Poll pundits or punters?

WITH reference to the article: "Poll Pundits or Punters" by Tripti Nath and R. Suryamurthy (August 28), opinion polls must not be allowed to confuse the electorate. Opinion surveys and exit polls are known to be fallible. Poll samples cannot reflect the bewildering complexities of the behaviour of the electorate. How can they assess the fast changing voting pattern of rural India and that too two months before the elections’? These predictions cannot be taken as the gospel truth.

The EC should ensure that the electorate is not influenced by the mushrooming opinion poll agencies. Neutral voters are influenced by these doctored surveys. A recent survey carried out by a weekly magazine was blindly copied by many regional/local newspapers and thus got wide publicity. The voter should be left alone to decide for himself. These pre-election poll predictions run against the spirit of "free and fair" elections.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana

Prepare for death

Apropos of Khushwant Singh’s write-up "Prepare for death while alive" (August 21), it appears that the writer is also afraid of death. Most people are afraid of poverty, of criticism, of ill-heath, of losing someone close to us, of old age and of death.

To most, fear of death is the deadliest of all fears. This fear is related to one’s religious beliefs.

The fear of death is more prevalent among the aged. To overcome this fear one must remain busy. A busy person seldom has time to think about dying.

Let us bear in mind that if death is not mere change or transition, then nothing comes after death except a long eternal peaceful sleep and sleep is nothing to be feared.

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

Uplift of women

With reference to Reeta Sharma’s write-up "When protectors turn tormentors" (August 21), not a day passes, when we do not hear or read about the torture being meted out to women. Women are subjected to physical assaults, and mental torture.

Society has to change its attitude towards widows, single ladies, deserted/separated and divorced women. Persons who indulge in crimes and cruelty against women should be publicly condemned and socially ostracised. Special women protection cells should be created and given more powers.

Voluntary organisations, especially NGOs associated with the uplift of women should launch demonstrations in front of the houses of those who are found guilty of exploiting and harassing women. These organisations should make the educated and illiterate women aware of their rights.

More and more facilities should be provided to make women financially independent. Homes for women should be opened. These can help destitute, widows and divorced women live in a secure environment without becoming a burden on their parents and relatives.

SANJAY KHURANA
Chandigarh

You’re as old as you think

Khushwant Singh’s write-up "How old is old?" (August 28) on the phenomenon of ageing was really interesting. True, age is less a matter of time than a state of mind: a man is as old as he thinks he is — and our minds are within our control.

It sounds rather obvious till you know that though theories about ageing vary, the experts agree that a life of moderation will lead to a ripe old age.

Given a sensible diet and life style, backed up with good medical care, the average person can look forward to a life of over 70 years and reasonable health. In Sweden for instance, where nutrition and health care are good, the average life expectancy is 80 for men and 85 for women. In the UK the number of centenarians has soared up from a few hundred a century ago to a few thousand today. Many among the people of the Vilacabamba incomplete valley in Ecuador live to be well over 100 and stay vigorous too. No magic elixir is involved. A significant feature of the life-style of the Vilcabambans seems to be plenty of physical exercise combined with a frugal diet, low in both carbohydrates and proteins.

Dr Heinz Woltereck, a West German biologist, believes that man can be active at 90. Medical Science may keep our bodies functioning well into advanced ages, but it is no use unless the mind is occupied. The way you think plays an immense role in your staying healthy and efficient.

An American survey of 402 people, all over 95 years, showed that these happy old people had these things in common: They worked at jobs they liked, they did not fuss over food, and they never overate. They did plenty of exercise. They had a creative interest in hobbies. And last but not the least — they refused to get worried.

K.M. VASHISHT
Mansa