Fauja Singh, the end of an era

The passing away of 114-year-old Fauja Singh marks the end of an era. He was more than just a centenarian marathon runner — he was a symbol of endurance, positivity and inspiration. The runner defied age and expectations by beginning his marathon journey at the age of 89. He completed nine marathons well into his 100s, proving that age is not a barrier when there is determination, discipline and faith. His life is a masterclass in humility, resilience and purpose. Despite his global fame, he remained rooted in simplicity and spiritual strength. His discipline, lifestyle and belief in seva (selfless service) were the guiding principles that carried him through good and bad times. His life is a lesson that strength lies in the human spirit, not just the body.

Rukma Sharma, Jalandhar

How safe are pedestrians?

The death of ‘Turbaned Tornado’ Fauja Singh has ended the incredible journey of one of the most inspiring personalities, an example of resilience and willpower. Apart from his athletic prowess, Fauja Singh became an motivating force for healthy ageing and a positive mindset. He became popular across cultures largely because of his calm demeanour, warm smile and humility. His death in a hit-and-run incident has raised questions about pedestrian safety in India. This year, pedestrians and cyclists have accounted for 15 per cent of the over 1.6 lakh fatalities in road mishaps so far. Fauja Singh’s death should serve as a wake-up call for a paradigm shift in road safety in India.

Vitull K Gupta, Bathinda

India must tread carefully on Tibet

Refer to ‘Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and China’s interference’; the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama has deep spiritual, political and geopolitical implications. The foremost spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lama represents the identity and autonomy of the Tibetans. China fears that a Dalai Lama chosen independently by Tibetans-in-exile could embolden separatist sentiments and threaten its territorial hold. The selection of the next Dalai Lama will shape not only Tibet’s future but also the India-China equation and the global discourse on religious freedom. India must tread carefully with its Tibet policy.

Harbinder S Dhillon, Una

Repression cannot buy peace

Apropos of ‘Martyrs’ Day in a muzzled Kashmir’; CM Omar Abdullah’s act of scaling the locked gate of the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar was more than dramatic — it was a dignified protest against the shrinking room for public expression. Martyrs’ Day, commemorating the 1931 sacrifice of 22 Kashmiris against autocratic rule, is a solemn moment of collective remembrance. Denying leaders and citizens access to Mazar-e-Shuhada and placing them under house arrest reflects an alarming trend of control in the guise of security. True peace cannot be built by repression. Democracy is not limited to elections; it thrives on open dialogue, awareness of the past and the right to honour it.

MM Goel, Kurukshetra

Healthy alternatives to samosas

The Union Health Ministry has advised Central Government canteens to display ‘oil and sugar’ boards as reminders of the adverse effects of deep-fried snacks like samosas and jalebis. These snacks are consumed mostly by Indians on special occasions or as a tea-time snack. They have also made India’s presence felt in the global snacks industry in a big way. The government must come up with healthy alternatives which are freshly cooked, sumptuous and economical. Fried snacks are better than packed processed snacks, which are deemed to be more harmful and costly too.

Yash Khetarpal, Panchkula

Sinner motivated by loss

Apropos of ‘Sinner the winner’; any other player would have been weighed down by the heartbreak of losing at the Roland Garros last month. But Jannik Sinner turned that loss into a stimulus. He kept Carlos Alcaraz at bay with controlled shots. He chose precision over flair, resilience over revenge. He turned his second serve, a liability, into a weapon. This match will remind people that revenge is a dish best served with discipline and a deadly forehand.

SS Paul, Nadia (WB)

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