R.I.P, Steve Jobs

Power failure
The ongoing agitation spearheaded by Telangana Rashtra Samiti for a separate state of Telangana is causing considerable losses, not only to Andhra Pradesh, but Maharashtra as well. The coal supply to major thermal power stations in the state has come to a halt following the rail roko in Telangana and floods in Udisha. It has adversely affected the power generation in the state and the government has been compelled to enforce heavy load shedding. If the load shedding continues for a long period, the heavy industry as well as small scale industries may face trouble. Chances of finding an amicable solution to this vexed issue seem bleak as the TRS is aggressively demanding a separate state. The union government should take the TRS leaders into confidence and find a solution as early as possible in order to avoid any further national losses.
—Anil R Torne, via email

R.I.P, Steve Jobs
The untimely death of Apple Inc co-founder Steve Jobs is a great loss to the world of technology (‘World loses Apple of its I’, October 7). Apple’s products such as iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad revolutionised the way we live. They ensure great functionality, along with stable performance, and are free from bugs, not to mention the sleek design, which give them a cool look, desired by every techno-savvy individual. Indeed, it will be a long time before this world gets to see another Steve Jobs.
—Ketan R Meher, via email

II
Steve Jobs’s unwillingness to compromise on his vision and his demand of nothing less than the best has given us the Apple we know and love today. He created new markets only he could have imagined. We all remember iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. As some one wrote: “To computer technology, known for its arcane complexity, he brought simplicity. To an industry known for its geeky/ugly functionality, he brought beauty.”
— J Akshobhya, via email

III
On Thursday, the world united to mourn the death of arguably one of the greatest innovative visionaries and businessmen of our times, the founder and former CEO of Apple Inc: Steve Jobs. Under his talismanic helmsmanship, coupled with his maniacal emphasis on design synthesis and stupendous oracle-like vision into the future, he managed to accomplish in one lifetime what mere mortals would take several lifetimes to accomplish. Along the way, he transformed three major industries — electronic, gadgets and computers and music and animation films. He may have been quirky, eccentric, combative, acerbic and often manipulative in his halcyon days; but over time he mellowed and strived tirelessly in his relentless pursuit for excellence. He touched all our lives in ways even he could never have plausibly envisaged; through his products and personality.
—Pradyut Hande, via email

Back to old tricks
Commuters in Mumbai have a nightmarish experience whenever there is a strike. The charges for auto are not justified, they have no meter card and they refuse to go to certain places. The regular tampering of meters makes the commuters pay more. After the tampered meters were rectified, the fares came down drastically. The police are being vigilant now, but it is not enough as the autorickshaw drivers have many tricks up their sleeves. Even now the drivers refuse to ply short distance fares and demand more to do so. It is high time some action is taken against these erring autowallahs by the RTO.
—CK Subramaniam, via email

II
This is with reference to ‘Govt blinks, to hike auto fares by 50P’, (October 5). The government’s tame acquiescence to the autowallahs ‘blackmail’ has definitely sent a wrong signal which will now encourage more of such arm twisting tactics in the times to come. The call to strike by auto drivers was a reaction to traffic department’s drive to check unfair practices of auto drivers. The government has encouraged the auto-drivers to continue with their unjustified demands by bowing down to their demands. They have been partially successful in diverting attention from the main issue of tampering of meters, refusal to ply and intimidating senior citizens with this strike. The public is ready to face hardships if they strike, but it is time the government take a firm stand against them.
—Ashok Goswami, Mumbai

No political provocations
The news that Anna Hazare will go for a campaign against Congress if Lokpal Bill is not passed in winter session of Parliament is surprising. Anna is respected as a crusader of corruption. There has been attempt by some political parties to hijack his campaign for their benefit. The BJP preaches anti-corruption in Delhi, but tacitly support it in states it rules. Removal of Yeddyurappa in Karnataka was just a tactical move and has not solved the basic corruption issues. But Anna’s stand that he will go against Congress in the coming election is short-sighted. People look at him as a true follower of Mahatma Gandhi. He should be careful when taking political sides in the fight against corruption. He should be patient and should not fall into the whirlpool of Indian politics.
—Ravindranthan PV, via email

Cricket controversies
After Shoaib Akhtar’s unwarranted comments about Sachin and Rahul Dravid in his book Controversially Yours, which incidentally received a lukewarm response in India, and resulted in the cancellation of its launch, now ex-skipper Shahid Afridi has reportedly come out in defence of his old friend by corroborating his controversial outburst. Afridi is reported to have said that he has seen that Sachin was restless and uneasy while facing Shoaib when he was fielding at square leg. Further, he also observed that Sachin was also uncomfortable against Ajmal. Afridi has softened his stand subsequently by stating that he was pointing out particular instances and never meant to question Sachin’s credentials as a cricketer. Notwithstanding the fact whether Sachin and Rahul are good finishers or not, the fact remains, they are the most non-controversial and well-behaved cricketers.
—Unny Damodaran, via email