Latest news with #SajidFarooq
Hans India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 29th July 2025
TCS shocker: Onus onstaff to stay relevant Things are changing rapidly at TCS as evidenced by the news of layoffs and tightening of its bench policy. Employment in private sector is driven by client demand, revenue targets, while the bottom line remains one performance level. Companies invariably seek ways to reduce costs. It becomes an employee's responsibility to continuously upgrade skills, stay relevant and become indispensable to both the clients and the organisation. Many companies are sitting on large cash reserves yet continue to lay off staff because employees fail to evolve, rely on outdated skill sets and perform the same tasks they have done for years. Sajid Farooq, Kurnool TCS must support affected employees The decision taken by TCS to lay off 12,000 employees is undoubtedly painful, yet it reflects a tough but strategic move to align the company with emerging technologies and future demands. While such actions disrupt thousands of lives, they often stem from a broader vision of long-term strength and adaptability. To soften the impact, TCS must actively support affected employees through meaningful reskilling programs, emotional and economic counselling and strong job placement assistance, thereby turning a difficult transition into a chance for renewal and growth. As'ad, Kabir Nagari Streamlining crowd control can prevent stampedes The Mansa Devi temple stampede is not just a tragedy but a failure of preparedness due to which faith has turned fatal. That innocent lives were lost to a rumour reflects how vulnerable we remain in crowded spaces. The lack of coordinated crowd control, emergency response systems and foresight are quite alarming. Our temples must become spiritual and safe sanctuaries. One must take to adoption of technology like surveillance; real time alerts and regulated entry and exits at places of pilgrimage. We owe those who lost their lives more than condolences; we owe them systemic changes rooted in responsibility, reverence and compassion. Dr Vijaykumar H K, Raichur-584170 Crowd management is crucial The stampede incident in the holy shrine of Mansa Devi is shocking. When auspicious months are underway, the authorities must tighten safety measures to avoid recurrence. It is also binding on the public and the crowd to adhere to a sense of basic discipline, while the police and administration must put in place some extra caution with respect to crowd management, during these auspicious festive months. There is no point in being unplanned and unprepared during such congregations. As responsible citizens, let us also rise to the occasion and avoid such panic situations. Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur Probe the Haridwar temple tragedy The Mansa Devi temple stampede is the umpteenth such incident in India this year. The series of stampedes mostly at Hindu religious gatherings are all due to the failure of local administrations including the security forces, in anticipating the size of the gathering. And the stampedes occurred mainly due to mismanagement at a given moment or rumours about something or the other, like in the Haridwar incident it was a rumour about an electrical wire that had snapped. This could be the handiwork of anti-Hindu forces in the country, an angle that needs to be probed. Govardhana Myneedu, Vijayawada Use technology to avoid flooding During every monsoon, rains wreak havoc by causing massive damages, Roads turn dangerous, which is made worse by uprooting of trees while buildings collapse and many lives are lost. Flooding cuts of access to several villages. It is a pity that during heavy rains there is an abysmal supply of drinking water. Eminent people like Dr K L Rao, among others, called for linking of rivers. I feel that the best way out is to patronise technology in a big way. Creating open tanks and canals can be ideal for diversion of rainwater and thereby avoid flooding and inundations. There is also a need to avoid blockages and leaks in drainage lines and manholes. G Shanti Priya, Secunderabad
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Indian Express
Safe to go ahead with Kashmir trip? Most tourists from Maharashtra say no as cancellations rise after Pahalgam terror attack
Jammu and Kashmir has been the leading tourist destination for travellers from Maharashtra this year, with numerous tour operators offering specially curated packages. However, the situation has taken a drastic turn following the terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the death of 26 people on Tuesday. While some tourists choose to complete their Kashmir trips, many others are attempting to leave early or postpone or entirely cancel their upcoming trips. Ashis Velapure, who runs Ashvel Holidays, confirmed that a group of six scheduled to go to Kashmir on April 27 had cancelled their trip . 'We had more tours planned for the rest of April, but now everything seems uncertain,' he said. He added: 'Hotels are cooperating and have fully refunded bookings, while the airlines are in talks. This was supposed to be one of the best tourist seasons with Gondola bookings (a popular cable car in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg) full till June, but now it looks unlikely that tourists will take that risk.' 'We have been upfront with our clients and explained the refund process,' he said. However, not everyone paints a grim picture. An agent from Joy Travels told The Indian Express, 'People are, of course, panicked, but right now the situation is under control. Precautions are being taken. It is still okay for tourists to complete and enjoy their trip.' She added that Pahalgam may reopen to tourists in a day or two, stating that the increased military presence has helped people feel more secure. 'There is definitely a shift in the environment. Patrols and more surveillance, and that is what people are trusting right now,' she said, adding that their agency has not received any cancellation calls yet. However, Sajid Farooq, an agent from Kashmir Dash Travels, was not that optimistic. 'Right now, we have about 20 groups touring Kashmir. Most of them have refused to go to Pahalgam, and we cancelled those trips ourselves. During the attack, some tourists were in Pahalgam but remained unharmed. They just asked us to shift them to Srinagar or safer places,' he said. Sajid added that while tourists already in Kashmir have not demanded to leave, many travellers who had planned to go are backing out. 'We are getting a lot of cancellation and postponement requests from people who had booked in advance. We are planning full refunds and if someone calls a day before the trip, we are ready to support them. The panic is natural, and we understand,' he added. Meanwhile, concerns are rife among families who have yet to travel. Shikha Kochhar, a resident of Pune and mother of two daughters, had planned a week-long trip to Kashmir for May 6. Her flight tickets were already booked, but the recent attack forced her to reconsider. 'It is not possible for a mother to take such a risk with my children and family,' she said. Shikha said she reached out to IndiGo's customer care seeking a cancellation and was told that the airline is currently processing cancellations for travel dates up to April 30. 'I panicked when I heard that. My travel date is just six days after that. They told me the situation might be fine by then and I might still go, so they won't cancel the ticket now,' she said. She added: 'I don't blame the customer care person, but IndiGo as a brand should understand the situation. Their policy should be reconsidered. This policy is creating obstacles for people like me who just want to do the right thing for their family.' 'It is not even about the money, It is about the feeling of security. And right now, I don't feel safe enough to travel.'
