Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Readers Honor Solomon Pappayya and Debate Public Concerns
This collection contains readers’ opinions about many important subjects.
One reader remembers Solomon Pappayya as a much-loved Tamil scholar and television debate judge.
Another says teachers need help because paperwork is taking time away from teaching.
A different reader wants technology companies and governments to do more to protect children online.
Two readers say both a religious delegation and the Eiffel Tower operator handled a gender-related incident poorly.
Other readers discuss elections, animal trafficking, defence equipment, drinking water, women’s health, emotional wellbeing, and complacency.
Some letters praise government or court action, while others ask authorities to do more.
Together, the letters show people sharing concerns about fairness, safety, public services, and social responsibility.
Readers mourn Tamil scholar and Pattimandram judge Solomon Pappayya, who received the Padma Shri in 2021.
Letters call for administrative support for teachers and tougher regulation of algorithms that may expose children to harmful material.
Two readers criticize a BAPS visit to the Eiffel Tower involving a request to limit female staff presence, while also faulting the tower operator.
Other letters question costly Tamil Nadu by-elections, praise Odisha’s investigation into suspected orangutan trafficking, and discuss social mental health.
Readers also debate India’s dependence on foreign defence technology, access to drinking water, women’s hormonal health, and the dangers of complacency.
- Who
- Readers writing to the publication, including A. P. Thiruvadi, Saniya Anjum, Dr Vijaykumar H. K., and other named correspondents.
- What
- The letters praise Solomon Pappayya and raise concerns about education workloads, child safety online, gender discrimination, elections, wildlife trafficking, mental health, defence self-reliance, water access, women’s health, and complacency.
- When
- The views were published under “MyVoice: Views of our readers” on 13 September 2026; one letter refers to Tamil Nadu by-elections scheduled for October 6.
- Where
- The letters refer to Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad, Raichur, Paris, Odisha’s Balasore district, Maharashtra, Mumbai, and India more broadly.
- Why
- The writers aim to honor a cultural figure, criticize perceived failures, and urge stronger public support, accountability, safety, and self-reliance.
Critics and Reform Advocates
Institutional or Practical Considerations
Eiffel Tower visit
Critics and Reform Advocates
The BAPS delegation should not have requested that female staff be kept away, and the Eiffel Tower operator should not have accepted the request.
Institutional or Practical Considerations
The delegation apologized, while the Eiffel Tower operator also apologized; the incident was described as a matter between the two entities by India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson.
Javelin acquisition
Critics and Reform Advocates
Acquiring Javelin missiles could strengthen India’s military capabilities and provide a battle-tested weapon system.
Institutional or Practical Considerations
Producing some rounds in India is not enough for genuine self-reliance if critical components and technologies remain dependent on the United States.
Technology and child safety
Critics and Reform Advocates
Critics argue that Meta and other technology companies prioritize engagement and profit, requiring tougher laws, fines, and executive accountability.
Institutional or Practical Considerations
The articles do not present a defense from the companies; they indicate that current automated systems and moderation arrangements have been criticized as inadequate.
- Publication date
- 13 September 2026
- Honoured figure
- Tamil scholar and orator Solomon Pappayya, awarded the Padma Shri in 2021
- Teacher concerns
- Readers say RTE and UDISE+ paperwork and compliance duties are adding to teachers’ workload
- Eiffel Tower controversy
- A 100-member BAPS delegation was linked to a request to limit the presence of female staff during a visit
- Tamil Nadu elections
- By-elections in Maduranthakam and Dharapuram are cited as occurring on October 6
- Wildlife concern
- Five baby orangutans were found in Odisha’s Balasore district, prompting a requested investigation
- Defence issue
- A letter supports acquiring Javelin anti-tank missiles but questions dependence on United States components