Letters to The Editor — June 15, 2026

Safeguarding shippingWhile the protection of maritime routes and the enforcement of sanctions are matters of international policy, the use of lethal force against merchant ships — especially those with documented connections to neutral nations — is a dangerous escalation. It is imperative that all parties prioritise diplomatic channels over confrontation to ensure that the lives of merchant sailors are protected and that international maritime commerce is not treated as collateral damage in geopolitical disputes.Ram Kumar Viswanathan,BengaluruSurface appearancesThe ‘Open Page’ article, “The demands of beauty” (June 14), made for realistic and engaging reading.

Today, gyms and spas have become ubiquitous. Sadly, even fruits and vegetables are not spared in the pursuit of appearance. They may look attractive on the outside, but are often tasteless within, their natural fragrance diminished by the excessive use of chemicals and pesticides, both harmful to health.

In a world obsessed with appearances, physical beauty is frequently prioritised over inner well-being. The finest cosmetics and make-up offer only temporary enhancement. Our ancestors lived in an era when gyms, spas and beauty products were largely unknown.

Yet, they were often healthier and, arguably, looked better than we do today. Nothing can truly replace the original.Balasubramaniam Pavani,Secunderabad Published - June 15, 2026 12:24 am IST Read Comments Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit READ LATER SEE ALL Remove Related Topics letters