Sunday, October 1, 2000		Feedback

APROPOS of the special issue on the Sydney Olympics (September 17), it was fascinating to see the TV coverage of the inauguration ceremony of the Sydney Olympics and the magnificent march past of athletes from 200 countries. It was, however, disappointing to note that whereas some small countries have sent more than 100 athletes to participate in the Games, India with a population of over 100 crore, is represented by only 51 athletes. It is surprising, that a big country like India has not been able to produce more sportspersons.

The states’ sports departments, sports institutions, leading sportsmen and officials from the sports ministry, should chalk out schemes to select and train athletes.

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

The article "Ah, to roam in Rome" by Amar Chandel (September 3) prompted me to recall events that took place more than two decades ago. I was visiting Rome at that time and the position of liras was nearly the same as it is today. After dinner, the bill came to many thousand liras. One of my friends remarked "sade leere (clothes) utar lae ne"(they have disrobed us).

My wish was the same as the author’s — to visit Rome again. I threw three coins in the famous fountain Di Trevi. It has not materialised so far.

We wanted wine in a restaurant. The bearer did not understand our request. Finally one of us showed a red sweater to him and red wine was served.

R.N. PAL
Hisar

Cinema: changing genres

This refers to the article: "Cinema: changing genres" by Abhilaksh Likhi (September 10). The distinct feature of Indian films is the use of song and dance sequence. Very few filmmakers have dispensed with the pattern of melodrama, music and songs. Song and dance sequence are infact the soul of Indian films. Musicals continue to enthrall Indian audiences. In the mid-fiftees, Nagin created a box office record only on the strength of its songs and dances. Song and dance sequences continue to be used to establish moods, intensify emotions and underline the theme.

ONKAR CHOPRA
New Delhi

Apropos of I.M. Soni’s article "It’s the journey, not the end". (September 10), it is a fact that real happiness can be found in small things, actions and words. We should learn to look for happiness in little things.

Achievement and prosperity without happiness are futile. If we do our job whole-heartedly, happiness will surely follow.

Different people have their own ways of finding happiness. Real happiness lies in giving and not in getting. Happy is the man who can call today his own. We should learn to enjoy life by making the most of what we have. We should not waste time in pining for what we do not have. In a nutshell, contentment leads to happiness.

ASHWINI BHASKAR
Yamunanagar

This refers to Darshan Singh Maini’s article, "Modern anguish and anxieties" (September 10).

The cause of anguish is a lack of moral integrity in life. It is also true that one who only thinks about himself may attain lot of wealth but will never be satisfied. The New Testament says, "They be the blind followers of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch".

VIVEK SINGH MARGIRAN
Kurukshetra