Sunday, May 6, 2001		Feedback

APROPOS of Dr N.N. Wig and Dr B.K. Sharma’s write-up "How to cope with stress" (April 22), there exist a series of interactions between the brain and the immune system, suggesting a link through which stress might affect the immune function and enhance vulnerability to illness. The writers have suggested various means to cope with stress but they have not emphasised emotional intelligence. No skill is more important in coping with stress than emotional intelligence. To be emotionally intelligent is to recognise our own feelings and reactions. Tune into them and act accordingly. Self-awareness, a disciplined approach to life and a strong sense of empathy are some of the attributes of an emotionally intelligent person.

Those who grow to maturity with poor emotional intelligence are bound to face greater stress than emotionally intelligent persons.

Emotional intelligence is born of balance and detachment, which fosters compassion and altruism in relationships with others.

P.L. SETHI
Patiala

This refers to the article "Into the magic world of P.C. Sorcar" by Shubhrangshu Gupta (April 15,) in which the writer enumerates very interesting facts about the magical feats performed by the world-famous magician. The public is generally aware of things like the rope trick only. So it comes as a surprise to read about tricks that most of us have not even heard of. The long list reads almost like a fairy tale. The details about the family history of the magician and about the members of his family also help to give a personal touch to the famous personality.

A great figure who is known and admired all over the world for his spell-binding magical feats, should be given more exposure here also so that people in greater numbers get better-acquainted with his achievements.

Towards this end writing of more books about him and his feats, more frequent programmes about him on T.V. as well as interviews with him on the small screen are some of the steps that are highly desirable for, after all, he is a very important and unique personality of our country.

AMRITPAL TIWANA
Kalka

This refers to "Triumph of grit" by Ashwini Bhatnagar. (April 16). India saw dream performances by youngsters like V.V.S Laxman, Harbhajan, Vijay Dahiya and Dighe who were adequately supported by experienced seniors like Dravid and Tendulkar.

The youngsters have been the find of the series. They have been in and out of the Indian squad in the past few years. But their remarkable comeback is evidence of the fact that they are resilient, strong and determined to succeed.

B. M. PURI
Solan

The special issue you brought out on Maharaja Ranjit Singh was brilliant.

SATISH K. KAPOOR
Jalandhar

This refers to the write-up "On the path to strength" by Laxmi Murthy (April 15). With a phenomenal increase in violence against women, it is necessary that they undergo training in self-defence. It should be treated as part of the drive for women’s empowerment. Workshops on self-defence where lessons on principles and technique of Wenlido are imparted must be organised in women’s colleges.

One thing which appeals to me about these workshops is the repeated emphasis which is laid on resorting to physical self-defence only when all else — assertive verbal skills, obtaining assistance, using negotiation or humour — fails. We must equip women with ways of coping and emerging as forceful human-beings through such strategies of self-defence like Wenlido as it builds on women’s ability to trust their own instincts.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana