SIR, Ratan Tata took over as chairman of the Tata group in 1991 and transformed the company from a conventional corporate house to a $100-billion global conglomerate. Phenomenal have been the strides in the automobile sector. Another milestone achievement was the setting up of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a flagship enterprise in the IT segment. Cyrus Mistry is now at the helm of the organisation. We hope he will be able to reinforce the achievements of Ratan Tata, whose contribution to Indian industry is unrivaled.

Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s decision to give massive monetary compensation of SR1 million (about $266,705) to the families of the victims of the deadly crane collapse is reflective of his compassion and is a humanitarian gesture.

This will definitely go a long way in alleviating the suffering of those who have lost their relatives in a fatal accident when a gigantic crane fell upon the pilgrims who were praying at the Sacred Mosque, killing 111 of them.

Other equally compassionate decisions of the king include inviting two relatives of every deceased to perform Haj next year. They will be treated as king’s guests. The king has ordered best possible medical assistance to all those who were injured and this demonstrates the king’s utmost concern and care for the guests who had come to perform Haj.

These benevolent gestures are unparalleled, which shows generous nature of the king of Saudi Arabia for people affected by this tragic accident.

I really salute the king for making this large-hearted announcement. He is a true leader of not only the Islamic world but is indeed a statesman of global level. His response to the incident must have given a message to the world that the Kingdom takes care of its guests particularly during pilgrimage.

SIR — THIS REFERS TO THE ARTICLE, “IRON MAN’S BONDS WITH BJP, RSS UNBREAKABLE” (SEPTEMBER 20) BY M RAMA JOIS. MR LK ADVANI WILL CONTINUE TO BE KNOWN AS A MAN WHO HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN INCREASING THE BJP’S STRENGTH FROM TWO SEATS IN PARLIAMENT TO 189 IN JUST A DECADE. HE HELPED FORM A SUSTAINABLE OPPOSITION PARTY IN PARLIAMENT. FOR DEMOCRACY TO RUN SMOOTHLY IN A COUNTRY, WE NEED A STRONG OPPOSITION, WHICH MR ADVANI HAS PROVIDED.

He has served the nation for more than 60 years in different capacities but his integrity has never been questioned. Mr Advani has no personal agenda except to give an alternative Government to the country. Mr Advani remains (and will remain) the tallest figure, and only history can judge such towering personalities. He is a mass leader who is not confined to a particular caste, region or constituency. Today, if Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has a pan-India appeal, so does Mr Advani. Not even his worst critics can deny his enormous contribution to the growth of the BJP.

Conferring the Bharat Ratna on Prof CNR Rao is a most commendable step by the government of India, a befitting recognition of his immense contribution to the growth of science.

He is an internationally recognised scientist and authority on solid state and material chemistry, the man behind India’s maiden Mars mission. This honour is for his extraordinary genius and devotion to science.

Prof Rao has also been honoured with several national and international awards, fellowships and doctorates, a testimony to his brilliance. He has authored 1,400 research papers and 45 books and heads the scientific advisory council of the prime minister of India. Despite these honours he is an incredibly simple, down-to-earth person. His Bharat Ratna is a tribute to the entire science and technology community of India.

Sir, The landslide victory of Myanmar's democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi in the country's parliamentary election after 25 years of military rule reminds us of Nelson Mandela who after walking out of jail was elected South Africa's president. Such rare memorable moments are a triumph for democracy. The world awaits a similar moment for Suu Kyi. Given that this was the first free general election in decades, the massive turnout of 80 per cent of the country's 30 million eligible voters is truly remarkable.

India must seize this opportunity to open new era of partnership with Myanmar which is a potential gateway to the east.

The landslide victory of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar's recent parliamentary election is akin to the moment when Nelson Mandela walked out of jail to become President of a new South Africa. Both moments are rare and mark a triumph for democracy. Ms Suu Kyi spent many years under house arrest and it will indeed be a historic event if she finally leads her country, after her party won a free and fair election. She has already won the heart of millions of people at home and is respected worldwide.

Once at the helm, Ms Suu Kyi should take some concrete steps to alleviate the misery of the stateless Rohingya Muslims and work with the rest of the world to open up Myanmar as the great gateway to the East.

Sir, Mr Triloki Nath Chaturvedi who retired as the honourable governor of Karnataka,is among the most eminent person of the country, he is a 1950 batch Rajasthan cadre IAS officer. He is a highly cultured person.

During his distuingshed services ,Mr T.N.Chaturvedi ji ,was never afraid of telling the truth he always worked very courageously,he was an able but strict administrator, illustrative parliamentarian,He held several high level posts in the country,at the central governmnet as well in his cadre state of Rajasthan,

When he was the collector and district magistrate of Ajmer,the most important district of Rajasthan but also communally sensitive place during 50's and 60's, he worked in most impartial way and brought discipline in city,

He also held the post of Union education secretary,joint director of National Academy of Administration,Mussoorie.Director Indian Institute of Public Administration,Chief Secretary of Delhi Governmnet and chief commissioner of Chandigarh and went on to occupy the most prestigious and highest position in governmnet of India, Union Home Secretary of India, he was also held the post of post Independent India's 7th controller and auditor general of India (C.A.G),which is ranked number 9 in according to the order of precedence and has status as par with a supreme court Judge of India

During the period as Country's CAG,Mr T.N.Chaturvedi began an enquiry into the purchase of Bofor guns,in which he made scathing attacks on the governmnet, which changed the political history of country during that period, As a governor of Karnataka He worked in most unbiased way and gained wide appreciation and recognition from all political parties.He also published several books on important subjects of the country.

For his distinguished public services to nation, Mr T.N.Chaturvedi was awarded the country's 2nd highest civilian award the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, he was also member of House of elders the Rajya Sabha before becoming the governor of Karnataka The Institute of Public administration has instituted "T.N.Chaturvedi award" which is given to eminent persons for thier academically distuingshed contribution in public administration,

I want to recollect few instances about Mr T.N.Chaturvedi ji during his tenure as Collector of Ajmer ,My father was working in his office as superintendent/Accountant in collector's office, my father always said, he is the one of the most honest IAS officers he has ever seen and he likes his staff to be the honest as well,Ajmer has a famous shrine of sufi saint Khwaja sahib, from time to time he will visit dargah Bazar where we had our residence, My mother used to sit in window and before leaving he will always say namaste,During Indo-China war, there was a public meeting held at Naya Bazar Ajmer, which was presided by Collector sahib Shri Chaturvedi Ji,I made Rs 2/ contribution towards National defence fund ,he congratulated me and mentioned in his speech that Ramesh G jethwani is the son of one of his most honest staff late Mr Gagan das ji.when he was posted as Hon governor of karnataka(2002), when we went and met him , he was very kind and spent 10 minutes with him and asked about my parent's health.

Best wishes to Mr T N .Chaturvedi ji, for his post retirement life,he is happily settled in Noida,But in the annals of history, he will be best remembered for his distuingshed contribution to Public life in various positions, he is a person of impeccable pedigree during his 36 years of service ,there was not a single allegations of any favoritism or wrongdoing against him.his life will always remain an inspiration to today's Bureaucrats and his work has left an indelible imprint.

It's indeed a landslide victory for Myanmar's democratic champion Aung San Suu Kyi. This reminds us of Nelson Mandela who had been incarcerated in jail for 27 years before walking out to become South Africa's president.

Suu Kyi, who spent decades of imprisonment in Myanmar, has finally come out to win overwhelmingly the parliamentary election.

Myanmar, after 25 years of military rule, is all set to hand power to Suu Kyi. These are indeed the memorable moments reflecting democracy's triumph.

Suu Kyi had the option to go into exile along with her family, but she chose to stay in the country remaining under house arrest for all these years. By taking a firm stand on a democratic form of government, she won many hearts in Myanmar and outside.

This is Myanmar's first free general election in decades, with massive turnout of 80 percent of the 30 million eligible voters, especially in the countryside.

Suu Kyi will however not find it easy as the road ahead is not full of roses. She would need to take concrete measures like the one on Rohingya issue. The minority Muslims have suffered a lot under the military junta and are deprived of their basic rights including the right to vote.

The world in general must seize this opportunity to open a new era of partnership with Myanmar, which is gateway to east.

Sir - The landslide victory of Myanmar's champion of democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, in the country's recently held parliamentary elections reminds us of Nelson Mandela's achievements in South Africa. The latter was elected as the president of South Africa in 1994, after being released from prison.

Such memorable moments, although rare, mark a triumph of democracy. The world has waited for the release of Suu Kyi for a long time. She has been rewarded handsomely after spending decades under house arrest. Although she had the option of leaving the country and staying with her husband in exile, she chose to stay back and place herself under house arrest. Her fight for restoring democracy in Myanmar has found the support of millions, both at home and abroad. It was remarkable to witness the large turnout of voters, who queued up to exercize their democratic rights, braving the blazing sun.

Now that Suu Kyi and her party have won the elections, she should take some concrete steps for the welfare of the ethnic minorities of the country, such as the Rohingya Muslims, who have suffered a lot under the rule of the military junta. The world must seize this opportunity to start a new era of partnership with Myanmar, which happens to be the 'Gateway to the East'.

Yours faithfully,

Justice N Santosh Hegde will always be remembered for his fight against those considered beyond the reach of law due to their political clout and financial power.

He worked with missionary zeal as Lokayukta and made it a symbol of struggle against graft and corruption. His role in exposing illegal mining was exemplary.It is to be hoped that the states that do not have the institution of Lokayukta will look to build it up.

SIR, Ajit Doval (IPS, 1968), who has been appointed as the country's National Security Adviser (NSA), is a highly decorated police officer, considered one of the finest operational brains.

He is regarded as a Pakistan expert and has the rare distinction of being the country's first police officer who received the Kirti Chakra, the second highest gallantry award for valour.

He had another first to his name, that of getting the Indian Police Medal for meritorious service within six years of his career. Generally it takes 17 years to get the award, if found suitable.

A former Director of the Intelligence Bureau, he was associated with intelligence operations in the North-East, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir... besides diplomatic assignments in the UK and Pakistan.

He had headed the IB's operations wing for over a decade and was responsible for counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence and counter-insurgency.

After his retirement, he was director of the Vivekananda International Foundation, a think-tank which provided a platform for dialogue and conflict resolutions associated with security and strategic affairs. Yours, etc.

Dear Sir,
As a regular reader of Gulf Times online edition living outside Qatar, I would like to offer hearty congratulations to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani who was handed the reins of power by his father HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on Tuesday.

HH Sheikh Hamad’s decision to transfer power to the young heir apparent was historic.

Qatar, under the dynamic leadership of the Father Emir HH Sheikh Hamad, had developed into a political and economic powerhouse with multi-billion dollar investments across world. The Qatar government has wisely used its immense oil and gas wealth to drive modernisation in Qatar with world-class infrastructure projects. It was under Sheikh Hamad’s reign that Qatar had won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Under Sheikh Hamad, Qatar’s economy had grown significantly. He was a selfless ruler who always kept the interest of the nation above everything. We pray Almighty that new ruler of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim, will continue the legacy of HH Sheikh Hamad, taking Qatar to new heights in development and playing a greater role in Middle East and world affairs.

Sir,It is saddening to see how the post of the president of India is being tarnished in the name of caste, religion, community politics, etc. History tells us that all Indian presidents enjoyed a national consensus and brought laurels to the country. All of them played their respectives roles with utmost impartiality. With the UPA coalition government announcing Pranab Mukherjee, a veteran of Indian politics, as the presidential candidate, it is believed the credibility of the institution of the president will return. In the present circumstances, Mukherjee is the best choice as he holds a long and distinguished record of public service spanning over five decades. Already, several parties have announced their support to his candidature.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) too should come forward and support him. The 78-year-old Mukherjee is a man of unparalleled experience. Secular, sauve and respected across the country, he has in-depth knowledge of the Indian constitution, history, economy, as well as national and international politics. He has the rare distinction of having served the nation as the finance, defense and foreign minister, and of holding the post of the leader of the House in the Lok Sabha.

He has presided over Cabinet meetings for last 25 years in the absence of the prime minister and has headed a large number of committees of groups of ministers. Mukherjee is a highly educated man with degrees in history, political science and law, but he chose to serve the nation. He is also a devoted family man, and has two sons and a daughter. The need of the hour is to have a president who is acceptable across party lines and Mukherjee fits this criteria.

Sir,K Rahman Khan, the outgoing deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, will be remembered as a person who carried out his duties in the house in the most distinguished manner, without favour or prejudice. During his farewell, politicians cutting across party lines praised him in unequivocal voice.

Whenever there were critical discussions in the house between treasury benches and opposition, he played his role to the perfection, and with great patience, to uphold the dignity of the chair. His ability to connect with the members was remarkable. khan has the reputation of a secular person and enjoys immense public goodwill.

He served four terms as Rajya Sabha member, which is a rare honor, Seasoned politicians like him are an asset to the country.

Lata Mangeshkar has been the greatest female singer of our times. It has been six-and-half decades and her unique voice still continues to mesmerize us. Her melodies are firmly ensconced in the hearts of millions of fans across India and the world. She can sing hajans with as much ease as ghazals. Her soulful renditions are packed with expression and emotion, a technique that is quite unique to Lataji.

It's time for the nation to honour her with a magnificent tribute.

This refers to your editorial, “Gadkari takes charge” (February 19). Rashid Kidwai, who has authored the biography of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has rightly said that the “BJP is down but not out”. And with Mr Nitin Gadkari, Ms Sushma Swaraj and Mr Arun Jaitlety at the helm of affairs, the ball for generational shift has been set rolling.

Moreover, Mr Gadkari’s overture at the three-day BJP national and council meet in Indore has hit the right note. At this juncture, he is the right man to head the BJP as he is a young, dynamic and articulate, with an outstanding record as BJP State party president of Maharashtra.

As Public Works Department Minister in Maharashtra, he completed the Mumbai-Pune Expressway at half the cost quoted by a private company, exhibiting his organisational skills and foresightedness.

His being new to Delhi politics will not make much of difference, and, with his proven record, he will definitely take the BJP to new heights. For the Congress, it must realise that Mr Gadkari is a man to be reckoned with.

Sir, Mr Nitin Gadkari who has formally taken over as national President BJP at Indore is the right man to head BJP as he is a young,dynamic, articulate with acclaimed integrity having an outstanding record as BJP president of Maharashtra who had distinguished himself as PWD minister when we saw number of good infrastructure projects in Maharashtra being completed.

Mr Rashid Kidwai who has authored Biography of Congress President Sonia Gandhi has rightly quoted that BJP is down but not out and with Generation Change Gadkari, Sushma and Jaitley at helm of affairs now first they have to quell dissidence and refurbish the image to move forward.

Gadkari is an embodiment of simplicity, honesty and humility hence being new in Delhi politics will not make much of difference. with his proven record of team spirit ,organizing skills, foresightedness’ and mantra of social harmony he will definitely take BJP to a greater height.

Sachin Tendulkar on Friday took the final step to reach a peak of cricket that is simply unreachable lesser mortals kindred centuries in international cricket is a feat that others cannot even think of matching. Sachin has ' quits made India proud. His illus- tinuE trious career, spanning more ever than two decades, has been , buds such a remarkable journey that it has made the country Ban, proud time and again. Not , only is he blessed with Sal amazing talent, but also with inc loads of determination, dedication and devotion.

Further, he is a good human being, who has never been involved in any controversy or allegation. He is known for demon- h( strafing a competitive spirit, y( a because of which he has earned the respect of everyone in the cricketing world.

As he is nearing the end of Year his career, it is but obvious that one day he will call it quits. Let’s hope that he continues to serve the country even off the field by guiding budding cricketers.

I congratulate Karnataka Minister of Information and Infrastructure Development Santosh Lad and his dedicated team of IAS/IPS officers, doctors and paramedics on personally joining the relief and rescue operation in Uttarakhand in midst of and unprecedented disaster and under horrendous conditions.

This team has not only managed to send 1,000 people back home from Uttarakhand, but also continued to work under inclement weather, overseeing relief work to affected people. They provided help not only to pilgrims from Karnataka but to those from other states who were stranded there.

Also I laud to Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah for sending Minister Lad and his team to oversee this humanitarian work.

The government must give Kodavas representation in the Rajya Sabha.

The Kodava Samaj has the responsibility of pre-serving their unique language, culture, identity and attire. Today, powerful social influence is collapsing due to rapid commercialization and migration of people for better prospects due to shrinking land holdings.

Also, the government must develop Kodagu as a tourist destination with better connectivity, infrastructure, and budget hotels.

Sir,Many great personalities/stalwarts have graced the Rajya Sabha as a members which is also known as House of elders and in recent times one of them who has shined is Mr S S Ahluwalia, sadly who is retiring after successfully completing his term successfully , but what has Stunned the Nation is that BJP has chosen not to renominate to him, as a protocol persons holding positions are renominated unless they choose themselves to opts out as he was also a deputy leader of apposition in Rajya Sabhaas.

As a member and deputy leader of house Apposition, Mr Ahluwalia had distinguished himself as an able Parliamentarian with his fiercely speeches in the house which earned respect and admiration from all members of house cutting Party line,In present atmosphere in the country when non important subjects take the toll of Parliament's time , Ahluwaia was a hard task master who was always highly concerned about present state of affairs in country.

In House parliament he chose subjects which were always important for common man and nation.he was also Minister, beside he presented many private members bills and was member of several important Parliament committees like security and banking transaction,scams,stock market scams,2G scams etc to probe irregularities.

Persons like Ahluwalia are not only assets for the party they belong to (BJP) but to entire politico's class and for nation as well, he is a rare class of personality who was deeply concerns and aspirations of poorest of poor and for this he earned the admiration of nation for his dedication, sense of public service and simplicity.

he was a person with unique identity and who always understood issues concerned common man in his fiery speeches which were always listened by all in the house with pin drop silence including by members of treasuries benches.

BJP should consider bringing him to Rajya Sabha at earliest or President of India should nominate such persons to House of elders which will bring prestige to the house.

There are many women who have entered the top echelons of a male dominated world who include President Pratibha Patil UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar. The latest to ioin this select group is 1973 IFS officer Nirapama Rao who has taken over as the new foreign secretary.

She is a multifaceted personality and an elegant and seasoned diplomat.

In the top echelons of a male dominated society, we see many women making it to the top purely on their merit, such as our president Pratibha Patil, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, speaker Meira Kumar, bankers Neena Kochar and Ranjana Kumari.

The latest woman to join this group is 1973 batch IFS officer Nirapama Rao who has been appointed as the next foreign secretary of India. Rao has successfully held complex assignments in China, Sri Lanka and Peru and as spokesperson in the ministry of external affairs during the Vajpayee era—that too during general Musharaff’s Agra summit.

It is hoped that under her seasoned leadership, Indian diplomacy will get a boost.

Sir — This refers to Pankaj Advani’s glorious win of the 11th World Billiards Championship title. In this thrilling but nerve-wracking match, Advani left the spectators spellbound with his prolific display of the game and defeated the multiple world champion Peter Gilchrist by six games to three, to wrap up his 16th world title overall.

While we pay much attention towards cricket, games like billiards too deserve better attention. Advani has brought glory to the entire nation.