M A I L B A G

Human spirit will always triumph

The editorial "Let's all help" (Dec 29) has struck the right note by evoking the sage concept of "Vasudhaiva Katumbakam" at this hour of tragedy in parts of South and South-East Asia. It took just 7-10 minutes for the nature to spit fury out of its watery bosom and wreak havoc, devastation and misery on innocent mortals.

As the editorial aptly points out, though the tragedy is grim and horrific, there is no room for letting ourselves bogged down by despondency and gloom. All the countries must rise as one entity to bring succour and solace to the marooned and the orphaned and prove that though nature's wrath may bring misery, human spirit will always triumph.

Our triumph lies in doing whatever each one of us can in the relief and rehabilitation to mitigate the pain of loss among the Tsunami-affected multitudes. The affluent nations should break the barriers of apathy, geography and politics to take the lead and contribute magnanimously in this dark hour of human tragedy of global dimensions. Will the US, which signs off millions of dollars for unjustified and illegal wars with just a Presidential flick of the pen, act humanitarian?

SUBHASH C. SHARMA, Palampur (Kangra)

II

Admittedly, when nature becomes indifferent, even man equipped with scientific knowledge is helpless. But it is wrong to conclude that there was little forewarning in the tragedy. No doubt, earthquakes are unpredictable, but tsunami gives notice through a quake. The scale of tragedy would have certainly been less had the two hours between the quake that struck Sumatra and tsunami that hit our east coast been used to issue some kind of warning. Alas, it did not happen and the death toll became too heavy!

Why were the two golden hours not utilised to warn the people in the coastal areas? It is sad that despite our strides in space research, information and communication technology, our geologists and meteorology officials failed to give clues on the impending disaster. What is the purpose of spending crores of rupees on remote sensing, satellites and meteorological observatories?

P.L. SETHI, Patiala

III

Undoubtedly, huge funds are needed to rehabilitate the tsunami victims. The Tribune too has started an appreciable exercise in this regard. I suggest some ways to generate funds for the victims. For a temporary period, the government should levy 1 per cent rehabilitation tax on the telephone bills, mobile and landline. The newspaper price should be hiked from Rs 2 to 3. And 1 per cent cess must be deducted from the premia of LIC policies. Hikes in entertainment tax, parking fee and school, college and university fee should also be considered.

Once the goal is accomplished, this exercise should be stopped. The people, in general, should be motivated to donate liberally for the cause. The Tribune can play a bigger role in this challenging mission.

Prof RAJAN KAPOOR, Nakodar

IV

The politicians and VVIPs should avoid visiting the tsunami affected places. Only the armed forces should be involved in dealing with the relief and rehabilitation work. The whole effort should be aimed at creating a new Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Further, efforts should be made to make our coastal area a safe corridor against the future cruel waves.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari (Hamirpur) Glancy’s tenure

Glancy's tenure

Apropos of the middle “Remembering a Noorjahan” (Jan 6), Sir Bertrand james Glancy was Governor of Punjab from April 8, 1941 to April 7, 1946 .

R.K. KAUSHIK, Chandigarh