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Walk your way to health "Put on your walking shoes" by A.J. Singh (October 1) was interesting. Mahatma Gandhi observed, "Speed is not the end of life. Man sees more and lives more truly by walking..." Indeed so. Walking is excellent for exploring, observing, learning and meeting people. Described as "the best life insurance policy" by Gary Yanker, it stimulates the thinking processes by increasing the oxygen supply to the brain. G.B. Shaw conceived the idea of The Arms and the Man during his morning walks. Leo Tolstoy depicted scenes of environment of his walks in his writings. Though he did not walk much, Lord Cecil founded the Pedestrian Association of England in 1929. It still exists and brings out a journal named Walk. ROSHNI JOHAR |
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Campaign against smoking This refers to B.K. Sharma’s article "Ending life in smoke" (September 24). The writer has given some useful tips for giving up the habit of smoking. The only way to eradicate the menace of smoking is if the Central Government imposes legal sanctions. Cigarette smoking is injurious to health — despite this statutory warning on cigarette packs, millions of people smoke. Why? Because of the inaction of law makers. We always see "No smoking" signs displayed in cinema halls, buses, trains, banks, hospitals and many other places. Yet people smoke at all these places and get away scot-free. The railways have prohibited the sale of cigarettes on platforms. But smokers can purchase cigarettes from the market. The only way out is to implement anti-smoking laws more stringently. BRIJ MOHAN SHARMA Geishas This refers to the article: The world of a Geisha" by Pran Nevile (September 24). The article is quite informative as it reveals details about the age-old Japanese institution of the geisha. As we are told, the concept of the geisha demonstrated the Japanese ingenuity for gratifying human desires with an illusion of love mixed with youth and grace, but without regrets and responsibilties. Such concepts as that of Japanese geisha exist in every society in different forms and in keeping with the prevalent lifestyle at that point of time in that particular society. The human desire to look for love and entertainment outside the four walls of the house is almost universal. In India, under the influence of the Muslim culture, we had Mujra girls who, like geishas, added grace and charm to parties. Through their singing and dancing, they provided an atmosphere of elegance and gaiety and created a sense of ecstasy through their skills of repartee and wit. In typical geisha fashion, mujra girls also appeared at parties as ‘human flowers’ to be looked at, not to be touched. The elevation of geishas as mistresses is also not a phenomenon which is restricted only to the Japanese society. Every society the world over is adding western ways to the lifestyle of its people and Japan is no exception. ONKAR CHOPRA Kidney failure This refers to B.K. Sharma’s write up "When the kidneys fail" (October 8), which gives fairly comprehensive details of the functioning of the kidneys and various options available if kidney failure occures. The readers in general, and those in the older age group in particular, may be interested to know in details the preventive aspects to ensure that functioning of the kidneys remains normal or near normal. Perhaps a separate write-up on this subject may prove to be a valuable guide to the readers. T.S. CHAWLA |
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