India’s most potent weapon

THIS refers to HSSodhi’s article "India’s Most Potent Weapon: The men in olive green" (July 25). It was extremely shocking to learn that Brig Pritam Singh who showed remarkable courage on the battlefield during the 1971 war and was credited with saving the Poonch area was treated very badly after the war. He was court martialled. The charges against him were proved untrue but he was again charged with the misappropriation of about Rs 3000. This charge was also not proved.

Similarly Captain Mehar Singh who fought bravely for the nation was charged with stealing carpets. Such ugly incidents should not be allowed to take place in our forces.

S. C. TANEJA
Rohtak

Indian response

This refers to the article "Indian response to Kargils" by K. S. Bajwa (July 18). Pakistan, only understands the language of force. Hence India should strengthen her war machine. In this context one should not feel embarrassed if one is labelled a war-monger. Pakistan agreed to withdraw intruders from Kargil not under pressure from Clinton or China but because they had been squashed by Indian soldiers.

Besides America and China snubbed Pakistan only as a measure to contain Islamic fundamentalism that is raising its ugly head in their lands. It is therefore extremely vital that India concentrate on military means to deal with Pakistan. Mythology, history and events in recent times show that evil thrives on appeasement and can be contained only by force.

C. L. KORPAL
Amritsar

A deity called education

This refers to TRVaid’s "A deity called education" (July 18). Growing incidence of indiscipline and crime amongst the youth and the helplessness of parents compels one to look towards the teacher for solutions. In the past, the teacher always lived upto social expectations and led the nation to socio-cultural progress. But in the present day socio-political turmoil, dominated by materialism, the teacher seems to stand aloof. Has he consciously, or unconsciously, failed to stem the rot or has even allowed the malaise to grow and spread?

Even teachers who are generally considered hardworking, duty conscious and sincere are interested only in completing the prescribed syllabi within the stipulated time. They restrict their duty only to meet the classes regularly without making any conscious effort at giving personal attention to the students. If the youth today is wayward and frustrated, it is also because the teachers have not evinced any keen interest in his intellectual growth. Instead of a professional approach to his duty, the teacher seems to have developed a commercial outlook.

The conduct of the youth at public places may or may not reflect his family background, but it does show his education and upbringing. It seems shocking when the teachers see their wards indulging in hooliganism at public places and don’t feel the need to check them. Such students pick up quarrels with public servants, bus conductors, make obscene gestures towards girls and ladies and indulge in loose talk. It seems strange when the teachers present at such occasions look the other way with a ‘none-of-my-concern’ attitude. A teacher’s anger or protest can play a constructive disciplinary role, which even the law-enforcing agencies may not achieve so easily.

The teachers must realise that their duty does not end with the stroke of a bell. They have to be role models for their students.

VED GULIANI
Hisar

II

Education is rightly called the third eye. Education embellishes, polishes and moulds the personality. A person educated in the true sense of the word is a pillar of society and nation. What is of paramount importance is that right type of education should be imparted to the young, impressionable students and it can only be given by good, sincere, hard working and ideal teachers. It is the teacher who can inculcate right values in his pupils.

An ideal teacher must inspire his students to be honest, truth-loving and of sound moral character. It is rightly said that a mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior teacher demonstrates, but a great teacher inspires. A teacher should be a role model for his students. A good teacher not only commands respect from his students but is venerated in the society. So a good teacher should be enlightened, wise, affectionate and a person of unquestionable integrity. Instead of being a mercenary, he should have a missionary zeal and should not commercialise education.

A teacher who is considered a nation-builder, should not belie the expectations society, parents and students have from him or her. May good sense prevail upon them and they become the true torch bearers of society.

RISHAM
Rajpura

III

The writer enlightens us about his concept of an ideal teacher- "One who combines character with learning, conduct with personality". He apprises us of the definition of a true teachers as well — "He must possess two things — knowledge and wisdom to be a beacon light for his followers". The question that comes to one’s mind is Does such teachers exist today? The author presents an answer "No doubt the true teacher is a rarity". Our society must therefore, make a serious note of this grave deficiency because it is going to make or mar the future of our children.

We must have ideal teachers in adequate numbers who can shape and mould the personalities of our younger generation so that they can become ideal citizens of our country. The author holds for us two-fold warnings — one is directed at society at large — "the country does not need so many politicians but it needs ideal teachers". Second warning is aimed at potential teachers "If one has no confidence in one’s integrity, never become a teacher".

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana

Dr Chhuttani

I read with interest RKMalhotra’s article "He lived an immaculate life" (July 18). Dr Chhuttani was a reputed physician who brought cure and comfort to the suffering humanity. He kept himself abreast of the latest developments in medical science. The diligence and dedication with which he performed his duties won him accolade not only from his country but also from abroad. In addition he was also a great philanthropist who was concerned with the uplift of the people. The donation of Rs 3 crore which he made before his death to Panjab University is a testimony to the magnanimity of Dr Chhuttani. Chandigarh Medical Centre is another symbol of his generosity.

VIJAY SHEEL JAIN
Ludhiana

Origin of castes

This refers to Manohar Malgonkar’s article "Was Manu really a villain?" (July 11). He is right in saying that Manu was not responsible for originating the caste-system. Even BRAmbedkar admitted as much in his small brochure — Castes in India; their Mechanism, Genesis and Development. The writer is also right when he says that Manav Dharmashastra was intended to safeguard Hinduism when its existence was threatened by the simpler straightforward, street-level appeal of Buddhism.He is also very right when he candidly admits that the institution of caste is peculiar to India and is the most vital principle of Hinduism dominating manner, morals and thought and is against the grain of human rights.

But, then it is difficult to agree with him when he says that those who have suffered on account of casteism buy this book only to burn. On the contrary it is bought by many for academic and scholarly pursuits. As it has been translated into many languages even those who don’t know Sanskrit can read it.

Regarding the authorship of Manav Dharmshastra, there is a controversy. Sanskrit scholars like VPKane and KPJayswal are of the opinion that the only book ever written by Manu was the Manu Smriti. Kewal Motwani however, holds that Dharmshastra is contemporaneous with the Vedas and Manu Smriti is an abbreviated form of Manav Dharmshastra (also called Manu Dharmshastra). It is generally accepted that Manu Smriti was authored by Manu.

Dharma Sutras and Dharma Sastras like the Manu Smriti contain many derogatory references against the Sudras. No one can deny that Sudras have been singled out for inhuman treatment. Even if Manu is not responsible for creating caste, he is still guilty of codifying the existing caste rules hereby adding rigidity to their observance.

G. S. BAL
Banga