M A I L B A G

Hema Malini better than Rabri Devi

APROPOS of Mr H.K. Dua’s article “New role for Hema Malini” (Oct 21), he has ridiculed filmstars in politics and politicians. But this is only one side of the picture. In the kind of democracy we have, people get the government they deserve. We should thank god that the present government at the Centre is far better than we deserve.

Encouragingly, Mr Dua has welcomed Hema Malini. She is certainly better than Rabri Devi and even imported leader Sonia Gandhi, both duly elected by the voters. And what are the credentials of Sonia Gandhi? She married Rajiv Gandhi. Her claim that she loves India does not automatically qualify her to become the Prime Minister of India. She does not possess any capability. It is most insulting that a semi-literate lady from Italy, who married Rajiv Gandhi, who himself had no contribution to the nation, should lead a national party.

The worst part in the present democratic set-up is that there is no distinction between a horse and a donkey. The vote of an intellectual devoted to national cause with high moral and ethical values, carries the same value as that of an illiterate. This is the root cause of the country’s ills.

anand prakash, Panchkula

II

Today’s ruling elites and even Opposition leaders are very fond of filmstars because they are themselves masters of political drama. They treat every general election as a big project for a movie and spend lavishly on their hectic election campaigns.

Like successful stars, they forget what they promised and whom they criticised in earlier rallies. They pretend to stand by masses without bothering about “their classes” though class considerations remain deeply embedded in their psyche. The increasing presence of Bollywood stars in our politics points to a new culture of treating affairs of the state and government as a good source of fun and frolic.

r.b.y. dehati, Fatehabad

III

The entry of Hema Malini into Rajya Sabha is expected to add to the aura and grandeur in the Upper House. Her palatable and receptive temperament should enable her to understand the intricacies of politics and the expectations of the poor masses.

It is hoped that Hema Malini would not feel shy, observe punctuality religiously, do her home work properly, participate actively in the proceedings of the House, vocally plead the cause of the poor, hapless and the downtrodden and enthuse the lukewarm, indifferent and self-centered parliamentarians to contribute constructively. The Tribune readers join the Editor-in-Chief in conveying their best wishes to Hema Malini.

prof sudarshan dhingra, Abohar

IV

One need not take umbrage at the choice of Hema Malini by BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu for the Rajya Sabha seat. Yet the decision is borne out of political necessity.

This is occult opportunism and degradation of politics. It has become a game for the politicians to fatten themselves with money. At least the BJP has come to realise that short of these icons, it cannot retain or capture power.

hans raj jain, Moga

V

Mr H.K. Dua’s article “New role for Hema Malini” (Oct 21) shows an accurate mirror to the present-day politicians who “no longer are held in public esteem as they used to be earlier”. Small wonder that these “no longer respectable figures” have to seek borrowed limelight to make themselves noticeable.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

Waiting for a govt job In response to my letter in these columns under the caption “Kartar’s family in distress”, the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana and our MLA, Mr Surinder Dawar, helped me to meet Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on August 18, 2003. On my request, the Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner to give me a government job. Unfortunately, even after two months of his instructions, I am yet to get a job. I have been running from pillar to post ever since the death of my husband, Kartar Singh, who succumbed to his injuries while saving people in a fire in Khud Mohalla, Ludhiana. When he learnt about the accident, he rushed to the spot and started pulling people out of the fire. In the process, he suffered severe burns and died in the hospital. I have two children — Chandni (12) and Sahib (8). The Deputy Commissioner and the MLA say that I would get a job in the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation but in vain. After running around the Corporation office for some days, Municipal Corporation Commissioner S.K. Sharma told me to bring certificates. But after some days, he told me that he was in no position to offer a job. Where do I stand now? As it has become very difficult for us to make both ends meet, I once again appeal to Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to bestow his personal attention and do justice to my family by providing me a government job at his earliest convenience. JASBIR KAUR, Ludhiana

National shame

Apropos of the editorial “National disgrace” (Oct 17), it is indeed a shame to hear about the rape of a Swiss diplomat at the venue of the International Film Festival. Is this how we treat diplomats who are our guests? One can just imagine the impression she will have of our country that is known for its hospitality and culture the world over.

However, we should not overlook the fact that such incidents happen to many a woman everyday in our country and the culprits roam around freely. What is our government doing about the safety of women? The Swiss diplomat may get justice, but what about the women of our own country? I am sure the answer won’t be hard to find.

prabhjit kaur, Jalandhar City

Distance education

The Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, has started umpteen number of courses in the distance education mode. However, paramedical courses are the worst affected. Postgraduation and postgraduate diplomas are offered in subjects like micro-biology, biotechnology and medical laboratory technology. These courses are run by study centres which do not have even minimum basic facilities.

On top of all this, the first semester results are not yet out even six months after the examination. I request the university authorities to declare the results expeditiously and announce the date for the second semester examination.

parminder kaur, Ludhiana