M A I L B A G

India’s quest for permanent seat in UNSC

Apropos of Inder Malhotra’s article “Quest for permanent seat: Harsh realities have to be faced” (Dec 9), after World War II, five United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members were given veto power for taking consensus decisions — a useful instrument of the UN structure. Majority is elixir to democracy, yet consensus, or respect for dissent is super elixir.

The Security Council worked well for 50 years but now, in the changed situation, inclusion of India, the world’s sixth, with veto power is the need of the hour for its better functioning.

In this context, Russian President Vladmir Putin’s support is welcome. After all, Russia has been a friend of India for decades. If Russia is not Soviet Union today, India today too is not what it was in 1950. Friendship amongst equals is real friendship.

PRAN SALHOTRA, Gurdaspur

II

On the basis of the two models proposed by the UN expert committee on the Security Council expansion, India should join the Security Council as a permanent member as per Model A, though without veto power.  Model B provides for no new permanent seat, so it is not attractive for India.

Under Model A, there are two proposed new permanent seats without veto power for the Asian region. Russian president Vladimir Putin has also supported India’s claim for a permanent seat in the Security Council with veto power. However, the United States, which is increasingly eyeing India as an emerging power in the world, has not yet supported India’s berth with veto power. Having realised this, India, as an emerging global power and contributing financially, militarily and diplomatically to the UN and world peace, should support Model A and stake claim for one of the two Asian seats. This is a lifetime opportunity not to be missed by India.

BHUPINDER SINGH KANG, GND University, Amritsar

III

Mere financial contribution to the UN should not be the sole criterion for its expansion. The population of a country too should be given due weightage for deciding the status (permanent or four-year renewable term) of the candidates for this purpose. As it is, India deserves to be a permanent member of the Security Council due to her being a major developing nation, with one billion plus population, though she cannot compete with the financially rich countries to contribute sufficiently towards the UN funds.

It is time India’s claim was accepted. Even if the new members are not granted permanent seats, let them (including India) be selected for a four-year renewable term with veto power.

Major SARDAR SINGH (retd), Jalandhar City

IV

“A successful man is one who lays a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him”. India certainly needs to bear this in mind. India wants a permanent seat in the Security Council and a veto power too. But it is still a developing country even after 57 years of Independence. A substantial chunk of the population is illiterate with no basic amenities. India should cleanse the system of corruption, provide basic amenities to people and improve the security situation.

India should strengthen its position in the world with more positive steps. It should take small steps, each step towards that goal. The day India proves its potential of being a developed nation, it will automatically get a permanent seat in the Security Council.

SANGITA CHAKI ROY, Rakkar Colony (Una)

Onus on parents This has reference to Neelam Sharma’s article, “Parents responsible if children get spoiled” (Dec 16). She has rightly blamed the current TV serials for preaching unethical behaviour, obscenity and undermining truth, honesty, commitment and dedication. If the present trend continues, it would be difficult for parents to inculcate progressive and positive values among their children. She has also rightly said that the environment plays a major role in the personality development of a child. The most important factor is the family environment. Besides parents, teachers can equally play an important role in shaping the destiny of children. Classmates and friends also mould the personality of children to which parents should pay serious attention. ASHOK AHUJA, Chairman, Sachkhand Convent School, Abohar

Not Siberian cranes

Apropos of the report “Siberian cranes arrive in Kanjli” (Dec 13), the total world population of this species is not more than 3,000. It is also on the critically endangered list of Bird Life International.

Thus, it would be difficult for one to agree with the view in the report that Siberian cranes are present in hundreds at Kanjli. Moreover, the picture used in the report is that of a duck and not of Siberian crane.

There is also no bird called water crow. In fact, there is a bird called Cormorant. In Punjabi, it is called jaal kaan.

SUKHDEEP SINGH BAJWA, Hon. Wildlife Warden, Qadian (Gurdaspur)

Heartening news

Two news-items, “Separate Sikh personal law sought” and “Draft for setting up of Sikh Confederation released” (Nov 15) are heartening for Sikhs the world over. The Sikh religion has been passing through one crisis after another since India’s Independence. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the institutions run by it are mired in acrimony and mismanagement. There is lack of accountability and responsibility.

Sikhism is known for its universal brotherhood. We should follow the teachings of our Great Gurus in letter and spirit. There is urgent need to free Sikhs from the shackles of fallacies, fiction and aberrations.

JASWANT SINGH SIDHU, Ludhiana

Friends of humankind

The Himachal Pradesh government has rightly decided to set up a centre for captive breeding of vultures at Saini Majra near Solan (Dec 7). Vultures are friends of human kind as they work as natural scavengers by feeding on carcasses. By doing so, they help maintain the ecological balance. Although diclofenac is mainly held responsible for the rapid extinction of the species, other factors like the use of pesticides in green fodder, viral strain and destruction of suitable habitats of these birds cannot be ruled out.

The captive breeding projects need a lot of care. The people and various societies should extend all cooperation to such ventures. Scientists too should explore alternatives to diclofenac which may be free from any fatal effect on these birds. There is also the need for opening more breeding centres in other parts of the country.

HARBANS LAL MEHMI, Chandigarh