M A I L B A G

Strive to end fatwa practice

This refers to the news-item “SC issues notice on fatwas” (Aug 17). While the judiciary will take care of the legal aspects, the problem has social ramifications which will have to be addressed by the people themselves.

The unsavoury practice of issuing fatwas, hukamnamas or edicts by the clergy or panchayats prevalent in India in different communities defies the logic and spirit of forward thinking and reform. It does not have legal sanction and is not acceptable in modern society. The enlightened among the concerned communities should strive hard to put an end to it.

Wg-Cdr C.L. SEHGAL (retd), Jalandhar

II

Undoubtedly, our Constitution recognises no parallel system of any kind that seeks to establish a state within a state. Fatwas given by the clergy or any social or cultural group have no value and legal sanction. People are not bound to obey these illegal directives as these are not guaranteed by the Constitution and, therefore, have absolutely no recognition whatsoever. They do not have legal sanction and are totally unacceptable.

BALDEV S. KANG, Bassi Pathana (Fatehgarh Sahib)

M.Ed course

The introduction of M.Ed course in Punjabi University Campus at Patiala is welcome (Aug 16). As many new B.Ed colleges will start functioning from this year in Punjab, this course will help a lot in meeting the requirement of M.Ed-trained faculty.

Those B.Ed colleges having the requisite infrastructure may be allowed to start M.Ed course. Presently, M.Ed course is available only at the Government Colleges of Education, Patiala and Faridkot. M.Ed course in good B.Ed colleges would be a boon for serving teachers who want to improve their qualifications. M.Ed classes could be started in the evening shift, under the direct supervision of the Punjabi University’s Education Department.

Dr P.P. SINGHAL, Colonel College of Education, Chural Kalan (Sangrur)

Grants to schools

The government is creating a mess in education by withdrawing grants from recognised grant-in-aid schools. This amounts to withdrawal of the previous government’s commitment. If there is a chronic shortage of funds, the government may reduce the grant and pay scales of private-aided schools. But suspension of grants is a great injustice to the teaching community and the managing bodies of the educational institutions.

At present, recognised schools are the only source of imparting good education to the poor and common people. These institutions are actually saving education from becoming commerce.

SUBHASH KUMAR SOOD, Tarn Taran

Servile mindset

The weather has been hot in many parts of the region. Sweating profusely, one feels uncomfortable, more so while going out in the sun. Yet, ironically, we find students wearing necktie as part of the school uniform. It is like inflicting punishment on them in sultry weather. This should be dispensed with immediately.

Even many employees in offices and outside are seen sporting a tie irrespective of the humid atmosphere to look well-dressed and impressive. This only shows that we have a servile mindset that equates a necktie with smart appearance befitting a burra sahib.

This is pitiable. When shall we get over this slavish mentality and start  thinking as a free people and progress as a nation with honour?                                           

Wg-Cdr S.C. KAPOOR (retd), Noida

Ban vulgar films

If the Centre is of the view that smoking and drinking are unhealthy and pollute the minds of children, there should also be a ban on the films which focus on violence, nudity and vulgarity in the name of art. In exceptional cases, smoking and drinking scenes may be allowed in a film if a particular scene demands it, not otherwise.

However, the million-dollar question is: will the ban make any substantial improvement in the lives of the people? Those who want to smoke or drink will do so in spite of the ban. Only proper education and awareness in this regard can bring some positive results.

There must be a total ban on excessive violence, nudity and vulgarity.

A.K. KAUL, Chandigarh

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The Supreme Court’s notice on the use of obscene pictures by the media is welcome (Aug 18). The media should not promote sexuality and other unwanted exposure among minors, adolescents and family members. The media — print and electronic — should avoid vulgar depiction of women to protect society from its harmful effects.

SUDESH KUMAR SOOD, Tarn Taran

Have fruit juice for good health You are sweating under scorching heat. To quench your thirst, what would you prefer — juice or cola…? Most of us would generally opt for a cola. The main hurdle facing the fruit juice market today is the competition from soft drink companies. But juice makers believe that a shrinking cola market implies an expanding juice market. People’s habit of having tea or coffee in the morning is another big hurdle for juice makers. If people switch over to a glass of juice every morning instead of coffee or tea, it will work wonders. What is needed is an awareness campaign to popularise fruit juices with slogans like ‘Khali pet chai to apne dushman ko bhi mat pilao’ (don’t offer tea even to your enemy on an empty stomach). This would go a long way in popularising juice. Let’s have a glass of juice every morning for a happier and healthier future! KAPIL LAKHWARA, Birla lnstitute of Management & Technology, Greater Noida