Saner voices and the Press

MR HARI JAISINGH’S article "Fiction wrapped as fact" (February 26) has the potential of not only shaking and stirring one’s mind but also awakening one out of slumber, and sloth — an especially characteristic feature of our middle class elite lost in the pursuit of self-interests. Blowing things out of proportion is our perennial habit which has been exposed by Mr Francois Gautier in his article which provoked Mr Jaisingh to write the piece under reference.

What the Indian media persons do today has its roots in our near past when the country was deeply engaged in the struggle for freedom. The role of the Lahore language Press in particular is a very pertinent pointer in the matter. Though it has not been historically assessed, and analysed systematically, it is no denying the fact that the role and level of the Lahore language Press considerably accelerated the process of Partition of the country.

When the tide of passions was touching new heights, the intellectual elite by and large accepted without any qualms of conscience wherever the tidal waves of communalism placed and deposited them. In this context, it may be relevant to mention what was reported in the Press sometime in 1950.

A student of journalism studying in the USA went to the UN and succeeded in meeting the Foreign Secretaries of England, Bevin, and of the USA, Dean Acheson, and of Russia, Vyshinsky. The first two made platitudinous remarks about the role and importance of India, something that was clearly hollow and without any sincerity. Only Vyshinsky was honest and practical. He was reported to have advised the journalist, "Young man, why are you wasting your time here. Go back to your country, and try to raise the quality and standard of your language Press."

This, in its own way, was a severe indictment of the language newspapers. The state of affairs has hardly undergone any appreciable change for the better. On the other hand, the English Press has, to a considerable extent, fallen victim to the wiles of the people who have indirectly polluted the country’s political set-up and its social fabric. Hence the conclusions drawn by Mr Francois Gautier.

Our history of the past two centuries has had a devastating effect on the varied aspects of our life. The middle class elite, that was known to uphold values and traditions for posterity, succumbed to the influence of the British, and helped in the success of their "mission". The quote from Malcolm Muggeridge in Mr Jaisingh’s article assumes greater relevance and significance in the context of the present social, cultural and political scenario of our country.

(Mrs) K. ATMARAM

Chandigarh

"White elephants"

This refers to the Tribune report "Government bows to pressure" (March 2). It is sad to learn that the state government’s well-meaning proposal to curtail the painfully bulky fleet of official vehicles, posing an avoidable burden on the state exchequer, has failed to materialise. Pressure by "officialdom" is said to be the villain of the piece.

Be that as it may, the hapless state, reeling under chronic scarcity of financial resources, can ill-afford to maintain/rear "white elephants" without jeopardising the larger public interest.

The report in question further gives out that a brand new fleet of cars was purchased by the authorities for the ministers who reportedly refused to sit in the cars earlier used by the ministers of the previous Congress government. What a unique antic, indeed!

Under the circumstances, the "pride of place" in the matter must go to the "brave ministers" and not the car-happy bureaucrats, as the report seems to have surmised. Why not be fair and give the inimitable guys credit for their incredibly ingenious feat? Even the devil must be given his due, they say.

By the way, what brand of democracy — incessantly producing new maharajas — do we have in India, pray?

TARA CHAND

Ambota (Una)

Senior citizens’ tax burden

The year 1999 is dedicated to the welfare of elders or senior citizens, who are supposed to occupy positions of respectability in the present-day social set-up. During their years of active performance they gain ample experience which proves useful in uplifting social, moral and ethical values of the countrymen and can save the nation from decay and degeneration. But this is possible only if a congenial atmosphere, favourable circumstances and adequate facilities are provided to them so that the gems of yesterday may not be lost in oblivion and continue to lead. Such a situation may come about from self-confidence, self-dependence and a strong desire to contribute to the national good, prosperity and economic independence. Otherwise, the year may pass with hollow slogans and false promises.

On the other hand, society owes much to them to better their lot and render them effective. Most of the people who have retired from active life in the field of business, professions, services or self-employment, money comes to them only from sources of interest on their life-long savings kept in banks, post-offices or financial institutions.

But the interest they earn does not compare favourably to the loss caused by a steep rise in the prices. Thus the amount of money received as interest reduces their capital and interest with the passage of time. In such a situation the only saviour is Revenue India (Income Tax Department) which should amend tax laws to their advantage so as to neutralise the effect of inflation.

With a view to fighting this menace, the raising of the interest rate and increasing the rebates under various sections of tax law are necessary for the well-being of senior citizens. Alternatively, their deposits with the various approved agencies can be made to earn tax-free-interest.

DILAWAR SINGH

Faridkot