Letters to The Editor — July 15, 2025

Air crash report

The preliminary report arising from the ongoing investigation into the Air India crash at Ahmedabad has pointed to the cutoff of the fuel control switches during takeoff. However, this clarity has, paradoxically, sparked further debate among aviation experts and pilots. At this stage of the probe, varied expert opinions only confuse the issue. The focus must sharpen on regulatory oversight and the rigorous enforcement of proper checks particularly for critical components such as fuel switches. The ambivalent approach to advisories on such critical components — treating them as ‘optional’ or ‘mandatory’ — is fraught with danger for flight safety. The aviation sector and the government must act swiftly to ensure that all safety standards are complied with.

V. Nagarajan,

Chennai

At SW19

Bravo, Jannik Sinner. Sinner’s Wimbledon triumph over Carlos Alcaraz was more than a first title. It was a statement. Calm under pressure and clinical in execution, he avenged his Roland Garros loss and ended Alcaraz’s Wimbledon streak with quiet authority. In a rivalry that is fast defining a new golden era in men’s tennis, Sinner’s grass-court brilliance shows he is not just chasing history. He is rewriting it. The All England Club has crowned its first Italian king. And deservedly so.

K. Chidanand Kumar,

Bengaluru

Novak Djokovic needs to introspect seriously about playing competitive international tennis. When he lost in the French Open last month, he said that it may be his last. Now, after the Wimbledon final, it is clear that the last of the three greats must be fading away. That he has won more Slams than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is the only consolation.

V. Lakshmanan,

Tirupur, Tamil Nadu

Saroja Devi

In the passing of Saroja Devi, the tinsel world has lost a charismatic heroine most beautiful. She shot into prominence after director Sridhar’s Kalyana Parisu. Her career catapulted to an unbelievable high when she starred with MGR in a number of films. Nadodi Mannan and Anbe Vaa were outstanding. With Sivaji Ganesan, Puthiya Paravai was a great box office hit. The immortal songs P. Susheela sang for her in her dulcet voice in almost all films are what helped her gain cult status. Such heroines are a rarity today.

A.V. Narayanan,

Chennai