In the death of S. Jaipal Reddy, the country has lost one of its most-gifted sons (Front page, “Jaipal Reddy passes away,” July 29). Ever since his student days in the Osmania University in the 1960s, Reddy had been a great debater, and a promising leader. Despite not having had his schooling in English medium, he acquired a matchless command over the language through grit and interest. His knowledgeable and thought-provoking write-ups and speeches won him many admirers and followers. Reddy was one of the few leaders who was never after post, position or purse and despite being in the Congress, was a great critic of dynasty rule. He also had a penchant for taking on biggies such as Reliance without being afraid of the repercussions. He belonged to a rare tribe of politicians who were ‘in’ politics but not ‘for’ politics.
M. Somasekhar Prasad,
Hyderabad
Jaipal Reddy was a thinking man’s politician. Knowledge, coupled with sense of humour, made him a natural choice to be the spokesperson of the party or the government he represented. The Janata Dal, when it was facing a leadership crisis due to factional feuds, could count on his felicity with words. His death is a great loss to the country.
Gundu K. Maniam,
Bhandup, Maharashtra
