New research with new and better means evolves new visions, new outlooks on which fresh destinations can be targeted. Research based on fresh topics, if done only to gain or earn degree tags, to cross hurdles of point system to reach higher pay bands would surely not serve the basic objective of the research programme.

Contrary to the viewpoint expressed by the writer and supported by Mr Goyal, I am of the view that fresh research pursuits should be equally encouraged on topics on which work has already been done. The work already done with constraints and limitations of limited availability of means and limited access to information and data in comparison to the improved information technology scenario of today undoubtedly asks for fresh effort. Hence research conducted even on old topics can give better and more effective results in the changing social and economic scenario. Let the old topics be reopened and researched. Remarkable and astonishing results are bound to flow.

Research committees approving research topics should give due weightage to the effectiveness and relevance of the topic to the present-day and prospective problems confronting the nation. PhD registrations by the universities to earn better accreditation grades, writing PhD theses by the researchers just to scale the pay grade ladder, evaluating PhD theses by the ‘academic dons,’ just to unload the obligation would not serve the basic purpose of academic research.

PhD theses which do not confine themselves to the library shelves, which are helpful in evolving new line of thinking, developing new visions, exploring new paths and destinations should be encouraged, initiated and suitably rewarded.

SANJEEV TRIKHA, Associate Professor, M.M.(PG) College, Fatehabad

Terror from Pak

No useful purpose will be served in giving stern advice to Pakistan to stop exporting terrorism to India (article, “India in global reckoning: It is time for stocktaking” by S.D.Muni, Jan 15). In this regard all kinds of efforts have failed in the past. Pakistan is successfully blackmailing the US on the pretext of restraining Al Qaeda and other militants attacking the West. China’s whole-hearted support to Pakistan is also creating some problems in the region. The recent trends indicate that radical elements are gaining an upper hand with tacit backing of the army.

It is likely that their hate India, bleed India policy may continue. This may prove to be a dangerous setback for Indo-Pak peace talks. Most of the nations are interested only in enhancing their trade balance by making inroads into the Indian markets and may not seriously help India to counter Pakistan’s designs of terrorism directed against it. Infiltration of terrorists must be checked and the sleeper cells within the country, which are abetting and rendering active logistic and operational support to terrorists must be identified.

Being the largest democracy, India has to fulfil international obligations especially when we are yearning to become a global power. But priority should be given to our own strategic and economic aspirations while undertaking international responsibilities.

S C VAID, Greater Noida

Sanitary practices

Shakuntala Lavasa in her article “The price of insanitation” (Jan 13) has rightly held the unhygienic habits of our people responsible for a number of deadly diseases and dengue consequently leading to huge economic loss to society and economy. Undoubtedly, sanitation broadly includes habits like use of safe drinking water, safe disposal of human excreta, safe disposal of solid and liquid waste, personal hygiene, household cleanliness and upkeep of food articles, community and environmental cleanliness.

However, open defecation is the biggest source of contamination of water and food sources and environmental pollution. Unhygienic practices like spitting and littering at any place, not washing hands properly at critical times are serious health hazards. A well-meaning developing society cannot continuously afford the extravagance of these bad/ unhealthy practices. There is an urgent need to actively consider the need for strategy for heavy investment in the following activities to prevent economic losses on account of diseases caused due to poor sanitary conditions.

We need to create a strong cadre of social facilitators/ motivators to create awareness among the community about the hazards of open defecation and poor sanitary conditions. Intensive capacity building of key stakeholders for inducing collective community behaviour change among the communities for adoption of good sanitary practices must be initiated.

Mass media awareness campaign should popularise the good habits of personal hygiene and community cleanliness among the masses to improve personal habits. People should be sensitised about the various technical options for disposal of domestic solid waste, management of wastewater at household and community level.