M A I L B A G

New TV serials a threat to the value system

Modern India is on its way to progress. But which way? Everyday we read in newspapers about incidents of rape, fraud, bungling and scams. We, at DAV institutions, teach the students ideals which were dear to Swami Vivekananda, Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi and Guru Teg Bahadur who lived and died for their ideals.

Today, however, no one seems to remember them or their ideals which, unfortunately, have become a part of the political game. Why can't we stop bickering about morals when we actually cannot do anything about them. In this age of technological advancement the coming of cable television has done a lot to add to the trouble.

The popular serials shown on Star Plus and some other channels do little to uphold our age-old traditions and the value system. They try their best to injure and harm our old values. We need some true gentlemen and ladies who will stand up against all this and not merely use them as political stunt to garner votes.

Prof P. K. GUPTA, Bathinda

In bad taste

The serial “Saara Akaash” on Star Plus every Thursday, one thought, will be an action-packed thriller about the IAF, but just after a couple of episodes it has degenerated into another low quality soap.

An Air Force officer was shown indulging in a violent fight over a girl, much in the filthy filmy style. Any level-headed individual, leave alone an officer, will avoid getting into that kind of situation. The makers of the serial ought to be careful not to debase the good name of the IAF.

The serial needs to be put back on the right track by inducting appropriate professional scenes highlighting the challenging tasks performed by the valiant men of the Air Force during war as well as peace time.

Wg-Cdr c.l. Sehgal (retd), Jalandhar

Noise pollution

I refer to an advertisement (The Tribune, Oct 19) inserted by the Punjab Pollution Control Board, regarding noise pollution. This advertisement appealed to the people against using crackers that would exceed the normal decibel level. In addition, it had identified “Silence Zones” during the Divali festival on October 25.

We know to what extent the people have honoured the message in the advertisement. But I am amazed at the identification of Silence Zones at “religious places”. What a mockery! This was an attempt by the officials to evade responsibility by simply publishing an advertisement in the newspapers. The religious places are the most extensive source of noise pollution. Every morning throughout the year, some loudspeakers from religious places start blaring early morning. The culprits are the religious zealots and their institutions irrespective of the faith involved. The matter was brought to the notice of the Punjab Pollution Control Board by the undersigned many a time but it has miserably failed to launch any remedial action.

Capt Reet Singh, Nabha

Laudable, but...

The idea to put the onus of sending the children to school on the parents in laudable, but only those who are not in a position to send their wards to schools will face the music. The present circumstances are not suitable for them. Otherwise, almost all parents want to send their wards to schools. In the era of globalisation, we should come forward so that the future generation derives the maximum benefit. Free books, mid-day meal and other incentives should be provided to the deserving students to help them do well in studies and become good citizens.

M. S. MANN, Shimla

Slow action

Apropos of the report on two eve-teasing cops beaten up (Nov 2), in all these cases, the stock reply is “Cops suspended, enquiry ordered”. One does not know thereafter whether the case is or has been pursued to its logical conclusion.

But when a civilian is caught in similar or other such cases, reports are blown up by the officials to show their progress at the first stage, even before any final verdict. In a democracy, law breakers need to be treated equally and exemplary punishment given, if found guilty.

M. P. S. RANDHAWA, Dhapai (Kapurthala)

Stray pig menace

Stray pigs are creating nuisance at Naya Nangal in Ropar district. Besides being an accident hazard, any small child can become a victim of their attack. The president of the Nangal Municipal Council was informed about the situation but little has been done in this regard.

N. P. BALI, Naya Nangal