Sunday, June 3, 2001		Feedback

Kindle creativity in children

APROPOS of Smriti Bakshi’s article "There are too many colours in the rainbow..." (May 20). Not all children are intelligent, creative and talented. When it comes to studying, some are gifted in one way, while others in another. Some grasp easily, others have to work harder. Wise parents will always make an allowance for these differences. They should avoid making unfair comparisons between children in their family. Many children can overcome these handicaps in life, provided they are given proper training and encouragement. Wise parents should realise that each child deserves a fair chance to develop in his or her own way, rather than being forced to follow in another person’s footsteps. Some of the greatest people in the world were not brilliant in schools. In most cases, they developed and matured slowly but their contributions to humanity were far more enduring than those of their classmates. Parents should create a congenial environment at home by respecting the right of each other, working out their problems and not quarrelling before their children.

O.P. SHARMA, Faridabad

"Bond with the beads" (May 13) by Maharaj K. Koul was an informative article. The beneficial properties of rudraksh is amazing. The legend that rudraksh originated from the tears of Lord Shiva, lends them an aura of spirituality. Aware of their miraculous advantages, hermits and ascetics wore rudraksh beads as these helped them to concentrate on their meditation, besides keeping them physically fit. Rudraksh beads act as a soothing antidote to anxiety, and strain.

It is tragic that this benevolent tree is vanishing fast. It may become extinct one day. Something must be done to protect this sacred tree. It is a wake-up call for the people of the Chipko Movement and other agencies to act so that the wonder tree can be preserved for posterity.

TARSEM S. BUMRAH, Batala

Apropos of B.K. Sharma’s thought-provoking write-up "Facing the ultimate reality of Life" (May 20). The writer very aptly summarises the fear and mystique of death. No wonder that human beings seldom, or perhaps never, think of death, particularly their own. Man, they feel, was born to live, hence the obsessive preoccupation with living life to the fall. No one has the time to contemplate on death, despite the knowledge that in this material world death is certain and can come without warning at any time.

While most religions speak of death in tearful tones. The Vedas speak of death freely and impress that it is not to be feared. Even then we fear it. It is because we knew enough about birth, but very little about death. Only that we cannot escape it. What happens after death? Is there life after death? What is the real purpose of human life? Is there a soul? Where does the soul go after it leaves the body? Such questions should plague the mind of any normal thinking person.

In a sense even when terminally or fatally ill, on the threshold of death, we think only of how to prolong life. It is so because we could not understand the meaning of death.

P.L. SETHI, Patiala