M A I L B A G

We must cleanse the system of power brokers

THIS has reference to H.K. Dua’s article, “Tragedy of politics: Power brokers are capturing the system” (June 9). People see no future in this country where governments tend to divide society by encouraging reservations at the cost of merit. People like the late Pramod Mahajan, who were instrumental in getting huge funds for his party, are respected by a party with a difference. Power brokers have come to stay and as such they amass huge wealth for themselves and their kin.

Voters are also responsible for such a situation. When netas come during elections, we go out of the way to welcome them. We never ask them about their plans and vision. Money and muscle power is used freely to lure voters. Those close to the leaders get plum posts and hence acceptability in society.

RAVI KUMAR, Chheharta (Amritsar)

II

The political system is not wholly responsible for the present mess. Blame it on the opportunistic people who are manning the system. There is general decay of moral and social values. True, the general masses feel helpless, but the powerful are perpetuating the ills to suit their interests.

The main reason behind this is the lack of patriotism and nationality among the people who have also become opportunistic. Why accuse Pramod Mahajan alone? The politicians, the bureaucracy, the judiciary, industrialists and intelligentsia are also responsible for the malady. The money culture has come to stay; it is immaterial by whatever means one acquires it.

PURAN SINGH, Chandigarh

III

The “tragedy of politics”, aptly coined by Mr Dua, is, in fact, the tragedy of our judicial system which we have inherited from our colonial masters. Criminals go scot free for one reason or the other leading to criminalisation and depravity.

Speedy dispensation of justice will certainly check the crime rate. Occasional but delayed efforts of the judiciary do not prove to be fruitful.

SHYAM SUNDER AIRI, Kapurthala

IV

The phenomenon of money power dictating politics, policies and decisions is on expected lines as it is natural that who ever gives money to any political party expects something in return.

Apparently, the nexus between corrupt politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats is responsible for the present malady. As a result, sometimes high profile cases of corruption do not reach the logical conclusion. In such cases, though it is said that law will take its own course, it takes a particular course. Should the law be allowed to take its own course due to political expediency?

GURDERSHAN SINGH, Chandigarh

V

The commentary about current politics and politicians is quite relevant and timely. However, singling out the late Pramod Mahajan is harsh. There is no case of corruption, cheating or any other crime against him in any court of law.

There are, however, many netas like Laloo Prasad Yadav, Shibu Soren, Taslimuddin, Satish Sharma, Buta Singh, Mayawati — the list is long — who are either charge-sheeted, jailed or court cases have been haunting them. These netas fit in aptly in the category of politicians responsible for the debasement of politics.

J.K. MAGO, Panchkula

VI

Mr Dua has given a true picture about what is happening since Independence. Politicians being shrewd, people are changing the system to suit their own interest. That is why the Indian Constitution has been amended so many times within 56 years where as the US could only manage 11 amendments since 1776!

SHER SINGH, Ludhiana

VII

There is a big nexus of capitalists, politicians and bureaucrats which rules the roost at the top. This nexus does everything. There is another nexus of police, mafia and officers at the lower level. The people have to depend upon this nexus even for FIR registration for a theft or to get a license. The whole atmosphere is vitiated and works under this nexus.

Self-introspection is the need of hour. Our youth should be imparted rudimentary military and civil defence training. The print media (the electronic media has failed) should encourage the journalists and educators to introduce themes of national pride into their work. We can trust the print media to help restore the lost glory of patriotism.

S.K. KHOSLA, Chandigarh

Khusrau: a towering personality THE Haryana Urdu Akademi has made a laudable effort to organise a two-day seminar on Hazarat Amir Khusrau, a prominent representative of Indo-Muslim culture and a towering personality of medieval India history. As a poet, writer, philosopher, mystic, musician and historian, he has left an indelible impression on history. There is hardly any aspect of human life which his restless mind leaves untouched. He was responsible for the future development of the Urdu language and its inherent humanism. He was probably the first Indian Muslim writer to make use of Hindi words and idioms and write on Indian themes. Even his poetic fancy was an incentive to social action as it gives a direction to the cultural life of that period. Khusrau represented the whole epoch which was agog with cultural potentialities and accomplishments. He was proud of his Indian origin and Hindi poetry. He compares India to the Garden of Eden and praises the fertility of its soil. Khusrau was a religious man but he was not a fanatic. Tolerance of believers of other creeds was a prominent feature of his character. PRAMOD SANGAR, Professor of History, Panjab University, Chandigarh