M A I L B A G

Corruption has become a way of life

CORRUPTION has become a way of life in India. It has embraced all. Before pointing out fingers at others, we need to ask ourselves if we have paid donations to get our sons and daughters admitted to the so-called good convent schools or medical/ engineering colleges. If the answer is in affirmative, we cannot and should not point fingers at Telgi, Jayalalitha or Judeo. We all are a part and parcel of it.

The situation has come to such a pass that corrupt practices are employed even for getting admission into prestigious IIMs. It is pathetic to see the young and talented professionals passing out of good Institutions with flying colours only to discover that to survive in the real world outside, they need to master one more art i.e. the art of corruption. It is not easy for these intelligent and talented minds to immediately digest this grim reality and this is one of the major causes for the growing exodus of intelligent professionals from India to abroad.

According to a recent International survey, we are one of the most corrupt nations of the world. Let us rise from our deep slumber and take stock of the prevailing situation. Otherwise, we have no right to demand our rights as citizens of this great nation.

SIMMI PATHAK, Amritsar

A Chair will do

Why should the Himachal Pradesh government okay the plan for an International University of Buddhist Studies at Dharamsala? Mushrooming of universities should not be allowed. Instead, an International Chair of Buddhist Studies should be established under H.P. University at PG College, Dharamshala.

KRISHAN KUMAR KATOCH, Palampur

Honour killings

Reference your editorial “Honour killings” (Nov 28) of teenagers in Northern India who marry outside the wishes of their parents is a pointer to the backwardness, feudal and possessive mindset of the parents and the communities.

The arranged marriages have remained successful till the economic needs were fewer. The world has changed and we must change for the positive benefits, shedding our inhibitions. Marriages outside the community should not be despised in the interest of human rights as well as the growth of society.

B.B. GOYAL, Ludhiana

ISD tariffs

The Post and Telegraph authorities are providing concessions in STD tariffs on Sundays and other national holidays. Concession in STD tariffs is being provided at different times of the day. We request the authorities to provide concessions in ISD tariffs also. The mobile phones are already providing such facility.

N.P.S. SOHAL, Jalandhar