Diplomacy over war
The fragility of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire is a dangerous setback that increases the risk of another devastating war in West Asia. Diplomacy must not be abandoned in favour of military confrontation. The United States should recommit to sustained diplomacy, respect international law, and pursue peaceful engagement rather than policies that fuel further escalation.
Jagjit Singh,
Los Altos, California, U.S.
S. Janaki
The passing of legendary playback singer S. Janaki marks the poignant end of a golden era in Indian cinema. Her extraordinary vocal range and impeccable diction breathed life into thousands of songs across multiple languages. What set her apart was her unparalleled versatility — a rare ability to effortlessly convey the spectrum of human emotion. Whether it was the gentle innocence of a lullaby, the technical brilliance of a complex classical composition, or the depth of a romantic melody, she made every song uniquely her own. Her honey-sweet voice will continue to resonate in the minds of millions.
Namya Jain,
Hyderabad
S. Janaki’s contribution to the meteoric rise of music legend Ilaiyaraaja and several other composers was phenomenal. It is a testament to her extraordinary versatility that she held her own in Tamil cinema, which boasted stalwarts such as P. Susheela, Vani Jairam, and L.R. Eswari, among others.
C.V. Aravind,
Bengaluru
A celestial voice that expressed all kinds of human emotions and the poetic beauty of nature in its perfection has fallen silent. An endearing personality across generations and language regions, S. Janaki will be remembered for her soulful singing and humility.
J. Radhakrishna Kurup,
Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Kerala The passing of the “Nightingale of South India” is a profound loss to the Indian film industry. Through her soulful romantic melodies and timeless folk songs, she etched her name into the pages of history. Her music captivated millions with its meaningful lyrics, emotional depth, and extraordinary grace. Her songs also served as a bridge that connected families, cultures, and generations. Undoubtedly, the enchanting voice and unforgettable songs of Janaki Amma will continue to resonate in hearts for generations to come, preserving her remarkable legacy forever.
Muhammed Muflih V.,
Puliyakkode, Malappuram, Kerala
At Wimbledon
Sports lovers across the world will certainly savour and cherish the epic Wimbledon 2026 final between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. Evoking nostalgic memories of the classic battles between the all-time greats of yesteryear, the summit clash enthralled and entertained in equal measure. With his awe-inspiring triumph, grit, determination, indomitable will to succeed, and never-say-die attitude, displayed under testing conditions and exemplified by his ability to bounce back after losing the opening set, Sinner has cemented his place as the new star of the international tennis arena, signalling a generational shift in the sport. The memorable final will also be remembered for the grace and sportsmanship displayed by both players. Their sparkling performances elevated the standards of the game to sublime heights.
That said, the legendary Novak Djokovic also deserves special mention for his lion-hearted performances throughout the tournament.
B. Suresh Kumar,
Coimbatore
Published - July 14, 2026 12:24 am IST