Tilak Varma’s composure turned the tide

Apropos of ‘India win battle on field, too’; T20 world champions India added the Asia Cup crown to its kitty with a finish as dramatic as the rivalry itself. Chasing 147, India looked in trouble early on, slipping to 20/3 in the first four overs. But Tilak Varma stood tall amid the wreckage, playing an innings of resolve and serenity to guide India to victory. Tilak put the chase back on track with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube. Tilak’s composure turned the tide by taking calculated risks. His last-over six off Haris Rauf, the shot of the night, will be remembered for a long time to come. Also, Kuldeep Yadav’s superb bowling triggered a dramatic Pakistan collapse.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

No end to stampedes

Refer to ‘No control on crowds’; the Karur stampede yet again underscores how little we value human life. From Hathras to Kumbh, from Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium to Tamil Nadu’s Karur — the tragedies change locations, but the lessons remain unlearnt. Each time, the authorities feign shock, order inquiries, and move on, only for the script to repeat itself. At the heart of this recurring crisis lies the dangerous culture of hero worship. When tens of thousands are herded into spaces woefully unprepared for their numbers, disaster is inevitable. Citizens must reflect on their own role in sustaining blind hero worship that fuels such perilous gatherings. How many more deaths will it take before we admit that prevention of stampedes is not optional, but a national duty?

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak

What legacy are we leaving behind?

I bow my head in shame the way people of my home state have become blind followers of cine stars. The Karur stampede testifies to the uncontrollable frenzy of fans who rushed in a disorderly manner just to have a glimpse of actor Vijay, resulting in the loss of 40 precious lives leaving many severely injured. The craze for even a glimpse of actors is so deep, senior citizens like me dread to think of the kind of a state we are going to leave behind.

Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai

Stop normalising stampedes

Refer to ‘No control on crowds’; stampedes must never be brushed aside as unavoidable tragedies. The horrific Karur incident is not an accident but a glaring example of mismanagement. India has seen this script too often. The causes are always the same: unchecked crowds, blocked exits and complete absence of preparedness. Even in a state like Tamil Nadu, known for high literacy, lessons remain unlearnt. These are preventable mishaps born of negligence, poor planning and blind hero worship. Celebrities and politicians whip up crowds for personal gains. If lives cannot be protected, public events must be banned. Public safety comes first.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Horror on the campus

With reference to ‘7-yr-old hung upside down in Panipat school’; the cab driver should not be spared for punishing a schoolchild. Nobody has any business dealing with a student in such a way, raising concerns about the safety and mental health of small schoolchildren. This shows the negligent attitude of the school administration, giving a long rope to someone who has no connection with children’s academics, which is an exclusive responsibility of the teachers and the principal. Stringent action should be taken against the culprit as per law to prevent a repeat of such shameful incidents.

Darshan Singh Bhathal, Nangal

Throwing caution to the wind

Apropos of ‘When the Sutlej stilled 24 voices’; my maternal aunt, Mandeep Kaur Sekhon, was one of the victims of the Nangal boat tragedy. Reading the piece, I had a vicarious feeling about how my late maternal grandparents and the victim’s siblings would have faced the tragedy — hers was the only body which was not found. I was born after her demise and all through my school days, my elders would never forget to remind me about not going near water bodies during school trips or outings. The tragedy must act as a reminder for all concerned to be cautious all the time and be better prepared to avoid such mishaps.

Amanvir Singh Tiwana, Patiala