M A I L B A G

International Space Station

YOUR paper needs to be applauded for featuring an exhaustive account of International Space Station (November 16) in an article titled ‘A permanent home in space at last’ by Mr Amar Chandel.

This is particularly refreshing in a journalistic milieu in which most of the papers, most of the time, are overrun by political affairs, and the so-called ‘newsworthy’ events, no matter how inconsequential, otherwise. As G.K. Chesterton, in his characteristic humorous vein, says: “Journalism largely consists in saying ‘Lord Jones Dead’ to people who never knew Lord Jones alive.”

The language, style and the contents of the article are highly commendable. The technical details of the shuttle, arrangements of cooperation between the participating nations, objectives of the mission have been lucidly described.

I must again compliment your paper and the author on capturing so well and so timely a stimulating and topical theme, and for being alive to a historic occasion.

M. K. AGARWAL
Panchkula

Shortage of army officers

The Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes’ statement (Nov 23) that the army is unaffected by the officers’ shortage has certainly to be taken with a pinch of salt!

A large shortage of 12,155 officers in our Army should be a matter of serious concern, with a decade old proxy war going on in Jammu and Kashmir and insurgency in the North East.

R. S. KATOCH
Jammu

Use of Hindi

It is a matter of satisfaction that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has directed his office to send all official letters/replies in and outside the country only in Hindi if it is not possible to reply in the language of received letter/s.

However, an English translation may be attached for convenience of non-Hindi offices/persons.

Prime Minister’s regret was genuine that even Hindi speaking states were also corresponding with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in English.

To fulfil the ambitions of Constitution makers, every possible step should be taken to promote Hindi as the official language of India.

MADHU AGRAWAL
New Delhi

Noise pollution

South City in Ludhiana is being promoted as a pollution free residential area. The dust pollution is certainly less. However, noise-pollution wise, it is one of the most polluted areas. It is surrounded by four villages each having a religious place with a high tech loudspeaker and often all blare together creating a cacophony early morning and evening.

Certainly not a place for the elderly and students.

COL B. D. SINGH
Ludhiana

Right to information

In his letter “Freedom of Information bill” (Nov. 20) Mr H.L. Kapoor has rightly highlighted the clauses required to be incorporated in this bill, e.g., independent forum for appeal against refusal of information and penalties to be imposed in case information is withheld without valid reasons.

If these clauses are incorporated in the bill, every Indian will have a sigh of relief and the gospel of: “living with dignity and social justice” will become a reality of life.

RAJINDER K. GUPTA
Jagraon