Your cover story on Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was informative (‘The art of healing’, May 10). He is a guru with a difference, for whom peace genuinely matters. Today, more than ever, the world needs to take him seriously.
What also makes the Gurudev stand out is how grounded he is. He speaks less and does more. He is, undoubtedly, one of the most respected spiritual leaders in the world today.
Mohan Kumar Pant,
On email.
India has seen so many spiritual leaders over the years. The present generation is fortunate to have the guidance of the Gurudev through his Art of Living foundation (AOL) and Sudarshan Kriya.
Known for the remarkable feat of reciting the Gita at the age of four, the Gurudev’s contribution to society is truly immeasurable.
The fact that AOL has a presence in more than 180 countries, including conflict-ridden regions, and that countless people—irrespective of caste, creed or religion—have found solace through Sudarshan Kriya, speaks volumes about his selfless service.
I, too, have greatly benefitted from Sudarshan Kriya, and my day feels incomplete without reading a chapter from the Gurudev’s widely read book, An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker.
S. Shashidhar,
On email.
From Colombia to Kashmir, the Gurudev’s interventions have shown how inner calm can lead to reconciliation and social healing.
The Gurudev’s initiatives—whether reviving forgotten rivers, rehabilitating prisoners or equipping young people with livelihood skills—demonstrate how spirituality can be harnessed for tangible social change. In a fractured world, the Gurudev’s message remains deeply pragmatic: a peaceful society begins with calm people, and compassion is the most enduring architecture of society.
K. Chidanand Kumar,
On email.
The Gurudev never speaks ill of anyone, and says anxiety and depression can be eased through deep breathing and inner awareness. With a network spanning 180 countries, the Gurudev stands as an epitome of peace, calmness, compassion and inner strength.
Shweta Chaudhary,
On email.
The Gurudev has brought about change across the world without much fanfare and publicity.
Often, we fail to realise the value of such jewels among us until the world recognises them with prestigious awards. The Gurudev’s message of peace is needed in India, too—not just among warring factions, but among ordinary people, in daily life. Today, one often finds people arguing, fighting and losing patience with one another. Tolerance is at an all-time low, and respect for elders is steadily diminishing. That is sad.
Vyomika Grover,
On email.
India seeks peace
Operation Sindoor was one of the most significant developments in recent times. No amount of propaganda or misinformation by Pakistan can alter the reality on the ground (‘A war that lingers’, May 10). Today, India is far more developed and stronger, and our armed forces are among the most capable in the world.
India seeks peace, but it also knows how to defend itself firmly when provoked.
Pankaja Krishnan,
On email.
Having a country like Pakistan as a neighbour remains a constant security concern for India. It is only because of the tireless vigilance of our armed forces and security agencies that the nation remains safe and stable.
For decades, anti-India narratives and misinformation have shaped public opinion in Pakistan, creating deep mistrust and hostility. Maintaining peaceful and constructive relations with India would greatly benefit the people of Pakistan. The path forward for Pakistan lies in ending support to terrorism and stopping cross-border violence. Also, Pakistan should stop harbouring the illusion that Kashmir will one day be theirs. That is never going to happen.
Alok P. Kumar,
On email.
Roy comes of age
Frankly, I never found The God of Small Things worthy of a Booker Prize (‘Mother lode’, May 3). Now, who am I to sit in judgment, you may ask. Just one among the millions who read the book. But I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way.
I ran and hid from reading Mother Mary Comes to Me, but finally could not escape it. Arundhati Roy comes of age in this book: richer vocabulary, sharper presentation and absolutely no holds barred.
Vimla Menon,
On email.
Bardoloi, the original ‘Karmaveerar’
This is in response to the reference to K. Kamaraj, one of the tallest leaders of the Congress, who deservedly earned the title ‘Karmaveerar’ (man of action) (‘Letter from the Editor’, April 26).
In this connection, I would like to point out that the original ‘Karmaveerar’ (which in Assamese means an outstanding man of action) of the Congress was possibly Nabin Chandra Bardoloi, one of the earliest followers of Mahatma Gandhi in Assam and a leader of exceptional capability.
A lawyer by profession, he led the Congress delegation from the province to the Nagpur session in 1921. He was also the president of the reception committee for the first-ever session of the Congress held in this part of the country in 1926. It is also on record that, in order to clear some liabilities incurred in organising the session, he, along with Tarun Ram Phookun—another Congress leader in Assam of immense stature—had to sell portions of their personal properties.
Anup Kumar Baruah,
On email.