Hats off to A.M. Naik whose vision and work ethic reshaped Larsen & Toubro to a multinational conglomerate. I am happy that Naik is mentoring future leaders. India needs people who have the same business acumen like Naik (‘Beyond bricks and mortar’, October 15).
Many entrepreneurs consider themselves as philanthropists, but don’t do enough for the marginalised sections of society. Naik has pledged 75 per cent of his income to charity, focusing on education, skill-building and health care. That, according to me, is a remarkable act. I salute Naik. He is a role model for many.
Nagaraj Gowda,
On email.
I had not heard of Naik till I read your cover story. Having said that, L&T has been a household name for ages, being a pioneer in the field of construction and engineering.
Many big industries are known by the names of their owners, like Tata, Birla, Bajaj and Mittal. Though L&T is not owned by Naik, he is surely the man behind its success and fame.
The career profile of Naik—who began as a junior engineer and, after 58 years, stepped down as chairman—is commendable. He is a wizard and no wonder L&T grew into what it is today under his able leadership.
Naik’s personal traits of simplicity and philanthropy are noteworthy and commendable. I wish him a happy and comfortable retired life.
Air Vice Marshal R.K. Mathur (retired),
On email.
Naik’s strong work ethic, strategic thinking, and resilience have propelled L&T to greater heights. Hats off to him for his unwavering passion for work over the years. He is a true role model who undoubtedly motivates and inspires so many of us.
Praveen Thimmaiah,
Bengaluru.
Your non-political cover stories, too, are well-researched. The case in the point is your cover story on Naik who made L&T a global giant.
It was news to me that L&T was the first company in India to buy enterprise resource planning system. Hats off to Naik who did not take a day off for 21 years. It was even more fascinating to know that he came straight out of an ICU to attend a board meeting. May I request THE WEEK to give us more of such cover stories.
J. Sriram,
On email.
Next to Mangeshkar
I had almost forgotten about Anuradha Paudwal until I saw her quote in Point Blank (October 15). She was not active for so many years. Listening to Paudwal’s songs evoke nostalgia.
According to me Paudwal is the best female singer we have in the country today; she comes next to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.
K.V. Prasad,
On email.
Why caste census?
Caste census is the most disgusting thing to do in a civilised society. Some politicians are hellbent on dividing us on caste lines. We should not succumb to them (‘Count and win’, October 15).
Caste divides us big time. God creates everyone equally. If at all there is reservation, it should be on economic status. There are so many from the so-called upper castes who are born poor. Who is going to help them?
Radhika Malik,
On email.
A caste census is the need of the hour. It is necessary to reduce social inequality. Caste inequalities can be wiped out by caste-based reservations. It will also reveal the population of each caste, and their economic profile. It is wrong to believe that a caste census would lead to demands for more reservation. In fact, we could eliminate some developed castes or sub-castes from the Other Backward Class (OBC).
Gautam Bose,
On email.
Wish her good luck
Of late, Swara Bhasker’s columns were full of venom; they were not ‘Bitter Chocolate’. We accept Bhasker’s “pen salute” and wish her good luck.
Balagangadharan A.,
On email.
Bhasker’s columns were enticing, provoking and exciting. It has won many admirers like me. I take this opportunity to thank Bhasker for her wonderful contributions. Please come back soon.
Vinay Bhushan Bhagwaty,
Hyderabad.
He wasted his career
S. Sreesanth was a talented cricketer who took wrong decisions in life. When it mattered, there should have been someone to mentor and guide him (‘From poultry to poetry’, October 15).
Sreesanth simply wasted his career and got into the wrong company. Vinod Kambli was also a talented cricketer whose career was wasted, but at least he was not accused of match fixing.
Sreesanth should channelise his energy in the right direction, and coach and inspire young fast bowlers in the country.
Tina Anand,
On email.
Israel is losing support
As of today it seems that Haifa Port and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor will go into cold storage for at least a decade (‘A passage for India’, October 1). Any betting on Israel is fraught with uncertainties because of the tense history and explosive situation that has engulfed the region.
We should remember how Israel was involved in ‘special operations’ in Iran—the backlash was a certainty and now it has happened. So, now, other countries in the Middle East, which were getting close to Israel, will have to decide what to do. They certainly will not support Israel openly.
Santosh Gupta,
Ahmedabad.