M A I L B A G

Need to save family ties at any cost

Apropos of Ms Anupriya Sethi’s article “Saving a relationship is in the interest of all” (Jan 19), the problems discussed by the writer are common in all cases. As one associated with one of the panels of the Marital Dispute Counselling Cell over the years, I feel, the major problems are dowry, extra-marital relations and the joint family system.

I, however, do not endorse the view that a woman alone should decide about separation. In case the woman is to decide about everything, what is the purpose of referring such cases to panchayats, NGOs and government-run counselling cells? Of course, counselling cells do play a major role in the rehabilitation of various families. In some cases, registration of a case has to be recommended by the panel itself so that others may learn a lesson from taking resort to such an action.

The root cause of separation is misunderstanding between the couples, especially where they are living in a joint family, as they want to live an independent life without any interference of elders. There is no harm in living separately but is it not our duty to take care of our old parents? Similarly, giving birth to a child is a biological process and it is the duty of the parents to educate and help them earn their livelihood.

After handling many cases, I have come to the conclusion that in-laws (of both sides) should give due respect to each other’s families. Secondly, NGOs should arrange regular discourses (other than religious pooja paath) for the newly married couples on topics like mental equipment for married life, manners, living with honour, compromise etc. Moral education should be imparted in schools and colleges besides distribution of literature on how to lead a happy married life.

HARISH K. MONGA, Ferozepore City

Nip it in the bud

Majority of bureaucrats wake up only after a problem becomes a crisis. Even then, they try to treat it merely as a problem. It is only a few officials who try to resolve the problem before it becomes a crisis. Mr Dinkar Gupta, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Jalandhar, deserves plaudits for his report (The Tribune, Jan 23) for having foreseen the smoldering embers beneath the ashes of the Talhan problem and in issuing a timely caveat to the political bigwigs of all hues to grab the bull by its horns before it goes charging again.

Six months back when the problem became explosive putting both politicians and bureaucrats on the mat, a modus vivendi was hammered out with a promise to arrive at a modus operandi of affirmative action. However, no followup action has been taken as yet as pointed out by Mr Gupta.

R.C. KHANNA, Amritsar

Waris Shah

In his write-up “Amrita Pritam: A pioneer in literature” (Jan 30), Mr Surjit Hans has remarked that “Gujranwala produced Waris Shah of Heer fame and Kalidas, the author of Puran Bhagat”. With utmost respect for the learned writer, I would like to point out that Waris Shah was born at village Jandiala Sher Khan in Sheikhpur district (Pakistan).

Kalidas described himself as Gujranwaliah. However, “Roop-Basant” was his magnum opus and “Puran Bhagat” the masterpiece of Qaadir Yaar.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian

Johl’s contribution

A glimpse of Dr S.S. Johl’s achievements presented by Mr P.P.S. Gill in his article “Johl owes everything to his Guru” (Jan 29) is proof of what an humble teacher can do to transform one from an ordinary student into a precious gem. God-like Sufi Mohammad Din, Dr Johl’s school teacher, encouraged him to reach those heights which even brilliant students fear to imagine in modern times.

Dr Johl too did not lag behind in repaying his gratitude to this noble profession and the society at large by working in various positions as an able administrator, agricultural adviser and, above all, a dedicated teacher at Ludhiana’s Punjab Agriculture University. He instituted an annual scholarship in the name of his revered teacher and set up a college at Mukandpur to produce many nation builders. His forewarning of modern students being overburdened and acting like robots is worthy of serious consideration. Parents of students and teachers should understand that children should not be forced to study day and night to score good marks. Their likings and aptitude for adopting other ways of life should also be taken into account and appreciated in the right spirit.

BHUPINDER PAL DHIMAN, Faridkot