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Letter Published in KhaleejTimes UAE on 1Sep 19 America's Queen of Speed inspired many  The demise of 39-year-old American Jessi Combs is a great loss to the world of sports.She was an accomplished racer and TV personality. Known as the 'fastest woman on four wheels', Combs was constantly rewriting the record books with her passion for speed. This time too she was attempting to break the 512 mph women's absolute land-speed record set in 1976 by Kitty O'Neil, but was rudely interrupted by an accident that took her life.American Queen of Speed was a role model for many and will be remembered for years for her passion for speed. RIP, Combs.- K.Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Letter in BM on 1Sep 19

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Letter Published in BM on 31 Aug 19  Joint Commissioner's behaviour intolerable

K Ragavan writes that the story, ‘Caught with Rs 11, lakh, excise Joint Commissioner goes ‘missing’ in hospital’ was really a surprising one. Without getting his leave sanctioned, he was admitted in a few hospitals viz. Jayadeva, Victoria, in his own name. But when enquired, it was revealed that the patient admitted had the same name, but his father’s name was different. Mohan Kumar has already been charged for his corrupt actions and this drama was another crime. Such officers spoil the name of their departments and ACB authorities should not spare this person. People working in high government posts indulging like this cannot be tolerated.

Letter in BM on 30Aug19

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 29Aug 19 Saif Al Ghurair was a legend throughout the Arab world

With reference to your story Tributes pour in after Saif Al Ghurair, pioneering Dubai businessman, dies (August 27), the demise of the 95-year-old magnate is a great loss to the Arab world as well as to the business community in Dubai.

In Dubai, tourists who visit the older part of the city never miss an opportunity to go to his great mall, the Al Ghurair Centre. Three decades ago, it was the talk of the town – a mall to beat all malls.

Then there is Masafi, the popular bottled drinking water company he started in the UAE. This stalwart and his Al Ghurair Group employ thousands of employees, among them a considerable number of Indian overseas workers.

Whenever I visit Dubai and back when I was working in the UAE, I would always grab an opportunity to meet clients and friends in the Al Ghurair Centre.

I pray for the late business legend, a true Rockefeller of the Arab world.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter in BM on 29Aug 19

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Letter Published in BM on 28 Aug 19,Engineers of BWSSB are redundant

K Ragavan writes in response to ‘In tech corridor, even drains are prime real estate’ that the story was meaningful and thought provoking. It is high time BBMP acts against the growing encroachments and put hefty fines as well imprison those involved to save the residential areas. Sandeep Anirudhan of Aikyam community foundation’s appeal to authorities to help environmentalists to make the area peaceful for living, was also pertinent. Encroachment is the main issue that the beautiful garden city is facing today.

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 28Aug 19When will the bloodshed in Idlib finally come to a stop?

I write to you in reference to you article Air strikes kill 12 civilians in north-western Syria (August 27).

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights revealed that 12 civilians were killed by Russian and Syrian regime airstrikes in Syria. What a tragedy.

Such brutality must never target innocent civilians who have done nothing wrong and are simply trying to live their lives.

Yet, the Syrian regime and its Russian ally continue to kill Syrians unchallenged. These actions are highly condemnable.

When will the International community address this issue and end the bloodshed once and for all?

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter in BMon 27Aug 19

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Letter Published in BM on 27Aug 19Good job in Vibhutipura

With reference to the story 'Vibhutipura lake stinks no more', K Ragavan writes the continous effort of Vibhutipura residents to fight against encroachments that made the area stinky has borne fruits. The BBMP is now making arrangements to build a fence to protect the lake from encroachments, which is a really good development for Vibhutipura residents. Such attempts from residents and authorities only will help for better atmosphere in their area. Kudos to Vibhutipura residents.

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 27Aug 19 Congratulation to England on Ben Stokes’ spectacular win  I write to you in reference to Steve Luckings’ article Ben Stokes century snatches victory from Australia in one of greatest Ashes innings of all time - in pictures (August 26).This is an interesting multimedia piece on the unexpected victory of England against Australia in the third Ashes cricket Test match.Ben Stokes’ superb unbeaten knock of 135 drove England to a brilliant victory at Headingley ground.Above all England won by one wicket, which kept the audience on its toes and made the match all the more interesting.Kudos to Ben Stokes, he is truly a magnificent cricket player.K Ragavan, Bengaluru

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Letter Published in Gulf News UAE on 27Aug 19

Time to celebrate

This is with reference to the recent Indian Independence day celebrations (“Expatriates celebrate Indian Independence Day in Dubai”, Gulf News, August 15). The 73rd Independence Day this year was celebrated in New Delhi, the capital and was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the country. Modi spoke on many issues, including the recent decision taken on Jammu and Kashmir. He was worried about the growing population of India. I would like to wish all my Indian friends in the UAE.

From Mr K. Ragavan

Bengaluru, India

Tribute to art Director Rajeevan 572.

Today i am going to pen another film personality from the South Indian Film Industry is none other than art director Rajeevan.In his two and half decades film career he has worked with five languages films Viz,Tamil,Telugu.Malayalam 'Hindi.\'and English is worth to be mentioned here.He has worked with all the leading actors and Directors.His creation in many films are remarkable.Even though he has many films to his helm i have seen few films of this stalwart.Those films are,Maunam Pesiyadhe,ParthibanKanavu,Kakka Kakka,Manmathan,Aathi,VettayaduVilayadu,Vallavan.Siruthai,Ayan,Arasangam,Pirivom Santhpom,Aadhavan,Paiyaa and few i could n't recollect.He is one of the talented creative art Directors Indian filmproud to have.Today i am happy to tribute this talented art director.
K.Ragavan
See You Next Week'
26-8-19
www.ragavan-creativity.blogspot.com

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 26Aug 19 Condolences to Arun Jaitley’s family, he was a great man

I write to you in reference to your article Arun Jaitley, former Indian finance minister, dies at 66(August 24).

The death of India's Finance minister is a great loss to the country's politics and to the BJP. He was a soft spoken, knowledgeable individual and a well versed politician who worked on varying portfolios with talent.

He was one of the strong figures of the BJP and a guiding force for the party. In addition to his passion for politics, he also loved cricket.

His legacy will continue forever. I pray for the departed leader and my heart goes out to his grieving family.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 25Aug 19 May UAE-India ties continue for a long time to come

Referring to your recent editorial The bond between the UAE and India is timeless (August 22), your reporting on the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE and his receipt of the highest civilian decoration from the UAE government for reinforcing the ties between the two nations, the Order of Zayed, was laudable. The UAE is the third largest trading partner for India and we hope this will continue for a very long time.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter in BM on 24Aug 19

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Letter Published in BM on 24Aug 19  Fire reduced film records to ashes

K Ragavan writes it was sad to read that the National Film files of 20 years are lost in fire. This reduced to ashes film records of two decades. The Directorate of Film Festival office is unable to put up films in National film awards running. NathiCharami was a film tipped for the award, but even its records are lost. This is a big loss for the film industry.

Letter Published in BM on 23 Aug 19

Letter in BM on 22Aug 19

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 Letter Published in Khaleej Times UAE  on 22Aug 19, Legal troubles for P. Chidambaram

Former Indian finance minister P. Chidambaram is in a spot after an Indian high court denied him anticipatory bail in a corruption case. This is the latest dramatic development in Indian politics. However, there have been mixed reactions to this judgement. Many parties have supported the verdict by the HC, with the exception of the Congress party.  Chidambaram will appeal to the Indian Supreme Court. He has submitted in his petition that the high court's observation that he was the "kingpin" in the INX Media case was completely baseless and that the FIR was politically motivated. Whether he will succeed in his attempt or not is something one will have to wait and watch.

-K. Ragavan, India

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 22 Aug 19  The hate-filled ideology of Hezbollah must be stopped  I write to you in reference to your poignant editorial Hezbollah’s vile influence spans the globe (August 21).This piece on Hezbollah’s devious activities in South America was a true eye-opener.The terrorist group is fundraising its operations through illicit activities at the tri-border area where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet.This has helped its members spread their heinous ideology to the Americas.Although they have gained influence there, this does not make Hezbollah’s extremist goals any more acceptable.What’s more, the group claims to be fighting in the name of Islam and Muslims all around the world, but indulges in drug trafficking, money laundering , cigarette-smuggling and commits terrible attacks on innocents worldwide.When will this Lebanese group renounce violence?K Ragavan, Bengaluru

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 21Aug 19
Mission Mangal was a true
disappointment for viewers
I write to you in reference Sonali Kokra'sarticle Review
;Mission Mangal captures the imagination but loses thrust
with tired cliches (August 20)
This review of mission mangalwas an excellent read.i think the way in which the film  was marketed
left the audience totally disappointed in the end.Despite the participation of talented actors such as AkshayKumarand VidyaBalan,the film failed to deliver.Nonetheless,RaviVerman's beautiful cinematography will always  be dear to my heart.
K.Ragavan.Bengaluru.

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Letter Published in BM on 21Aug 19  Will he succeed? We’ll have to wait

K Ragavan writes, with reference to the case against former finance minister P. Chidambaram’s, the long speculated case involving P Chidambaram and INX Media came to an end after the High court’s rejection of the case and also ordering no anticipatory bail became the latest, dramatic development in Indian Politics. However, there have been mixed reactions on the judgment and many have agreed that this is a neutral verdict from the judges at the High Court. Except for Congress, which is hell bent on proving everything is vendetta politics, everyone agrees this was a fair verdict and corruption will be dealt only with severity. Now, Chidambaram has decided to go to the apex court.

Tribute to Art Dire ctor M.R.Acharekar 571.

Today i remembered another interesting film personality  from the Bollywood Film Industry is none other than late art director M.R.Acharekar.He started his career as a Junior art teacher and later served in various positions and bestowed with many awards.Later he has changed his career in to Art director in many Bollywood  films andcreated a very big impact in four and half decades back.
He was mainly associated the late stalwart R.K.Films Rajkapoor of many films .He has also worked with top class actors of Yester year and directors.Creative 'natural settings will be more visible in his art work.I have seen couple of films of this art director.Those films Shree 420,JagteRaho,,Boot Polish,AanAwaara,,  Jis Desh Men  Ganga Behti Ha Anari,Sangam  Mera Naam Joker,,Satyam Sivam Sundaram,Suraj,AmarPali and few others i could n't recollect.Tday i thought of this stalwart who was associated with Late RajKapoor was the architect of R.K.Studio and Achrekar was the creative art director for his  all successful movies and the famous R,K,Studios was demolished recently  made me to give this tribute to this duo.Even though R,K,was demolished hoistory will always remember Rajkapoor the showman .Today i am happy to tribute this Great Legend Acharekar.
K.Ragavan
See You Next Week,
19-8-19
www.ragavan-creativity.blog spot.com

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Letter published in The National UAE on 20Aug 19 Modi’s visit to the UAE will strengthen long-standing ties  I write to you in reference to your article Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit UAE this week (August 19).I was really happy to read this piece. Shortly after assuming office for his second term as Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has decided to come and visit UAE.This visit truly shows that the UAE and India have very good and close relations.With this upcoming visit the two countries will strengthen their trade ties and reinforce their bilateral relations.K Ragavan, Bengaluru

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Letter Published in Gulf News UAE on 20Aug 19e Credit: REUTERS

Same old Congress

After the recent meeting the grand old Indian Congress party with top senior leaders in the background, again elected Sonia Gandhi as the interim president is really a shocking one (“No Sundays for Sonia Gandhi as she returns to lead India’s Congress”, Gulf News, August 13). Despite Sonia Gandhi and son Rahul Gandhi refusing to take responsibility of the party, the members have elected Sonia Gandhi again. Others are keeping mum and are allowing dynasty politics to continue in the country. There is no new strategy with the Congress party. This is a sad state of affairs.

From Mr K. Ragavan

Bengaluru, India

Letter in BM on 19Aug 19

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 19 Aug 19 Why does tragedy strike Kabul time and time again?I write to you in reference to Nicky Harley’s article ISIS claims suicide bombing that killed 63 at wedding in Afghan capital (August 18).This piece related the tragic deaths of 63 people at an Afghan wedding, in an attack claimed by ISIS.This was very hard to read. I send my condolences to the families of the victims.The attack was all the more despicable as it specifically targeted a wedding venue. Terrorist know that happy ceremonies attract large crowds and probably wanted to maximise deaths. The Afghan government must investigate this incident and give justice to the victims.K Ragavan, Bengaluru

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Letter Published in The National UAE ON 18aUG 19 A  natural hub for world leaders past, present and future   Regarding your story The UAE has become diplomacy’s home away from home (August 15): The National’s editorial was enlightening and also spot-on. About 38 years ago, then British prime minister Margaret Thatcher visited the UAE when it was celebrating its one-decade anniversary.As you have rightly mentioned, in the coming decades the UAE will be a meeting point and destination of choice for world leaders because of its role in global developments. What a great piece.K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter in BM on 18Aug 19

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Letter Published in BM on 16Aug 19
A Stab in the dark,
by a friend
K.Ragavan writes,your cover story about how one blind man cheated another is shocking to say the least.This is dispicable  and unpardonable and Radhakrishna should be severely punished for his actions. To add salt to injury is the fact  the Radhakrishna was supposedly Abhimanyu's friend.The heartless tale of  how he build trust and took  everything little by little,for a great story but also fills  ones mind with many doubts about modern friendship.

Letter in BM on 17Aug 19 Regarding the fight for Change in Petrol Bunk.

Letter in BM on 15Aug 19

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With reference to your article Generalisations about women in politics don’t hold true (August 13), Rashmee Roshan Lall’s meaningful and thought-provoking article analysed articulately how women’s roles in the political arena play out globally today.

Women are setting an example in the political sphere but it’s worth remembering that good leadership speaks for itself and has no gender bias. A great read.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter Published in BM on 14 Aug 19

Will you, like the residents of Banjara Layout, take up a cleaning drive in your locality?

K Ragavan
BM reader
They have set an example for residents of other areas, who should also do something similar in their locality. Calling the elected representatives and demonstrating their issue is appreciable

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 14Aug 19 Epstein death keeps public in the dark about the truth I write to you in reference to your article Serious irregularities found at jail where Epstein died(August 13).This news item gave me more information about the apparent suicide of Jeffrey Epstein while he was in jail awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.Epstein would have faced up to 45 years in prison but he died by apparent suicide before he could tell us more about the people involved in this case.I am shocked to hear about the irregularities in the US jail that led to his death.K Ragavan, Bengalur

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Letter Published in BM on 13Aug 19 Police personnel must have amenities

K Ragavan writes the article 'Police officials living in prison-like conditions' has nicely analysed the working conditions of policeman. The police department is one of the most essential ones as they are the protectors of people. Their standard of living should be comfortable and their pay structures and other facilities must be reviewed periodically. Otherwise they will be tempted to indulge in corrupt practises

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Letter Published in Gulf News UAE on 13

Another suicide

I write to you with reference to Indian coffee king, V.G. Siddhartha’s body being found after he committed suicide (“Why did the Coffee King commit suicide?”, Gulf News, August 2). Siddhartha was the founder of India’s largest coffee chain: Café Coffee Day. This shocking news about his disappearance and body being uncovered from a lake in Kerala was perplexing.

Despite the controversial information that came up about him, I respect this man as he really made a name for himself from scratch.

Siddhartha is a self-made billionaire and no one can deny that he left behind a true legacy. Before taking this drastic decision he should have consulted his friends, family and the heads of the company. His passing is a terrible loss to the corporate world. My heart goes out to his family. I send my condolences to his bereaved loved ones.

From Mr K. Ragavan,

Bengaluru, India

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 13Aug 19 My heart goes out to southern Indians affected by the floodsI write to you in reference to your editorial Tragedy in Kerala has ripple effects globally (August 12).This piece shed light on the present crisis in Kerala and the suffering of its people, stranded amid the floods.Kochi airport was shut down due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Flights were cancelled causing a lot of stress for passengers who wished to flee the natural catastrophe unravelling in the southern Indian state.Kerala is facing its second flooding disaster in two years. The government has warned Keralans to be cautious and stay safe. In the state of Karnataka, where I live, northern cities like Belagavi, Hubli, Dharwad and many others have also been affected by the heavy rainfall. We witnessed preventable loss of human life as well as heavy damages to the infrastructure and housing.From now on, we must stay prepared for the eventuality of such catastrophes every monsoon season. There is no stopping nature’s fury.K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Tribute to Late Politician,Senior Leader ,Minister Sushma Swaraj. 570.

Today i am going to pen another interesting personality from the Indian Politics is none other than Late Former Politician Senior leader.  Sushma Swaraj.In her four decades political career she has worked in  various port polios in the BJP  is worth to be mentioned here.By profession she  was a Lawyer  and  attracted by the BJP's principles she joined the party  in the young age  is  appreciable.. Her recent demise is a great loss not only to the ruling BJP party but also to Indian Politics.Known for her good deeds for expatriates in many occasions no one can deny. I admire her way of handling problems towards expatriates on various occasions especially Gulf sector. She was one of the few Women politicians liked by one and all who established her identity not only with her party but also opposition was visible during her departure day. Soft spoken humble,smiling Sushma Swaraj is no more but her legacy will continue. Her beautiful UN Speech on Pakistan the entire Globe appreciated. Simple,bold ,principled Lady, Long standing politician, 7time MP,and a good orator is no more Her Legacy will continue.Today i am very happy to tribute this talented Woman. Politician

K.Ragavan

See You Next Week

12-8-19

www.ragavan-creativity.blogspot.com

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Letter Published in Khaleej Times UAE on 12Aug 19 Let Gandhis go, India's Congress party deserves new leadership  India's grand old Congress party has once again defied calls to break with the dynastic Gandhi family and has re-elected Sonia Gandhi as the interim president. It was a shocking news, at least for me. We know that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been reluctant to take over the reins of the party, even then the responsibility has been thrust on the family once again.It is not going to help the party in the long run. Is it sycophancy, because there is no dearth of talent in the party. Congress has a number of veteran leaders who are capable of steering the party, and give it a new direction. So why is dynasty politics being allowed? Congress is among the most storied institutions in India. Its failings are of its own making.-K. Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Letter in BM on 11Aug 19

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Letter Published in BM on 10 Aug 19  BDA should change a few things K Ragavan feels that this story about BDA officials caught on camera was quite sad to read. He writes, officials should be working during their office hours, and not deviate from their task and indulge in smoking, drinking, and gambling. This act is highly condemnable and unacceptable. Officials should not tarnish the image of their establishment and proper work culture and etiquettes should be maintained. This is the main reason for why several important projects are not executed properly and get delayed. The authorities should not only suspend them, but should sack them for indulging in such activities during office hours. This is indeed a sad state of affairs and I applaud BM for exposing this.

Letter in BM on 9Aug 19

Letter in BM on 8Aug 19

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Letter Published in THe National UAE on 8Aug 19Justice must be seen to be done in Uttar Pradesh case

I write to you in reference to your powerful article India’s top court moves politician’s rape trial over intimidation fears (August 1).

The National has covered this alleged scandal very thoroughly. The rape case has been brought against Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a powerful politician in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, who is affiliated with India’s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.

The fact that the trial will now take place in New Delhi is a good development.

I hope the truth will come out soon.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter in BM on 7Aug 19

Letter in BM on 6Aug 19

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Letter Published in Gulf News UAE on 6Aug 19

Tricky Indian politics

This letter is with reference to the disqualification of three Members of Parliament, in the Indian state Karnataka (“Karnataka rebel MLAs move Supreme Court against disqualification order”, Gulf News, July 30). Now the speaker disqualifying three MLAs and the remaining 11 Congress MLAs is the latest development in Indian politics. The Bharatiya Janata Party should not hurry to form the government. Still, the condition is uncertain and we have been left in suspense. In case if the Speaker does not disqualify the members, the 14 people will continue in their parties unless and until parties will remove them too. Speculating for midterm elections by Congress and JDs both the parties lost their grip from the people of Karnataka because of the lack of governance in the past months. There is a tricky situation in Karnataka.

From Mr K. Ragavan

Bengaluru ,India

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 6 Aug 19 Congress needs new blood and an end to dynasty politics  I write to you in reference to Samanth Subramanian’s article The Indian National Congress faces an uncertain post-Gandhi future (July 31).This meaningful and thought-provoking piece has shed light on the challenges of the Indian National Congress, which has been weakened by a leadership vacuum.Congress is a well-respected party because of its history: the party fought for India to become a free independent country. But because it has been dominated by one family, the Gandhis, for decades on end, its leadership is now weak.After the latest Lok Sabha elections, Congress president Rahul Gandhi faced a crushing defeat and had to resign from his position as party leader.Despite his resignation, no serious contenders for the Congress leadership have come forward. This suggests that the new leader of the party will probably come from the Gandhi family. Perhaps the position will even go back to Rahul Gandhi.The party is losing its good reputation because its leadership cannot be trusted and has been marred by corruption and nepotism.It will be a tough challenge for Congress to choose a new leader who can revive the party and bring it back to its former glory.The ball is now in Congress’s court but the question remains: will the party finally change its reliance on dynasty politics?K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter in BM on 5Aug 19

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Letter Published in BM on 5Aug 19 Seems like HDK has matured

K Ragavan writes the announcement of former CM HD Kumaraswamy that his son Nikhil won’t contest the bypoll in KR Pete sounds good (KR Pete by polls: HD Kumaraswamy says son won’t contest). After the recent defeat for his coalition government and his personal decision of quitting politics and this decision shows a new HDK with a mature way of thinking

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 5Aug 19 My heart goes out to families of El Paso shooting victims

I write to you in reference to Callum Paton’s article El Paso shooting: 20 people killed at mall in Texas border town (August 4).

This article was sad to read.The motive behind the gunman’s attack remains unknown but it seems like this was targeting the Latino community, as the alleged perpetrator drove to a US-Mexico border town to carry out the shooting.

As Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke says, it is high time US President Donald Trump stopped fuelling racism with his hate-filled rhetoric. This irresponsible behaviour can only embolden white supremacists and cause friction in the US.

I also believe the US should revise its gun laws. In Texas, people are allowed to openly carry firearms and one can buy a gun without any thorough background checks.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter in BM on 4Aug 19

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Letter Published in The National UAE on 4Aug 19 Tigers are fighting back in India  I write to you in reference to the article India's tiger population jumps more than 30 per cent (July 30).It was good to read that there has been an increase in the population of the big cat, despite recent tigress deaths. I also found it interesting that Karnataka, where I live, missed out on being the state with the highest tiger population when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the population count. Madhya Pradesh, with 526 tigers, has two more than Karnataka, even though the latter has greater forest cover. Keep up the good work.K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Letter in BM on 3Aug 19

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Letter Published in KhaleejTimes UAE on 3Aug 19.

Siddhartha's death is perplexingThe disappearance of Indian tycoon VG Siddhartha, who was later found dead in a river in the Indian state Karnataka, was incredibly perplexing. Despite the controversial information that came up about him, I respect this man as he really made a name for himself from scratch. Siddhartha was a self-made billionaire and no one can deny that he left behind a true legacy. His passing is a terrible loss to the corporate world.

- K Ragavan, India

Letter in BM on 2Aug 19