M A I L B A G

Granth will make us good human beings

I thank The Tribune very much for the timely and thought-provoking editorial "400 years of Light" (Aug 31). It has rightly echoed the sentiments of millions of people in the world by maintaining that let the quadri-centennial celebrations of the Guru Granth Sahib be an occasion to "strengthen the values of love of all mankind".

Common man is pained today to see mudslinging between the political parties and communal biases. What is happening in Parliament reflects a decay in our values. We love to pull down each other and cause hurt to others by our uncalled for utterances. Our desire for materialistic gains have made us forget our age-old traditions of brotherhood and harmony. Why can't we all think positive, help one another and live in peace? That will not only bring us happiness but also progress to the country.

May the Guru Granth Sahib be a beacon for all of us to be good human beings. May this historic occasion remind all of us that we are all one and belong to a great nation. Let’s move together as one team.

Colonel R.D. SINGH, Patterson Square, Ambala Cantonment

II

Guru Grant Sahib is a holy book not only for Sikhs but also for the entire universe. It spreads light that dispels darkness around and it is because of this magic that the festivity is termed as Parkash Utsav. The Granth transcends narrow walls like caste, colour or creed and even nations which stand as artificial barriers. It has the message of peace, morality, love, spirituality, humanism and a new social economic order where there is no exploitation or discrimination on the basis of birth, race and economic status. It has secular and socialistic credentials.

Prof K.L. BATRA, Yamunanagar

III

Cannot Parkash Singh Badal's Shrimoni Akali Dal, along with its fully controlled SGPC, forget their party and power politics even for two days at the Parkash Utsav at the Harmandir Sahib? Badal's taking over the whole scene from the SGPC Chief in taking the President and the Prime Minister around, the cold shouldering of the Punjab Chief Minister on the first day, the presentation of a saropa to Badal along with the President, the taking over of the stage at New Amritsar where the Guru Granth Sahib had been installed and Bibi Jagir Kaur turning political by attacking the state government's alleged tardiness in putting obstacles in the way of some Ragis from reaching the venue of functions, Badal and his many accomplaces seating themselves on the rath meant to carry the Palki Sahib from Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib and the chariot's subsequent breaking down and delaying matters, the shifting of the religious focus from the holy Harmandir Sahib to the SAD-SGPC controlled congregation for hours on Sept 1, and the departure of VVIPs from the Pandal with the Granth Sahib still installed there, are incidents that could have been best avoided.

When will we have a truly autonomous and truly represented SGPC which does not walk in the shadow of a political party like the SAD? When will we stop placing mundane demands on the Prime Minister on religious days, and get a move on in purging the SAD of its aging gladiators who will let none in except their kith and kin, and when will we reorganise the SGPC so that it is not as toothless as it is today?

The Harmandir Sahib belongs to the entire world and is not restricted to any one personality, political party or committee like the SGPC.

Maj-Gen HIMMAT SINGH GILL (retd), Chandigarh

Reducing babudom Apropos of the editorial "Reform babudom" (Aug 19), reforms are possible through a foolproof system of working. I offer the following suggestions: First, the government should encourage public dealings online. This will reduce the need for babus. Wherever possible, government enterprises should be converted into private houses which are cooperative and customer-friendly. Secondly, the system of permanent jobs should be abolished in government offices. By this, the deadwood and non-performing officers can be weeded out. And finally, the procedure for complaints should be made easy. Such information should be displayed well in the offices. Dr ANUP K. GAKKHAR, Jalandhar City

Problem of street dogs

The residents of Sector 35 B, Chandigarh, have been facing the problem of street dogs for quite some time. Sick dogs keep roaming here and there. When our friends and relatives visit our home, they also get scared. Moreover, the foul smell of sick dogs has become a health hazard. The authorities concerned should take prompt steps to solve this problem.

POOJA, Chandigarh