Strengthening ties
A strategic partnership between India and New Zealand could prove beneficial for both countries, especially as global uncertainty rises due to the conflict in West Asia. Strengthening ties with major economies is vital for India, especially as the US’s reliability as an ally has come into question. However, the government must ensure that exports exceed imports to maintain a strong and stable balance of payments.
Aanya Singhal,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
S. Janaki
S. Janaki’s demise marks a bitter end to the golden era of Indian cinema. For over six decades, her versatile voice has been the raw, emotional pulse of our daily lives, dominating South Indian cinema with an unrivaled range. Whether she was performing complex classical masterpieces like Singaravelane Deva (Konjum Salangai), playful comic numbers or changing her voice modulation to sing effortlessly in a child’s voice, she was the undisputed queen of self-expression. What truly elevated Janaki Amma to icon status was her ability to dissolve linguistic boundaries. She never needed a government title; the listeners have already crowned her. The nightingale has fallen silent, but its stunning treasure trove of songs will comfort us for centuries.
S. Padmanabhan,
Kochi, Kerala
Janaki Amma’s mastery of nuanced singing made her one of the most sought-after singers and she dominated the Indian music world for several decades, delivering memorable songs not only in many Indian languages but also in foreign languages. Janaki Amma, who rightly earned the nickname “Nightingale of the South”, left behind a priceless legacy that we can cherish, enjoy and remember her forever.
Tartius Saint Fernando,
Chennai
As someone who grew up listening to her countless songs, I will always enjoy and cherish her timeless gems, especially “Chinna Chinna Vanna Kuyil” (Mouna Ragam), “Machaanai Paatheengala” (Annakili) and “Senthoora Poove” (16 Vayathinile). The legendary singer demonstrated that music is a divine unifier that transcends all man-made barriers and divisions.
B. Suresh Kumar,
Coimbatore
The loss of Janaki Amma causes deep sorrow in hearts all over India. Generations of listeners have a Janaki Amma song on their playlist for every mood and occasion. To reduce her legacy to the “Nightingale of South India” seems to be a disservice, especially in a country as vast and culturally diverse as India.
Lakshmi K.S.,
Kochi
Her voice has lent emotional depth to thousands of songs in Indian cinema, while remaining remarkable in its simplicity and expressive power. Her legacy will endure not only through her vast body of work, but also through the timeless emotions that her songs continue to evoke.
Maliha Fatima,
Hyderabad
Although S. Janaki has sung countless songs and won numerous awards, ‘Singaravelane Deva’ remains a milestone in her illustrious career. The song, set in raga Abheri, is a timeless favorite that tugs at the heartstrings of young and old, transcending boundaries of time and age. In a time when song tracks are recorded separately and then synthesized, this timeless composition pioneered the technique. S. Janaki’s vocals and Karukurichi Arunachalam’s performance in nadaswaram were recorded separately and later mixed together. The captivating dialogue, in which her voice matched the complex, fast notes of the nadaswaram note for note, catapulted her to instant stardom.
R. Sivakumar,
Chennai
The departure of the nightingale from South India is reminiscent of the quiet dying of the voice that lulled our childhoods, gave language to our broken hearts and brought tender, divine warmth into our homes for over six decades. While we mourn the loss of an icon whose humility was as great as her talent, we take comfort in the fact that her songs are timeless.
Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,
Hyderabad
Published – Jul 13, 2026 12:24 pm EST.