Letters to The Editor — February 27, 2026

R. Nallakannu

The passing of comrade R. Nallakannu, the veteran Communist leader, at the ripe old age of 101 in Chennai, is a great loss. I have had the opportunity to meet him on a couple of occasions, and was deeply moved each time by his extraordinary simplicity and sacrifice. He dedicated his entire life to the freedom of this country and to the peasantry and the downtrodden. It is needless to say that it is difficult to find leaders like him. It is my firm belief that honouring him with the Bharat Ratna would not only recognise his immense contributions to society but also reaffirm the values of simplicity, sacrifice, and service that he embodies.

N.G.R. Prasad,

Chennai

His final wish was not for stone or symbolism, but service. By donating his body to the MMC to advance medical education, he chose purpose over prominence. A legacy is built not in marble, but in meaningful contribution.

A.P. Thiruvadi,

Chennai