The relevance of Dasam Granth

THE write-up "The relevance of Dasam Granth" (June 17) by S.S. Dhanoa was highly informative. Besides being rich in content and composition, it incorporates a variety of languages and dialects (Punjabi, Sanskrit, Braj, Persian and Arabic). It is also rich in martial and heroic deeds of gods and goddesses. It is a unique treatise portraying India’s composite cultural heritage. Unfortunately, however, this has led to an unnecessary debate and controversy which is not even remotely related to its significance.

Chaubis Avtar in which Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are frequently mentioned is not accepted in good taste by the Sikh orthodoxy. Such an attitude is based on the mistaken notion that these descriptives imply worship of Hindu gods, although Guru Gobind Singh had acknowledged in no uncertain terms in Jaapji Sahib that God does not incarnate himself in human forms. In fact, in the descriptions of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna stress is laid only on their heroic deeds for justice and righteousness and for upholding the dignity of humanity.

Those who look askance at the Ram Avtar narratives perhaps are not aware of the fact that the morning prayer "Paein gahe jab te tumre....." sung daily in gurdwaras and the daily evening prayer "Hamri karo hath de rachha....." are from this very composition.

While the Guru Granth Sahib provides the sovereign doctrinal identity of Sikhism, the Dasam Granth relates this distinctive identity to the composite Indian heritage.

K.M. VASHISHT
Delhi

Master your mind

This refers to A.J. Singh’s ‘Are you a clear thinker?’ (June 10).The writer has rightly stated that a detached attitude of mind should be cultivated if we are to arrive at true conclusions on matters that touch us personally.

The mind is everything, what we think, we become. If we are weak and pessimistic, the reason may well be that we have allowed failure to dominate our thoughts, creating a deep unconscious belief that we do not have the ability to succeed.

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

Retire in peace

This refers to R.C. Sharma’s write-up "Retiring need not mean end of the road" (June 17). The writer holds that "regular income (of retirees) ceases and they have to depend on a meagre pension". This is a mistaken belief.

On retirement one gets pension at the rate of half th average emoluments which in most cases is equal to emoluments last drawn. In addition, a pensioner gets death-cum-retirement gratuity (DCRG) amounting to 16½ months’ emoluments last drawn and leave encashment of unutilised earned leave for 300 days at the rate of emoluments last drawn. One-third of the pension is always commuted for a lumpsum amount.

This may be invested in safe channels like the monthly income schemes in the Unit Trust of India (UTI) and postal schemes. The interest earned from such investments would offset the difference between pay and pension. Twelve years after retirement from a state government and 15 years from the central government, the surrendered portion of pension is restored. And dearness allowance on pension is calculated on the original pension before a portion thereof is surrendered.

Medical reimbursement is made to pensioners for indoor treatment. For outdoor treatment, it is borne by state governments, while central employees stationed in cities other than those where Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) is in operation get a fixed medical allowance of Rs 100 per month which needs to be enhanced to a reasonable level. Dearness relief is given on pension as and when the new DA is announced for the working employees.

S.S. JAIN
Chandigarh

II

The problem with most of the retirees is that they feel that they have lost their significance in society as well as their families. They even get the impression that the behaviour of their own children has changed, after their retirement.

Planning for retirement should start at an early stage of life, otherwise it becomes difficult to achieve post-retirement goals. Due to lack of socialisation after retirement, most retirees tend to develop a negative attitude towards their family members which disturbs interpersonal relationships.

To enjoy retired life, a balanced and positive outlook on life is the principal requirement.

P.L. SETHI
Patiala