A salute to soldiers

THIS refers to the article "They all are heroes too" by Kuljit Bains (March 18). The writer has, in a straightforward manner, drawn the attention to the fact that those whose lives are tied to the brave soldiers of our country, are also heroes.

There has to be a committed infrastructure behind and around those who actually face the bullet, and throwing their lot with them does require courage and sacrifice. The writer rightly mentions that the girl who marries a soldier is also doing her bit towards serving the nation. It sometimes happens that when a soldier dies, his wife does not know how to carry on with her life for she is illiterate. But it is heartening to note that as soon as she is noticed by any army personnel, a majority of them, more often than not, show her the direction towards the avenue of redress and help. This gesture is spontaneous and is a part of the respect they show their fellow soldiers.

AMRIT PAL TIWANA
Kalka

Homage to Guru Gobind Singh

Apropos of Khushwant Singh’s "Homage to Guru Gobind Singh" (April 8), Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and the last Guru of the Sikhs, was indeed a multi-faceted personality. He was a warrior saint, a great spiritual leader, a poet of distinction, a patron of learning, a unique nation-builder, and above all, a great humanist. He strengthened the moral and spiritual fabric of the people.

The backbone of the Guru’s movement for his crusade against oppression and tyranny of the then ruling class was the common man — the poor and the downtrodden. The creation of the Khalsa obliterated caste distinction and restored the concept of human dignity. It marked the beginning of the rise of a new people destined to play the role of warriors against all oppression and tyranny.

Guru Gobind Singh’s contributions have left a deep impact on the canvas of Indian history and the world civilisation. The Guru met the challenges of his time with undaunted courage and unflinching faith. In the struggle for the fulfilment of his mission, Guru Gobind Singh not only preserved the glorious secular heritage of India but also kept alight the torch of equality, liberty and freedom at the cost of supreme sacrifice made by this family.

Thus Khalsa Panth is the great gift of Guru Gobind Singh to his country and his people for whom he lived and died. He was the greatest Hindu, the most devoted shishya or Sikh of Guru Nanak Dev and the first Khalsa of the age.

As mankind steps into the 21st century, more and more people are becoming increasingly conscious of the vast potential of religion to build new bridges of understanding and goodwill. A large part of the world is in a state of flux. There is an ethical and moral vacuum all around. People are in desperate search for some canons of morality, fairplay and justice. A world of new ideas granting dignity, equality and human rights to people is yet to be born. Guru Gobind Singh’s Khalsa can serve as role model to meet the new requirements.

K.M. VASHISHT
Mansa

Silence

This is with reference to Chirjot Kaur’s poem "Silence" (April 8). In India, the virtue of silence has been given great importance. It is treated as one of the vrats (fasts), i.e. Maun vrat. The Psychological aspects of silence play an important role in our lives. There are many virtues of silence:

It gives rest to the mind and this means giving rest to the body. Sometimes rest is the only medicine needed.

Silence is not only the absence of sound but also stillness of mind.

If you wish to make prompt decisions, keep your eyes and ears wide open, but observe silence. Those who talk too much do little else.

Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves.

Silence vibrating is creation. Silence flowing is life. Silence shared is friendship.

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

Tale of a tercentenary

This refers to the article "Tale of Tercentenary" (April 11) by P.P.S. Gill. It is really disheartening to note that while the foundation stones of the Khalsa Heritage complex and the Nishane-e-Khalsa monument were laid on November 22, 1998, the projects are nowhere near completion. Religious institutions have been politicised by politicians. This is against the teachings of the Gurus.

It is unfortunate that people are not following the teachings of the Guru. All celebrations of the tercentenary of the birth of the Khalsa turn out to be mere formalities.

The Khalsa symbolises the great Indian spirit of secularism, tolerance and love. People should not lose sight of the essence of Guru Gobind Singh’s teachings.

SUNIL DOGRA
Chandigarh