China and the US will naturally build on their advantages. What India should do is focus on developing its own technology, creating products and innovations at home, thereby reducing dependence on these global powers.
Mayank Chopra,
On email.
Your cover story was a thought-provoking exploration of the old and new ways of expanding power and how influence works in today’s world.
Nirmal Jovial has beautifully narrated it, weaving in references to Mark Zuckerberg, Yanis Varoufakis, and the rise of the East India Company in India, drawing parallels with the growing dominance of big tech companies today.
Your article offers an engrossing account of transformation and growth, delivering valuable lessons in technology, business and innovation.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
There are echoes of imperialism in the technology rivalry between the US and China; ‘imperialism’ has become highly relevant in the present Indian context.
Your story effectively presents India’s position across various fields with well-chosen images and in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. However, it also reminds us that India still has a long way to go to truly emerge as a global power, and mere chest-thumping amounts to self-deception.
V.R. Vijayaraghavan,
On email.
The Industrial Revolution, combined with the colonial mindset, enabled Great Britain to establish a vast empire across much of the world in the 18th century, including in India.
In the latter half of the 20th century, China focused on building manufacturing capacity on a global scale, while the US drove advances in computing and technology. Recognising that it could be overshadowed by America’s technological dominance, China invested heavily in innovation.
Today, the battle for supremacy is centred on new-age technologies—particularly artificial intelligence.
K.V. Jayaram,
On email.
Singh should resign
Rajya Sabha MP Bhim Singh’s assertion that the term ‘gay’ is culturally offensive is both shocking and deeply disturbing (‘Party snacks’, August 24). It reflects a troubling ignorance about a section of society, who, by a quirk of genetics and through no fault of their own, are born gay.
Equally surprising is that Air India took offence at this abbreviation for a destination, revealing a lack of awareness unbecoming of a corporate entity that connects India to the world. To deny a reality is to deny a significant portion of humanity their existence, dignity and rightful place in society.
Singh should reflect on his remarks, educate himself and consider stepping down from Parliament for having brought needless embarrassment to the country. It is likely that within his extended family and political party there are members who are gay—whether openly or not.
Finally, a word to Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol: there is no need for any action in this matter. Instead, the abbreviation should be embraced, as it also resonates with Gaya—the revered site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
Sanjay Vydianath,
Birmingham, England.
Goodfellows deserves praise
Ever since the disintegration of joint families and the rise of nuclear families, the plight of senior citizens has become a concern (‘Startup with a soul’, August 24). Thanks to advancements in health care, life expectancy has increased significantly, giving our elders more years, but not always more companionship. In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, young people are forced to leave their parents in the solitude of their homes, deprived of a touch or an occasional hug.
It is in this context that the yeoman service rendered by The Goodfellows deserves high praise and heartfelt appreciation. Kudos to The Goodfellows for lighting up the lives of our elders.
Govindan Ravaneeshwaram,
On email.
Clever, but short of the mark
The ‘old faithful’ is at it again, playing the proverbial Sancho Panza to her Don Quixote (‘Schizo-nation’, August 24). While Cervantes brought laughter and lightness to everyday life, our Sancho only manages to make one’s stomach churn with the kind of hyperbole she employs to flatter her Don.
Perhaps events overtook her, and had certain developments occurred before she sent in her article, she might have tweaked her piece.
The only words in her diatribe aimed at the Chief Election Commissioner that carried any weight were “witless upstart”—meant to sound clever, but falling short of the mark.
In any case, she can carry on, as she says. She remains a non-entity for those on whom she burns the “midnight oil”. As for her favourite relative, the person did not even make it to the number two position sweepstakes: poetic justice, perhaps.
Shekhar Naik,
On email.
Nothing short of phenomenal
The article on Divya Deshmukh was truly inspiring and highlights the power of fate, which often lies beyond human perception and control (‘Aggression leads me to victories’, August 24). Her achievements are nothing short of phenomenal, and her sharp, decisive moves only seem to grow more formidable with time. As the legendary Bobby Fischer said, “All that matters on the chessboard is good moves.”
Biju C. Mathew,
On email.