M A I L B A G

English medium schools

THIS is with reference to the article of Kulwinder Singh (Dec 19). The writer has said that primary education should have mother tongue as the medium of instruction and the government should ban English medium in primary education. No doubt primary education should have the mother tongue as the medium of instruction. But the writer’s demand to ban English medium in primary education is not justified. English is the need of the day. There is no harm in retaining English medium schools. Besides English, the mother tongue and other languages can also be taught.

In this competitive world, English is essential for the overall development of one’s personality. Youths unfamiliar with English will not be able to prove their competence in the era of globalisation. In our primary education system, disparity exists between public schools and government schools at the very grassroot level. This disparity should be removed by introducing a three-language formula. The children at the age of five can learn three languages easily.

MADHU BALA
Kurukshetra

Shimla’s heritage

The admirers of Shimla’s heritage will welcome the Chief Minister’s announcement to ban construction in the town’s core area.

“Willow Bank” used to be a magnificent building on The Mall in the heart of the town. A British banker, Mr Cook, had built it in Gothic style. It is now owned by a Delhi-based business family, who purchased it in an auction in 1962.

The owners have now pulled down the structure to raise a multistorey modern hotel.

Keeping in view the Chief Minister’s and public’s concern for preserving the heritage of Shimla, I suggest that instead of raising a multistorey concrete structure, which the hillside may not bear, one like the old “Willow Bank” should be constructed in the same architectural style. The building so raised can house a state old-age home. This will be an act to preserve the town’s heritage. The owner of the plot can be suitably compensated.

K. L. NOATAY
Shimla

Polite policemen

This is with reference to the editorial “Polite policemen” (Dec 20). You have correctly said that in order to make the policemen behave, the officers will have to set an example in their dealings with the people. They will have to themselves change their own attitude before imparting lessons to the ordinary policeman.

No policeman is worth his salt if he does not enjoy the confidence of the people. The image of the police can be improved by developing a constructive and positive attitude towards the people. Police officers are expected to function impartially. Timely action of the police goes a long way to satisfy the public and enhances its image in public estimation. The aggrieved person should always take the policeman as a friend, if not an angel. Time alone will tell how far the top brass would succeed in their mission to make the policemen polite and courteous. Lectures may be delivered to policemen so that the instructions of the top brass are carried to the lower ranks. Policemen should understand that they are friends and not masters of the people.

H. L. KAPOOR
New Delhi

Prior warning: Your suggestion of warning the public before the police turns polite is valid. The public at large is too terrified anyone wearing khaki. The law-abiding citizen has obeyed the dictates of any one remotely associated with the police, meekly and without questioning the legitimacy of the order or daring to ask for the identity of the policeman. A polite policeman may have to identify himself and it is a good idea. In all developed countries policemen and women do make it a point to identify themselves before interacting with the citizens.

SAMANDEEP KAPOOR
Jalandhar cantt

Cricket ties with Pak

Cancelling of cricket ties will not solve the problem of cross-border terrorism. Moreover, why India has chosen only cricket and not all sporting ties? We should let them see that our boys can play them on their soil. Imagine how great it will be to see Sachin, Saurav and Dravid blast them away or Wasim, Waqar, and Razzaq shatter their wickets or it can be our own Zaheer walking away with those deadly yorkers.

SANJEEV JOSHUA
Palmadala (USA)