M A I L B A G

Prince: A profile in courage

After 50 hours of intense struggle, six-year-old Prince was rescued from 60 feet ditch by our brave Army jawans and some villagers. I salute the Indian Army for making virtually an impossible task possible. It was a Herculean task which could have resulted in many casualties besides Prince.

It required a lot of skill and stamina to work 60 feet underground in virtually oxygen-less air. The Army jawans, without caring for their lives, remained focused on their job. This rescue operation will go down as the most memorable in recent history.

However, there is no denying that Prince was the ultimate hero of the mission. He withstood the onslaught of adverse conditions with aplomb. He continued to interact with the people outside which made the whole operation successful. He has become a source of inspiration for all.

VIPIN SEHGAL, Ladwa

II

I refer to the editorial “Princely rescue” (July 25). Fortunately, the child was saved by the Herculean efforts of the Army and such help is difficult in many places.  It is said in safety engineering course that “Accidents don’t happen but are caused”. How true it is!

B.S. GANESH, Bangalore

III

Who are those great ordinary men who worked tirelessly and selflessly with cuts and bruises, removed the garbage and filth and dug in the well not caring for their own lives? Like martyrs, they did their duty with supreme sacrifice without expecting any reward or recognition. A grateful nation should salute these people who put sacrifice before themselves.

HARJINDER SINGH, Chandigarh

IV

The episode proves beyond doubt that our beloved countrymen have not been voicing out their feelings in vain: Yeh purab hae purab waley,/Har jaan ki qeemat jantey haen…

“Prince” — though only an ordinary child — is not just the son of “a poor farmer”. He is the “prince” of every heart in the country, an object of earnest prayer for one and all, irrespective of caste, colour and creed.

NIDHI MALHOTRA, Panipat

V

Having watched the entire episode on the television, I must congratulate the parents of the brave boy. They were calm and did not lose their heart in the most adverse circumstances though Prince remained in the ditch for two days.

The role of the media too was praiseworthy because earlier such incidents were either not so well covered or never coming to the limelight. This is yet another example of the significant strides the country has made in communications technology. Lastly, I must acknowledge the true helpful spirit of the Indians who have stood united for a noble cause.

Prof P.S. REKHI, Patiala

VI

It is indeed shocking that due to the inaction of the officials in covering the pit properly, the life of an innocent child was in danger. This incident warrants exemplary punishment to those responsible for leaving the pit uncovered.

It has also been observed that the workers of sewerage and telephone departments often dig pits and leave them uncovered. Though many people and animals get injured, such cases remain unreported and consequently, the authorities do not get things rectified.

G.D. GUPTA, Jagadhri

VII

The episode raises a pertinent question: Why was the pit left uncovered? This exposes the irresponsibility of the people who dug it. There are hundreds of such examples but only a few get exposed or highlighted by the media.

PREMINDER KAUR, Faridkot

VIII

Prince is an epitome of bravery. He displayed rare courage and nerves of steel while remained confined to the black hole for over 50 hours. TV cameras showed him courageously warding off some insects by throwing them away during those trying moments.

Col I.J.S. CHEEMA (retd),

Chandigarh