It is election time, once again

THIS refers to the articles describing the political pulse of the states of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh by A.S. Prashar, Yoginder Gupta and Prabhjot Singh (September 4). A issue that concern voters every where is corruption in government offices. The menace of corruption is on the increase and one wonders how a corrupt government can check corruption.

It is clear that all political parties are participating in these elections with the sole aim of capturing power and not for serving the people. They are not concerned about the problems which confront the average middle class residents — poor conditions of roads, poor disposal of garbage, poor water and power supply, inadequate street lights, inadequate parking space.

Municipal corporations are almost non-functional due to lack of funds. Ill-conceived and politically motivated measures such as free power and water to farmers are bound to fail in the long run.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana

Parents as friends

This refers to Swati Maheshwari’s article ‘Parents as friends’ (September 4). Family relationships are changing at a fast pace in the present day world. The needs, aspirations, habits, thinking and lifestyles of the people have all undergone a seachange. Unfortunately there are some parents who do not try to modify their behaviour in the light of the changing scenario. If parents try to be like friends to their children then they can overcome the generation gap. Parents should not impose

their decisions on their children and should try to adopt a cooperative attitude.

H.S. DIMPLE
Jagraon

II

In the contemporary world, all sort of stresses, depressions and tensions engulf the minds of children and teenagers. To deal with such situations, they need friends to confide in. If they can find such friends in their parents, it can be very helpful. Parents can inculcate the much-needed discipline in their offspring by sharing their feelings and dreams.

ANSHUL GUPTA
Alampur

Old age

Khushwant Singh has nicely analysed the phenomenon of ageing in the write-up ‘How old is old?’ (August 28).

A couple of generations ago, ladies above 50 looked old and haggard, but now age fails to dampen their smartness and grace even when they are in their sixties. So often, mothers and their married daughters are mistaken for sisters. This is the result of their healthy mental states, their emotional and physical make-up.

Even if men retire early they should observe a strict regimen — keep a busy schedule, continue to lead a life as of yore, and of course find time for social service, spiritual and academic pursuits. Thus they can defy old age.

S.K. SHARMA
Lucknow

Role of adults

Renee Ranchan, in her write-up "When grown-ups act infantile" (August 28), has cited a number of case studies blaming parents for not properly bringing up their children. The root cause of the malady is the communication gap between the two. Adolescents feels insecure as there are a lot of physical changes taking place in them. There is a need for counselling adolescents. Counselling services should, therefore, form a crucial part of the education programme for youngsters who are all out to revolt against age-old values.

SURINDER K. MARWAHA
New Delhi

II

The article aptly highlights the plight of young adults in the Indian family set-up. They are expected to be obedient children and pragmatic adults simultaneously. The over-bearing attitude of parents destroys the confidence and self-esteem of their children. Although the love and affection of parents is incomparable, their endeavour should be to gradually slacken their reins in order to make their children confident, independent and mature human beings.

N. AGGARWAL
Ludhiana.