Modus operandi of hoarders

  THE hue and cry about the unprecedented price rise continues unabated. It is not only in respect of the notorious onions but also about potatoes and pulses.The Tribune is regularly publishing the prices of pulses and also of fresh vegetables and fruits which are dependent on their day-to-day availability in various sectors of Chandigarh. It seems their prices are raised in consonance with the unprecedented increase in price of onions.

While the pinch of price rise is felt by all except the government of the day and its spoilt children (the neo-rich), the gravity of the danger lies in its becoming a permanent feature. The experience hitherto has shown this in the case of unperishable items which can be kept in coldstores or otherwise safely hoarded and brought out in the market for sale on the false pretext of shortage as is being done in the case of onions, any amount of which becomes available at all times on payment of the demanded price. This is the modus operandi of all hoarders. It is a gamble which has apparently succeeded either with the active abetment or thoroughly weak vigilance of the government.

Unfortunately, the remedy also lies with the same “uneasy government, unclean politicians, an ununderstanding public, unreliable investigating agencies unaccountable implementing organisations, unenviable bureaucracy”. Under the circumstances may an unlettered person suggest to the government to seek the help of the media, which is more reliable than the statistical organisations of the government, to collect the figures of the minimum prices of all essential edible items required by the poor people on whose shoulders rests the biggest democracy of the world. On its part the government should either resign or with all its courage and conviction vow to punish hoarders and ensure strict enforcement of the prices so fixed.

TARA CHAND SAHI
Chandigarh

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Polythene menace

This refers to the write-up “Polythene: an environmental disaster” (The Science Tribune, November 5). Most of us find it fashionable to talk of the environment nowadays, but how many of us actually care to discharge our little bit of social obligations in this regard? Very few, I should say.

While a negligible number of people do practically contribute towards a cleaner environment, the rest just could not seem to care less. The sad thing is that even after becoming aware of the ugly consequences of neglecting this front en masse we are guilty of continuing with an ever-increasing use of and demand for the culprit polythene bags.

If it is not possible to do away with the use of these bags altogether, as environmentally conscious, responsible citizens at least we can restrict their use to the bare minimum. Conscientious supermarkets of England have taken the lead in discharging their social responsibilities by ensuring a cleaner environment in their own novel way. These stores tempt and initiate their customers into environmental consciousness by offering a small rebate of a few pence on the purchase of groceries to those who care to bring back their plastic carry-bags for reuse. This reduces the demand for more poly-bags.

Besides, the uninitiated among the citizens are cajoled to join the responsible ones when they need to purchase plastic bags if they want new/extra ones. If only some of us could just learn their positive ways and be wise!

VIVEK KHANNA
Panchkula

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Be a good talker

Conversation is a two-way traffic — talking and listening — and the one is as important as the other. Being a good listener contributes as much to a conversation as talking does. A person who is interested only in talking about himself and not in listening to others is considered a bore. Nobody likes the company of a bore.

When you speak, you repeat only what you already know, but when you are listening attentively, you may hear new things which may add to your knowledge. In conversation, small talk — talking for talking’s sake — is not to be shunned. Once the beginning has been made with ease, you will find yourself comfortable to discuss more important matters. If you take genuine interest in the other person, you can possibly befriend him. It is worth remembering that “an interested person is always an interesting person”.

Don’t say anything that mars the spirit of goodwill and friendship. It is well said that the best way to win an argument is to avoid it. When, however, it cannot be avoided, it is better to lose an argument than to lose a friend. Avoid controversial subjects like politics, religion, sex, personal family matters and, of course, gossiping about others. Don’t put any question which may embarrass the other party — like enquiring about his income. Instead of answering a question with a simple and dull “yes” or “no”, make your own contribution to make the conversation lively and joyous.

Know all about conversational topics of the day. The news, current affairs, television programmes, film movies are all conversational subjects. You can also talk to anyone about books, music, the arts, holidays and sport. During conversation, bear a genuine friendly smile on your face. It will help you and the other party to talk to each other in a more relaxed mood and pleasant atmosphere. A person becomes more attractive and likeable when he smiles. A smile says: “I am glad to see you. You make me happy.”

If silence is golden, good conversation are magical!

A.K. SURI
Chandigarh

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Unhelpful Pak attitude

The three borders of India are quite safe. In the south, Sri Lanka is busy with its development work. We have no conflict with Burma (Myanmar). The people of Nepal have a sympathetic attitude towards us. A number of Nepali people work in this country, and many have settled here for all time to come. Only our western border, close to Pakistan, is disturbed.

Pakistan is creating trouble in connivance with other powers affecting the development process on both sides of the border. Every time a new Prime Minister is appointed he calls for the settlement of the Kashmir issue. The fact is that Pakistan has taken illegal possession of a large part of Kashmir. The people of occupied Kashmir are the victims of starvation and poverty. In this sad mutual conflict thousands of Indian and Pakistani soldiers and civilians have been died.

I pray to the Almighty to give wisdom to the leaders of Pakistan so that the people of both countries live in a cordial atmosphere.

GURU DUTT
Dharampur

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Award for excellence

We express our sincere gratitude to The Tribune for covering both the events organised by the Durga Das Foundation most appropriately—the Jagjit Singh concert held on November 8 and the Vivek Singh Award ceremony on November 9. However, we wish to point out that a few inadvertent inaccuracies have crept into the report published on November 10.

Gautam Tevatia, a student of class X of St. John's High School (St. John's has no class XI yet) received the Vivek Singh Award from Jagjit Singh. The award will be an annual feature; the amount of Rs 51,000 was a special grant given to the student under the COT (Children of Tomorrow) scheme instituted by the foundation.

The scheme is aimed at aiding children from all sections of society. It would provide financial assistance and scholarship to deserving students in fields as diverse as academics, arts, sports and health. The amount of scholarship will vary from time to time.

ATUL KHANNA
Director, The Durga Das Foundation
Chandigarh