MyVoice: Views of our readers 15th October 2026

Remembering the People’s President

As India observes the 95th birth anniversary of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam on October 15, his life offers an opportunity to examine whether the country is advancing toward the inclusive, knowledge-driven society he envisioned. Rising from modest beginnings in Rameswaram to the highest constitutional office, Kalam demonstrated the transformative power of education and perseverance. His contributions to ISRO and DRDO, including the SLV-III project, missile development, and Pokhran-II tests strengthened India’s technological and defence capabilities. Yet as “People’s President” (2002–2007) and lifelong teacher, his legacy rests equally on his accessibility and faith in youth. His India 2020 vision emphasized technological progress, rural development, and self-reliance. While India has advanced digitally and in space exploration, persistent challenges, unemployment, educational inequality, and the digital divide restrict opportunities for millions. This makes his emphasis on inclusive growth vital; scientific benefits must reach beyond elite institutions to empower rural communities. Furthermore Kalam’s principles offer guidance for the era of artificial intelligence. His focus on scientific temper, ethical responsibility, and independent thinking equips young minds to use technology critically and responsibly. His integrity remains a timeless model for public leadership. The finest tribute to Kalam is strengthening public education, fostering scientific research and ensuring inclusive growth, as national strength depends on its people’s character and opportunity.

A C Vineeth Kumar, Thrissur-680651

Frame a sound price control policy

This refers to “Price controls will be bad for healthcare” (THI, October 14). For patients facing mounting medical expenses, affordable medicines are not a matter of convenience but of necessity. Leaving prices entirely to market forces may expose vulnerable families to excessive charges, especially where competition is limited. However, blanket price caps can also create shortages if they ignore variations in production and distribution costs. The government should identify essential drugs for targeted regulation, consult manufacturers and pharmacists, and review price ceilings periodically. Hospitals and pharmacies must disclose medicine prices clearly, while regulators should monitor availability as carefully as affordability. A sound policy must protect patients from both exorbitant prices and the hardship of medicines becoming unavailable when they are most needed.

B A Avyaan, Perundurai-638052

Adulteration: Onus on Centre, States

This refers to the column “What does adulteration really cost?’ in which P V Kondal Rao rightly urges stronger testing, inspection and prosecution. But India does not lack a law. The Food Safety and Standards Act already provides for all three. What is missing is the consequence. Samples fail, cases are filed, and then they stall in slow adjudication while the seller carries on. A penalty that arrives years too late is just a cost of doing business. The Centre and states should set up fast-track food safety courts and publish conviction rates every year. Without that, adulteration will remain a risk worth taking.

Sakshi Raj Wardhan, Dhenkanal

FSSAI has a greater role to play

What does adulteration really cost? (THI, October 14). This is a thought-provoking article that points out the anomalies in the present system of testing laboratories, trained personnel and inspection mechanisms for detection of adulteration in products that are sold in the market. We see many instances of people consuming adulterated products and suffering post-consumption complications. People expect necessities such as food, water, milk, air and fruits to be pure and not polluted. However, the contamination of such products is highly prevalent in the market. How can an ordinary person check the quality of the products they buy daily? The FSSAI has a greater role to play in ensuring the quality of the items that people buy for their daily needs.

S Sankaranarayanan, Chennai-40

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The Hans India