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India should oppose travel advisories

I fully agree with the views that the advisories issued by the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand for travel to India between October 2011 and January 2012 are not based on the ground reality (editorial, “Unrealistic advisories”, October 28). Terrorism is a global phenomenon and terror attacks can take place anywhere in the world. It is unrealistic to single out India and the editorial rightly says that it is a serious matter. In fact, the advisories seem to give an impression that India is a dangerous place to travel between October and January. Such advisories for travel to Afghanistan and even Pakistan can be understood. But our security scenario is not worsening. Our security agencies are also alert. Things are only going to improve as India takes more steps to improve its internal security. These countries must realise that terrorists and terror attacks are difficult to predict.

Moreover, the international community should appreciate the fact that bowing to pressures created by terrorists anywhere in the world would be to encourage them. We must take all possible steps to prevent terror attacks, but we should not give the terrorists an impression that we are scared of them. It will only satisfy them that they have succeeded in their mission. Besides, the advisories can be justified if there is any immediate threat to India’s security. As Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said, “We do not have any information of any specific threat to share with India.” Therefore, India should take the advisories seriously and ask these countries to immediately withdraw them.

AJAY SHARMA, Chandigarh

Teacher’s role

This refers to the article, “Keep politics out of classrooms” (October 25). Teaching is still a noble profession. One should not doubt this fact. But we no longer get teachers who can inspire their students. We also do not find students who appreciate the efforts of their teachers.

As a student I always felt the need to respect my teachers. In fact, I found that my classmates also felt the same. This is in the interest of the student community. If you respect somebody, you want to emulate that person. This means teachers should not disappoint their students. I have found that there are some teachers who do not encourage their students to think independently and ask questions. If any student tries to raise a question, he is asked to sit down and wait for the right moment. That moment, of course, never comes.

Talking about ideologies, a teacher should remain neutral. He should not impose his beliefs on his students. There is no harm if college students indulge in politics. This would help them understand the democratic process. But it should not become an unhealthy exercise. This happens mostly due to the influence of ‘outside’ elements.

Students often feel disillusioned when they find that their teachers are not behaving in a sympathetic manner. A teacher must understand the needs of his students and try to fulfil these needs in the best possible manner. But we should not forget the role of the parents. This is very important. Children should be taught to respect their institution.

DEEPAK KUMAR, Ludhiana

Anna’s movement

It is heartening to read the news item, “Team Anna tones down its anti-Cong stand” (October 10). Anna Hazare has a dream to rid India of corruption. Theoretically, it is an excellent idea, but it is an unattainable mirage. Further, corruption is a global phenomenon. During the fifties of the last century, an American research scholar had asked the Shah of Iran as to why corruption was rampant in his country. The Shah had reportedly replied that if he were to depend only on honest officials, he would have no one around to call upon.

Therefore, on the issue of Lokpal, Anna Hazare and his team should wait for Parliament to do its job.

Col K L Naotay, VSM (retd), New Delhi

II

Mr Kuldip Nayar deserves to be complimented for his brilliant article, “Anna’s drive against corruption: It must remain apolitical” (October 25), bemoaning that Anna Hazare’s well-meaning movement against corruption has gone astray, thanks to the mindless antics of some prominent members of Team Anna. I fully share the tone and tenor of the article and whole-heartedly endorse the point adumbrated therein. As the article points out, for a while the movement against corruption stayed on course retaining its apolitical character; it, however, acquired political overtones when Anna and his team gave a call to the people to defeat the Congress in the impending elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Mr Arvind Kejriwal’s reported outrageous statement that Anna is bigger than Parliament stunned the nation. Mr Prashant Bhushan’s mindless demand — rejected by India time and again —for a plebiscite in Kashmir to resolve the tangled issue helped aggravate matters. The eminent writer has rightly opined that Anna’s drive against corruption should have remained apolitical for its fruitful culmination.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Health services

It is difficult to believe that the death of 12 infants in a day in a prestigious hospital of Kolkata was a mere coincidence (editorial, “Infant deaths in Kolkata”, October 29). The health services in India are facing problems due to shortage of doctors, especially in the rural areas. Doctors are reluctant to work in these areas which do not have basic facilities. The government cannot force doctors to work in these areas. So, it is better to be realistic.

I agree with the views that the government should have encouraged the other systems of medicine which have been prevalent in the country for centuries. I found it difficult to arrange an attendant for my father who was bedridden and sent home by various hospitals.We already have the problem of rural unemployment. Youngsters can be trained to look after patients in the rural areas. It will definitely improve the health services in the country.

RANJIT KISHORE GUPTA, New Delhi