M A I L B A G

Govt shouldn’t protect Ujjain teacher’s killers

I refer to the editorial “Murder, murder” (Aug 31). It is really very painful to learn that Prof Harbhajan Singh Sabharwal was beaten to death by his students who were reportedly the ABVP leaders at Ujjain. Is this the 
way to treat a teacher?

I have heard several tales from childhood about the ancient and glorious city, Ujjain, the citadel of Indian culture and history. The killers of Prof Sabharwal must be given exemplary punishment. They are a big blot on the student community.

It is disturbing to note that the BJP-ruled state government is trying to play down the incident for political mileage. All those involved in the murder must be punished in accordance with the law.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

II

What a gory murder in Ujjain, once the golden seat of learning! Prof Sabharwal’s lynching by his own students resulting in his death and also Prof Nath’s severe beating in the passive presence of the cops does not speak well about the law and order machinery of the state. Leaders of national parties should help bring all the guilty to book, not just a few persons.

Elections to the students’ unions should be banned so that the so-called leaders don’t indulge in anti-social activities.

Prof B.M. RAWLLEY, Nabha

RTI Act blues

This has reference to the news-item “Suspended judge seeks information under the RTI Act” (Aug 19). It is a matter of grave concern that an officer of the rank of Chief Judicial Magistrate has been running from pillar to post to know the reasons of his suspension. The High Court is yet to implement the provisions of the RTI Act. A committee under the High Court Chief Justice’s instructions has been constituted only to ascertain whether or not the Act is to be implemented.

When a judge has no right to know the reasons of his being suspended within one year, one can well imagine the common man’s plight. There is need for a National Judicial Commission so that the judiciary can be made accountable for its acts of omission and commission.

Prof C.L. JASSU, Govt PG National College, Sirsa

Incorrect info

This has reference to Kuldeep Chauhan’s article, “Wonder plant Sea-buckthorn” (Oped Page, Sept 7). Seabuckthorn is not the richest source of vitamin C as stated. Its vitamin C content is only 100-300 mg per 100g. The fruits of Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra) contain 4500 mg when green, 3,300 mg when medium-ripe and 2,000 mg when very ripe, vitamin C per 100 g pulp. Ripe fruits of Camu Camu (Myriacaria dubia), which grows wild in tropical regions contain about 2 per cent vitamin C. Even the fruits of our Amla (Emblica officinalis) contains 800-1,200 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of pulp.

The highest vitamin C containing plant part in the world is the fruits (rose hips) of rose Rosa rugosa which grows in North Europe. Rosehip powder is available in Sweden’s supermarkets. A research project on this rose was in progress 18 years ago at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Campus at Balgard.

Dr CHIRANJIT PARMAR, Mandi

Emulate Punjab

I refer to the news-item “DGP asks his men to mend ways”. We welcome the instructions of Punjab’s Director-General of Police to the Senior Superintendents of Police to avoid calling women or old persons to the police stations unless they are directly involved in a crime.

We urge upon the Director-General of Police, Haryana, to issue similar instructions to the SPs/ SSPs in Haryana in public interest.

R.K. JAIN, President,  Senior Citizens’ Council, Jagadhri

Jewel of Punjab

The Punjab Rattan Award to Khushwant Singh is another jewel in the crown of the well known Sikh writer. In a book release ceremony of Khushwant Singh’s book The Illustrated History of the Sikhs in New Delhi on January 12, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, “Sikhs today flourish in all parts of the world and weave a chronicle of that fascinating story. The community has to be very grateful to Khushwant Singh”.

Khushwant is an extraordinary speaker too. To be an eminent writer and an excellent orator is a rare phenomenon. He is truly a jewel of Punjab.

K.J.S. AHLUWALIA, Amritsar

Bus shelter, please

Many passengers travel by the CTU local buses from Chandigarh Railway Station to various parts of the city. However, there is no shelter at the bus stop in the circulating area of the station. This is causing hardship to common passengers who have to go to hospitals like PGI and Sector 32 Medical College Hospital. There is no protection from hot sun and rain. We appeal to the authorities concerned to provide a bus shelter in the circulating area of Chandigarh Railway Station at the earliest.

PARVEEN KUMAR AND 20 OTHERS, Chandigarh