M A I L B A G

Life is really worth living

This refers to Shalini Marwaha’s article on tackling the problem of suicide (Perspective, June 26). Something must be done to arrest the growing number of suicide cases. In the modern materialistic and competition-ridden society, where money is valued more than emotional feelings and relationships, parents pin their hopes on their children and coerce them towards worldly achievement. This poses a burden on many sensitive minds, leading in some cases to depression and suicide. Parents fail to analyse why their children are sulking and they turn a deaf ear to their grievances. Children who need solace and a healing touch get nothing, and they resort to various forms of rebellion, including suicide.

Similarly, of late, farmers are reported to have committed suicide in many states. The governments are responsible for their plight. It is during the elections that farmers are blessed with benefits — loans, free electricity, and so on, that lead them to pamper themselves. And when loans are to be paid back, they are left with nothing. Eventually, they resort to suicide.

Dr VINOD K CHOPRA,  Hamirpur

II

I fully endorse Shalini Marwaha’s views in her thought-provoking article on suicides. She has very rightly said that a person who attempts suicide is “calling for help,” and not inviting punishment. In fact, everyone desires to live life fully. One can see even ‘the disabled’ struggling with the hardships of life and finding a way out successfully.

It is a fact that only due to sheer depression, despair and failures in life that a human being thinks about putting an end to one’s life. If someone survives a suicide attempt, it is the responsibility of both government and non-governmental organisations to come together to alleviate that person’s suffering and create a sense of hope.

RAVI PARKASH,  Kalayat, Kaithal

Lessons of history Several efforts are being made by the leaders of India and Pakistan to create an atmosphere of friendship and peace between the two countries. These include holding cricket matches, introduction of bus services and visits of leaders of both countries. It appears easy for the politicians of both countries to forget or ignore the history of the last 50 years which witnessed many wars. Can we forget all this over a sixer or a bowl of biryani? Ask this question to the solders of the Indian Army living at the Saichen or the people who have lost their loved ones. We the countrymen and politicians make our soldiers guard the silent peaks of the Himalayas or the deserts of Rajasthan and can modify our thoughts and feelings overnight because we have not undergone the horrifying experience of war. Of course, war is a curse for any country and must be avoided at any cost. But we must remember the lessons of history even as we work for peace. KULDEEP SHARMA, Chandigarh

Eknath Solkar

The death of Eknath Solkar has come as a shock to all cricket lovers. Standing close to the batsman at the forward short-leg position and that too without a helmet, Solkar was taking a grave risk to life during his career. It is really amazing to learn how a person from such a poor background realized his dream of playing at the international level.

He was selected at a time when the Indian Cricket team was considered a weak one, having once been bundled out for a total of a mere 42 runs in a Test Match against England. Solkar, with his individual highest score of 18 runs including one six, remained not out in that ill-fated match.

Though Eknath Solkar is no more, he will be remembered for ever as one of the best fielders in the world of cricket.

NIRMAL KUMAR, Panchkula

Laudable action

This refers to the news item ‘Villagers lock schools as teachers play truant’ (July 1). I think this is the right way to deal with teachers who play truant. Teachers are responsible and respectable members of our society and such behaviour is not expected from people who have to lay the foundation for tomorrow.

Teachers have been considered a model for students since time immemorial. Moreover, a student learns more from a teacher’s actions than from his classes. Today’s teachers are well paid and the society at least experts morality, punctuality and honesty from the teachers.

Prof. PARVEEN RANA, Hoshiarpur