M A I L B A G

Unqualified Ph.D guides?

The report “Ph.D in physical chemistry but guide in another” creates sensation by giving the impression that an unqualified person is guiding Ph.D in Computer Science. When a new subject is introduced we do not have qualified persons to teach and guide research.

When Punjabi was introduced at the M.A. level in the university none of the teachers had masters’ degree in Punjabi to teach the classes and Ph.D to guide research. Likewise, the subject of computer science has been developed, taught and administered by scholars from subjects like mathematics, physics and chemistry.

Viewed in this light, Dr Sarjit Singh who did his research in theoretical quantum chemistry which involved lengthy and intricate calculations on computer is well qualified for the job.

SURVINDER SINGH PAHIL, Patiala

Self-realisation

In his letter “Self-realisation” (Feb 6) Mr Brij Mohan Sharma has quoted Kabir's “doha”: Bura jo dekhan main chala bura na milya koi/Jo tan dekha apna mujh sey bura na koi.

It has reminded me to Shaikh Farid's lines: Farida kaaley merey kaprey kaala mera veis/Gunhi bharya main phiraan lok kaihan darveis (O’ Farid! Black are my clothes and so is my appearance. I am steeped in sins. Yet people call me dervish). Both Kabir and Farid were great saints, who abhorred hypocrisy.

Truthfulness is no disgrace. It is the quality of great men, who follow the promptings of their conscience and have the sense of right and wrong. Conscience is the presence of God's messenger (“rasool”) in man. An Urdu bard says: Idraak ki hamein ye hidaayat qabool hai/Insaan ka zameer khuda ka rasool hai. “Idraak” means sagacity.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian

PPSC functioning

It is well known to everyone that the present PPSC is a money-spinning agency. It became suddenly active a few weeks before the elections. Maybe its chairman and members wanted to encash their positions. Now their disproportionate share is compelling them to fight against one another and they are washing their dirty linen in public. The selection of doctors to the posts of Assistant Professor and Professor was not above board. The new government should cancel all appointments made just before the elections.

Capt Amarinder Singh, PPCC, President, has only aired the public perception by saying that huge money changed hands in every selection.

Dr RANBIR SINGH PANNU, Amritsar

Kasauli relay station

The air relay station at Kasauli is at present relaying only national channel programmes from 7 pm to 6 am on DFM band and during the day-time it remains silent. It would be wonderful if the FNM-I channel, which is operative in Delhi only, can be uplinked with the Kasauli relay station during the day-time.

J.P. SINGH, chandigarh