Ringing in the third millennium

THIS refers to the article: "Preparing for the 3rd millennium" by Randeep and A.N. Wadehra (August 8). The writers explore the answer to the vital question — what would be the scenario in the coming millennium? They predict a great probability of chaos in the world order, leading to local conflicts that might have global repercussions. Among the probable areas of conflict in the world, Indo-Pak border has also been mentioned. In this context the writers have referred to Kargil where the threat of a nuclear holocaust had become a possibility especially after the intemperate language used by the Pakistani military brass. Their insistence on the right to a first nuclear strike caused anxiety in several parts of the world. The fanatics in Pakistan will do well to take serious note of the dangers to their own existence in the aftermath of such an eventuality.

The writers warn us that in our context a conventional war is a possibility. Our custodians of external security, defence planners and the political leadership should make a note of this.

It calls for a two pronged approach — full defence preparedness to meet any eventuality and at the same time exercise of restraint and aggressive diplomacy. We need a mature political leadership to lead us through the 3rd millennium.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana

Unfair to women

S.K. Bhatia in the article "Should she go scot-free" (Aug 1), suggests that women, like men should be punished under law for the offence of adultery. The question here is, does society treat both the sexes equally in sex-related cases’. Innocent women have to bear the brunt, while men generally go scot-free even if guilty. Men are generally forgiven and accepted back into the family after an adulterous affair, while a woman is mostly kicked out or bears the stigma for life. Even if the law spares her, society never does.

Most Indian men marry for dowry. Can such men be expected to be faithful and provide proper emotional support or love to their spouses? What are the options available to such wives who are denied their due? While a man can easily remarry in case of divorce or in the event of the death of the spouse, a woman is looked down upon and has to depend upon her parents for support.

Very few women can walk out on an uncaring husband or are aware of their legal rights. Even the financially independent and educated women have been brought up thinking that they cannot survive in this world without the protection of their husbands. Thanks to the Hindi cinema where a woman is shown to bring her man around through series of silent sufferings and sacrifices. The option to walk out of a marriage does not occur to her till it is too late. The presence of children make it impossible. Years of suffering, gradually makes her adapt to the situation. Unknowingly, she may be drawn towards another man for emotional support and find herself in an adulterous situation. The realisation that she can still get love, might shake her give her the strength to walk out. Although the chances of her finding a partner who is willing to support her or her children, are remote.

The situation is changing, but the odds are still heavily stacked against women. It will take more time for society to treat women at par with men. When a divorced woman will be in a position to hold out on her own, lead a normal life and find herself a suitable partner, after a failed marriage.

INDIRA
Shimla

Problems of corruption

This refers to Pritam Bhullar’s article "Economical option for the Army" (August 8). I fully endorse the writer’s views that the poor think it is better to get killed in a war than to sleep on an empty stomach. India is an overpopulated and poor country. Nowadays corruption has assumed gigantic proportions with bribes and commissions becoming a part of official dealings. That is why the gulf between the poor and the rich remains wide. The people are faced with a disproportionately large, unresponsive and inefficient administrative machinery.

The youth should fight corruption and poverty. They should be given an opportunity to air their grievances. I agree with the writer that the large-scale unemployment in the country is responsible for the heavy rush at recruitment centres. The existing education system should be revamped. The teachers should have a missionary zeal and should not commercialise education.

PARTAP SINGH
Dasuya

Origin of caste

Apropos of G.S. Bal’s letter "Origins of Castes" (August 8). It is wrong to assume that the caste system had its roots in Manu Smriti. The ancient Aryans divided duties on the principles of division of labour. Consequently the society was divided into four varnas on the basis of occupations. Those who were well-versed in religious ceremonies became Brahmans. The others who fought in wars and wielded political power, were known as Kshatriyas. Similarly the farmers, the traders and the craftsmen formed a group called Vaishyas. The fourth varna, the Sudras, served all the three varnas.

Till the end of Rig Vedic period, the Aryan society had been divided into four varnas, according to occupation. The division was not on the basis of birth. Any individual could change his occupation according to his will. A hymn in the Rig Veda supports it thus:-

I am a poet, my father is a physician and my mother is grinder of corn.

It is in this context Max Muller, a great European scholar of Sanskrit, wrote: "If then with all the documents before us, we ask the question — does caste as we find it in Manu Smriti and in the present day, form part of the most ancient religious teachings of the Vedas? We can answer with a decided "No".

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

God’s will

The writer A.J. Singh has beautifully summed up his write-up "what is god’s plan?" (July 25) by saying "those who believe in God and live close to Him can feel His presence and through it His will". A person with a demonic nature can’t visualise His status as the Lord of his destiny, and his actions, hopes and knowledge come to naught even when ability and opportunity come knocking at his door.

SURINDER KUMAR MARWAHA
New Delhi

Amend rules

This refers to the article "Bureaucrat calls the shots by Pritam Bhullar (July 25). It is incorrect to say that the wards of the domiciles of a state serving in the defence forces must have passed 10+2 from that state. Punjab ensures eligibility to all candidates born in Punjab or whose parents are either domiciles or have resided for a period of five years in the state at any time or have owned immovable property

for five years, in all its government and private medical and dental colleges. Himachal Pradesh has completely exempted children of defence personnel and ex-servicemen from the pre-requisite of having passed 10+2 from within the state.

For continuity in schooling of children of defence personnel, it would be a befitting gesture from the government to establish free hostels or residential complexes at peace stations or at least at regimental headquarters where the children can continue to study at Kendriya Vidyalayas, when their parents are posted to field stations or forward areas.

MADAN SURI
Bakloh Cantt

Own Creation

Darshan Singh Maini has conveniently chosen the safe middle path viz-a-viz Dilip Kumar’s Nishan-E-Imtiaz episode in the article "Dilip Kumar’s dilemma" (August 1). This dilemma is Dilip’s own creation. Keeping in view the fact that Pakistan is our arch enemy, and hostilities have been unleashed by Pakistan against our country in many ways, Dilip, as a bona fide Indian citizen, should not have accepted this

award in the first place. After the Kargil aggression, especially when the brutally mutilated dead bodies of our gallant jawans and the body of our ace pilot, shot dead at point blank range, were received on Indian soil, Dilip should have immediately returned the award. Whatever the pseudo-intellectuals might say, by dithering on this issue, Dilip Kumar has done immense damage to his own image. He shouldn’t have forgotten that the legends are not born. It is the public which makes or unmakes the legends.

A.K. SHARMA
Chandigarh