L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Concerns of the common man

Rahul Gandhi has defined “aam aadmi” as the one not connected to the system (news report, Dec 20). He is right when he says that the common man is unique and capable yet our system crushes him at every step. His concern for the common man deserves appreciation, but he has not elaborated as to how to change the system.

In India, the system is run by two types of people politicians and bureaucrats. Politicians who are supposed to serve the country and guide its destiny, call themselves the followers of Mahatma Gandhi yet they consider the nation as their personal fiefdom, amass huge wealth through foul means, scams and shady deals. etc. They remain power hungry and use all sorts of tactics – vote bank politics, religious fanaticism, divide and rule policy and other means to retain power. Had they got even one per cent of Mahatma Gandhi’s sincerity, the plight of the nation would not have been what it is today.

Our bureaucrats are educated, intelligent and sincere. Sadly, they have failed to revitalise the system. They think that they are above the common man and like to live in their own world of seclusion, bloated egos and megalomania, blissfully oblivious of their duties.

The situation becomes problematic with the formation of a formidable politician-bureaucrat nexus in which corruption flourishes, transparency is lost and accountability is sidelined.

In the modern Indian system, the common man is just a mute spectator. He is voiceless, helpless and only a cog in the wheel, Mahatma Gandhi gave voice to crores of Indians and made them see eye to eye with the mighty British. The nation would be grateful to this yuva Gandhi ( Rahul Gandhi) if he is able to give voice to crores of aam aadmi of India who are being crushed at every step by the insensitive system.

CHITRANJAN SHARMA, Chandigarh

SUBASH C. TANEJA, Rohtak

Reality TV

As television is one of the most common sources of entertainment, it affects the viewers directly as well as indirectly (articles “Needed a reality check” by Sonal Jhujj and “Time to get real at last” by Aruti Nayar, Nov 22). There was a time when the entire family watched TV programmes together, but today it’s not always possible to do so. Reality TV has made a lot of unpleasant things acceptable.

ANJU D. ANAND, Chambaghat, Solan

Live-in relationship

The institution of marriage needs to be upheld and protected. Children need a family to grow up. It is the family that provides care, love and affection. The live-in relationships have done immense harm to our society. We should resolutely refuse to follow the west and strictly adhere to our principles. Otherwise, the institution of marriage will disappear.

Dr. M. HASHIM KIDWAI, Delhi

Growth for all

The article “Growth must benefit all” (Dec 21) by Jayshree Sengupta was apt. India can emerge as a superpower only if vocational training is imparted to our students. Although the Indian economy is growing, the prices of essential commodities are escalating.

Our leadership must provide education and health services to all the villagers. Fertile agricultural land must not be acquired.

JAI GOPAL KUSLA, Ludhiana

Save water

The article “Declining water-table in Punjab” (Dec 20) by S.S. Johl was timely. Immediate steps should be taken to restore the level of water.

Agriculture is the main occupation of people of Punjab. Small farmers suffer more due to lack of resources. Subsidies should be given to small farmers only. The timely warning of agriculture experts should be taken seriously taking into account the impending water crisis.

J.B.S. NANDA, Ludhiana

Congress agenda

The editorial “Taking on corruption” (Dec 21) was informative. However, the Congress will not practice what it preaches. These are harangues at the session and nothing else. There is no introspection as to how to end the logjam in Parliament. Let us hope that the budget session does not witness the same ‘tamasha’, which was played out in the winter session. In case the Congress introspects and implements the points envisaged, it will be a good start to the New Year.

RIKHI DASS THAKUR, Palbhu, Hamirpur

Indo-Russia ties

The editorial “Russia’s interest in India” (Dec 21) touched an important issue. The seriousness of both nations to have a mutually rewarding relationship shall be a great step forward towards lasting piece in Asia. Afghanistan shall assume a greater place for joint strategy post July 2011. Iranian intervention or help needs further critical study. The security and safety of nuclear power projects are other issues of concern, which need to be addressed.

RAKESH CHOPRA, Chandigarh

Surrender at Dacca

Lt-Gen (retd.) J.F.R Jacob’s article, “Converting ceasefire into surrender” (Dec 16) was interesting. It was India’s moment of glory in 1971 when the Pakistan Army laid down arms before the Indian forces in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). Armed forces all over the world have a lesson to learn from the findings of Hamood-ur-Rehman commission of inquiry.

The credit for India’s victory and surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops with Lt-Gen A.A.K. Niazi signing the historic instrument of surrender in Dacca goes to our forces who fought the war in Bangladesh valiantly. Credit also goes to our then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

But Pakistan has not learnt from the happenings of the 1971 war. The war of terror let loose by Pakistan in various parts of our country is a telling reminder of this.

IQBAL SINGH, Bijhari, Hamirpur

Poor imitators

P Lal’s middle, “The British way” (Dec 20), threw light on the meticulous conduct of the British which provides a sharp contrast to our lethargic inept ways.

Although the British ruled over us for centuries, we failed to imbibe their good qualities. Instead, we have been poor imitators of their external modes of life.

TARA CHAND, Ambota, Una

Avoid walking on frozen lake I am an avid reader of The Tribune. However, I was shocked to see the picture (Dec 29) of a couple walking on the frozen water of Dal Lake, Srinagar. Such an act is dangerous. That the couple was not wearing the safety vest is a cause for concern. The ice can be thin at places and may not be able to withstand the weight of a person walking on it. Please report responsibly, as this might inspire other tourists to walk on the ice. I do not want that their happy times turn into a tragic accident. JASWINDER, Canada