Back where it belonged

A perennially sick airline has returned to its roots and is waiting to be nursed back to good health by its founders (‘Tatas to pilot Air India’). The highlight is the pragmatism shown by the government. Opposition to privatisation is often from the employees, but here a sensible deal seems to have been struck. While the sale of Air India is a boost to the disinvestment drive, whether the investment, at a time when the aviation sector is in the doldrums, makes a sound business sense only time will tell. Air India was the toughest entity to privatise. Now that this milestone has been crossed, the government must press the accelerator on other PSEs like the BPCL.

LAL SINGH, Amritsar

AI’s homecoming

For the Tatas, nothing can be a greater delight than bringing back the debt-ridden, yet the nation’s prestigious air carrier into its fold (‘Air India back with Tatas after 68 years’). It is said Tata group employees used to complain that JRD Tata spent more time worrying about Air India than the Tata group when he was heading both entities. Nevertheless, they knew that it was a labour of love for him. While the AI’s homecoming is a moment of exuberance, it remains to be seen how the Tatas are going to chart the future of their airline business, given the fact that the aviation industry, which is paralysed in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, is still to recover. From having said ‘goodbye’ to AI 68 years ago, the Tatas have made a ‘good-buy’ of the same now.

RANGANATHAN SIVAKUMAR, Chennai

More in line

Apropos of ‘Tatas to pilot Air India’, though it is unfortunate to see the ‘Maharaja’ bid us goodbye after so many years of service, it was important for the government to sell it off as it was reeling under heavy losses, mainly due to mismanagement and exorbitant overheads. The government should also sell off other loss-making PSUs like BPCL, CCI, SCI and THDCIL and invest the amount in important areas like medical infrastructure and industrial development.

SANJAY CHOPRA, MOHALI

The void stays

In reference to ‘A thread of love through generations’; grandparents are a blessing. Their life teachings, sense of security and support, no matter how old they are, are indispensable. Their comforting words are a balm and all that they expect is love. With grandparents around, young parents are stress-free when they leave for their jobs. The surprise snacks, gifts and feasts prepared by them during vacations are special. A void is created by their passing away and is felt for a long time by their grandchildren.

Harsimranvir Singh, Patiala

Energy pangs

The dwindling coal in thermal plants has threatened our lives with power cuts and blackout. Rather than tackling the current crisis, the government is blaming its predecessors. Instead of an erratic free supply of electricity, the people need sustainable, cheap and clean energy. The fast penetration of renewal resources in power production is needed. However, the infrastructure for these energy resources is not adequate to quickly converge them with the grid. The obsolete methods of determining electricity generation cause inaccurate demand predictions. Electricity is an essential commodity for the success of any nation. The government should focus on it.

Varinder pal Singh, by mail

Coal shortage

There is coal shortage in thermal plants. The officers concerned should be held accountable for it. Managing coal stock is the responsibility of the electricity board and the power minister. They should step down if they can’t manage to supply electricity to consumers.

IPS Saini, Patiala

PM’s silence

The Lakhimpur Kheri incident should be condemned in strong words and the culprits must be given the harshest punishment. Unfortunately, we have chosen a PM who is setting a record of sorts with his apathetic attitude to incidents that are bound to shame humanity. His deafening silence is ominous. He has not spoken a single word of condolence. He has shown that he does not possess an iota of empathy. Surely, he will use this incident in future and juggle words to twist them to his advantage but the incident warranted that he be forthcoming. The Supreme Court has been vocal on the ways of the government. We hope that our PM too will be equally vocal in his stand on the tragic incident in the days ahead.

Amit Kumar, Mohali

Joy of sharing

Apropos of ‘Why we share personal stories in public spaces’ (Spectrum), sharing comes naturally to humans. It is a universal instinct and makes life worth living. Small acts of sharing hold the potential to turn a whole life around. It also makes one feel positive about oneself. Truly said, joy multiplies when shared and grief diminishes.

KAPIl SHARMA, KAITHAL

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