A cradle of culture

APROPOS of VPS Rao’s article "A cradle of culture" (November 13), Haryana has a rich cultural heritage. Haryana has been described as a region which is like ‘heaven on earth’.

It was in Haryana at Kurukshetra, that two great armies stood opposite one another poised for the battle of Mahabharata. It was here, that Lord Krishna gave an immortal message to the mankind in the form of the Bhagavadgita. It was here that Lord Krishna explained the importance of selfless action to Arjuna. Brahma is believed to have evolved creation in these very surroundings, on the banks of the Saraswati river.

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

Role of parents

This refers to Vebhav Gupta’s article "Take control of your life" (November 13). A child can be a success, provided his parents support him. This implies recognition of the child’s talent and ability and allowing him to decide his own future. Forcing upon a child a career not suited to his potential and capability is disastrous. But this does not mean that parents should completely wash their hands off the responsibility of inculcating in their children the age-old and time-honoured values of life.

Children inherit ethics and morals from their parents. Diligence, determintion, devotion, dedication, honesty, integrity and loyalty are a pre-requisite for achieving success in any profession and these virtues have to be consciously infused by parents in their children.

SURINDER KUMAR MARWAHA
New Delhi

II

Even though today’s youth is bold and confident, but when it comes to choosing a career, youngsters become puppets in the hands of their parents. Ultimately, it is the parents who choose the child’s career irrespective of what the child wants. The final decision rests with the parents. Parents never realise that their children have their own dreams, desires and ambitions.

In western countries, things are different. A child’s behaviour, attitudes, interests and hobbies, are studied and the child is brought up so as to develop his talents to the best possible extent. There, a person becomes what he wishes to be and is devoted, loyal and sincere to his work. We should take a cue from the West.

VIJAY SHEEL JAIN
Ludhiana

III

In India, a child’s career depends on his or her parent’s wishes and desires. They decide and choose the child’s career, irrespective of what the child wants.

Thousands of young people face such problems when they are at the threshold of their careers. The writer suggests that career guidance cell should be set up in schools and colleges to study the talents of each student individually. Parents and teachers can also play a vital role in shaping a child’s future. Parents should give support to their children to decide and choose their career.

SUNIL DOGRA
Chandigarh

Tolerating dictators

This refers to Kuldip Dhiman’s write up, "Why we tolerate dictators" (November 6) Charles de Gaulle has rightly remarked: "Dictatorship is a great adventure which crumbles in misery and blood". Dictatorship turns the ruler into an egotist and his subjects into cringing slaves.

If a man of genius is given complete freedom of action, he may sometimes be misled by vanity, ambition, misinformed advisors, excessive optimism, or perilous idiosyncrasies. It is unwise to follow even the wisest leader as the sheep follow the bell-wether of the flock. We must do away with dictatorship and ensure that only democracy survives.

VIVEK SINH MAR GIRAN
Kurukshetra