Sunday, November 19, 2000		Feedback

APROPOS of Naveen S. Garewal’s thought-provoking article, "Now, greed Gods!" (November 5), admittedly Indian audiences have been exposed to big money shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati and Sawal Dus Crore Ka on TV for the first time.

It is wrong to say that these shows promote gambling, for the contestants do not spend their own money. To become rich was never despised in traditional India, but the only condition was one ought to adopt honest means. To be fair, at least becoming a crorepati on the game show is a far more honest way than the corrupt means that are adopted in our society. How then it can be claimed that such big money shows are discouraging people from earning money by honest means?

P.L. SETHI
Patiala

The recent spate of big money game shows on various satellite channels has added a new dimension to TV viewing. Such shows fuel the middle class aspiration of making a fast buck. Add to this the glamour of filmstars as anchors and the popularity of these shows is easy to understand.

Shows like KBC and SDCK have broken the monotony of conventional soap operas. Moreover, these shows appeal to the young as well as the old alike. The questions asked are of interest to a wider section of society as well. They range from politics to sports, from law to mythology and from science to fiction. These game-shows are an ideal way to relax after a hard day’s work.

RAJNEESH GOYAL
Mansa

This is with reference to the article "The no-child family" by Aradhika Sekhon (October 29), in which the writer has discussed the new trend of opting to remain childless so that other potentialities of a couple might be realised to the fullest.

There is no doubt that motherhood is one of the biggest joys of life for a woman, even though it brings great responsibilities right from the start. But it must not be imposed upon anyone. A woman has every right to decide what she wants from her life. This is also true that while children bestow great joy upon parents, sometimes they bring them great heartburn and heartbreak too. If a couple chooses not to have any children, this extra worry, responsibility and heartburn can’t touch them.

The question of who will look after them when the couple becomes old and frail and yearn to have a sense of belonging, looms large over them, specially when one of the partners is no more. Then the feeling of being unloved, unwanted, uncared for and lonely can creep in.

But it is certainly a question of personal priorities and they vary from person to person. Every one has the basic right to decide what comprises happiness for him or her and whether to have children or not.

AMRITPAL TIWANA
Kalka

Everyone has a right to decide about his or her own life. As such all such decisions get justifications from the individuals concerned. But justifications put forward in this case seem to be quite selfish and frivolous.

With maternity leave benefits and other favourable provisions, initiated by the government, it is not difficult for working women to take care of their children. When the children grow up then they do not need their mothers’ constant attention.

Living with children and watching them grow also provides a purpose and meaning to the otherwise monotonous life of grandparents and other elderly people in the family. Good children are also an asset for the nation.

B.M. PURI
Solan

With reference to Dharmendra Rataul’s write-up "ways to beat boredom" (October 22), psychologists know that boredom can cause fatigue, depression, divorce, delinquency, insomnia and even insanity, absolute boredom literally can drive people crazy. In other words, boredom can result in psychological, emotional and social destruction.

One proven way to dispel boredom is to get intensely interested in or angry about something. There are an infinite number of good causes nowadays to attract you — from pollution to politics and the war on illiteracy or poverty. Another way to decrease boredom is to change the little things in life, break the long-established habits that lead to lassitude. Give up smoking; plan a vacation for the whole family that will help you rediscover yourself, your spouse and your children; read some books that may not be on the bestseller list.

How we meet our frustrations will be crucial in times to come. Behaviourial scientist B.F. Skinner feels; "The idea of redesigning a way of life is going to be the dominant theme of future." Education will be directed towards enrichment rather than for professional skills; more minority groups will seek equality and identity; big business will be made increasingly responsible for providing more meaningful jobs and more meaningful goals.

K.M. VASHISHT
Mansa

Boredom is a state of unhappiness and emptiness. A bored person refuses to participate in group activities and withdraws himself into his own shell. Boredom has proved to be a serious problem in recent times despite innumerable multiples sources of entertainment. It is a fact that prolonged boredom causes serious psychological disorders, aggressions, violence, revolt, depression and tensions.

A person who lets himself get bored is even more contemptible than a bore. We can beat boredom by changing our lifestyles and diversifying our interests. We should take a break from our daily dull routine, enjoy the pleasures of life and face challenges bravely. If we go out of our way to help the poor, elderly and lonely people, our boredom will definitely vanish. We should cultivate the habit of taking morning and evening walks regularly to break the monotony of our routine life. We can beat boredom by involving ourselves with the world around us and taking part in social gatherings.

AVINISH BHASKAR
Yamunanagar