Fitting finale

Sir, - Your editorial (Oct. 2) on Madhavrao Scindia and Ms. Malini Parthasarathy's `Remembering Madhavrao Scindia' (Oct. 5) served as an elegy worthy of an outstanding man. Many interesting episodes and anecdotes in the article made the reading absorbing. The concluding words `farewell and thank you Madhavrao Scindia' were a fitting finale.

The author's observation, worthy of emulation by political leaders is that Scindia had no trace of ambivalence in his attitude towards politically-loaded campaign, spearheaded by the Hindutva groups against ``secular governance.'' It is tragic that more often than not, great personalities are not recognised as much as they deserve during their lifetime.

Gnana Bhaktamitran,

Madurai, TN

* * *

Sir, - I refer to the glowing tributes in your newspaper in honour of Madhavrao Scindia. I, who did not follow Scindia closely, though I was his admirer, couldn't understand the intensity of grief I felt on hearing that he is no more. Now, after reading through your editorial, Ms. Malini Parthasarathy's ``farewell'' piece and Mr. Lalit Shastri's revelations of a true friend and an honourable gentleman called Madhavrao Scindia, I think I have found the reason for my inexplicable sadness. Here was a man, who stood firm in his secular beliefs and sound ideals even in the face of adversity and rejection and seemed content in discharging the duties assigned to him. Will we ever get to see the likes of him again?

Charlotte Karkada,

Mangalore

* * *

Sir, - The demise of Madhavrao Scindia in a plane crash was very shocking. It brings to our mind the frequent IAF crashes that have taken place in the recent past. As many as 93 aircraft have crashed, killing 34 pilots in the last five years. Unfortunately, the details of these crashes are not revealed and so corrective measures not taken.

The allegation from the MiG corporation that ``we even buy spare parts that have outlived their utility, thus creating conditions for frequent crashes,'' is very disturbing.

Dr. A.K. Tharien,

Oddanchatram, TN

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