The tragedy at KarurThe tragedy, in Karur, Tamil Nadu, where many precious lives were lost in a stampede at a rally by actor-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay, was one that should never have happened. Crowd management is never an easy task — it requires great cooperation from the crowd backed by the police and event managers. Sadly, lessons have not been learnt from tragedies such as the RCB victory celebrations, the Maha Kumbh and others. In a huge and populous nation, the challenges while attending rallies and large events cannot be ignored. Blame games do not lead us anywhere. While it is extremely saddening that lives have been lost, what is disgusting to note are the political theories being spun by some media houses.Balasubramaniam Pavani,SecunderabadWhen admirers and onlookers are made to wait for hours without food, water, or basic facilities, it not only strains their patience but also risks their lives. At the same time, as a society, we must reflect on our own culture of hero worship. The tragedy in Karur calls for leaders and the public to embrace responsibility, restraint, and respect for life above spectacle.Gopalaswamy J.,ChennaiPublished - September 29, 2025 12:24 am IST