Thank you for all the information on the aero engine Kaveri (‘From jet to stealth’, September 14). People like K. Rajalakshmi Menon and S.V. Ramana Murthy worked with unwavering dedication and it shows.
Just as the ISRO achieved success in space launches, the DRDO will also achieve success with Kaveri—an accomplishment India can take pride in. Hard work and commitment always deliver, and it is only a matter of time.
Congratulations to all the team members for the hard work.
Raghavan Rajagopal,
On email.
From setback to stealth, the Kaveri programme has scripted a uniquely Indian story of grit and innovation.
While fifth-generation fighter is still in the realm of dreams, the Cauvery’s success shows that perseverance trumps pessimism. What it needs now is not just funding, but faith in such endeavours. After all, national security is not merely built—it is engineered, one turbine at a time.
K. Chidanand Kumar,
On email.
Trump shouldn’t get a third term
I was shocked to know that Donald Trump might actually be eyeing a third term—clearly the man is shrewd and would never want to retire (‘Powerdrive’, September 14). Trust R. Prasannan to dig up such gems with his credible research.
Whatever happens, it is now up to the Democrats (and, perhaps, America’s collective sanity) to make sure Trump doesn’t get a third term. And, of course, thanks to Prasannan for spilling the beans—because forewarned is forearmed.
Mohan Subbaraj,
On email.
Such vocabulary and clarity
I enjoyed the choice of words and expressions in Scalpen (September 14). Like, ‘as immovable as an old landlord’, ‘it is like grating coconut, you want the right layer’, ‘burnt popcorn smell’ (I immediately pictured a theatre!), ‘restoration, not exploration’. But the top credit goes to: ‘unlike most building projects in Mumbai, you can finish it in under an hour with no complaints from the residents’.
These lines not only steady our heartbeat as we read but also explain things with such clarity.
Meena,
On email.
Spot on
Padma Lakshmi looks stunning at 55—graceful, confident and effortlessly gorgeous. No wonder she is a regular fixture in Point blank (September 14).
What Lakshmi says about ageing is spot on: fearing it is pointless. After all, ageing is universal, and it is not just a few who grow older. Those who mock the elderly today will one day face the same mockery from the young. The cycle always comes full circle.
Meghdeep Basu,
On email.
No desperation, please
India must talk to China, but not like a desperate friend who nods to everything the other says (‘The new non-alignment’, September 14). We should not let China play the bully. We should play our Russia card wisely—so that China thinks twice before trying to act smart.
Parvathy Suresh,
On email.
After the SCO summit attended by India and Pakistan, I could not help but wonder how Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif managed the art of mutual avoidance. Do their security teams play traffic police? Like, “Wait, sir, he is coming this side, so let’s make a quick detour.” Or, do the diplomats whisper, “Enemy arrives at 5pm, so let’s proceed for snacks.” And what if, despite all the choreography, they suddenly bump into each other in the corridor? Do they freeze or pretend the other is invisible? Honestly, it feels a lot like running into an old flame—you either dodge eye contact or risk that awkward half-smile.
All said, in Modi’s and Sharif’s case, it is all about posturing for the cameras. Away from them, I bet both leaders quietly exchange a line or two.
Charlie Kurian,
On email.
Thanks to Donald Trump’s antics, the global balance has been thrown off balance. The US could have gained immensely from its ties with India, had it played its cards right. It is time Trump realised the blunder and worked on getting closer to India.
Pankaj Bishoo,
On email.
Hidden treasure
A state like Meghalaya has immense untapped potential (‘Nature and culture make Meghalaya memorable’, September 14). Its rich culture, unique traditions and strategic location make it a destination that demands greater attention. The Central government should step up efforts to promote the state and attract more international visitors, not just to Meghalaya but across the northeast.
Unfortunately, the region, as a whole, has not been marketed well.
The northeast is a hidden treasure, with each state offering something distinct in culture, customs and identity.
Karan Grover,
On email.
Make or break elections
Election campaigns can be both offensive and defensive (‘Last word’, September 14). Every party runs campaigns before polls, and what they say during this period often shapes their prospects. In India, elections are stormy, but they ultimately determine the fate of every contestant. Campaigns, therefore, are truly make or break for any party.
Shweta Chaudhary,
On email.
The column by Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda felt more like an election speech. Misplaced and in bad taste.
Mathew Thomas,
On email.