M A I L B A G

Education has become commerce

In ancient India, gurus taught students. In return, students paid guru dakshina to teachers in cash or kind. Dakshina also depended upon the student’s economic condition. The cost of education was very less; the main objective was to give basic knowledge of living. Experts in various fields disseminated knowledge to their students. As a result, education gave the students psychological satisfaction and higher status in society.

Compare this with the state of affairs today. Education has become commerce today with its cost increasing day by day. A poor student, though brilliant with an aptitude to study more, is unable to get admission in any university. The universities providing private studies are playing Ekalavya’s role. Like Ekalavya, today’s universities are demanding more money from students without giving them qualitative and worthwhile education.

Dr RAJEEV MANHAS, University College of Nursing, Faridkot

Heritage road

The Nurpur-Suliali- Dunera road appeared to have lost its imperial majesty. During the post-independence era, this old road got restored, but continued as a seasonal link only. The river Chakki, separating Kangra (HP) from Gurdaspur (Punjab) was a serious impediment. It used to claim a few lives every monsoon whenever needy travellers dared its spate.

A bridge has now been constructed on the river last year, with NABARD assistance of Rs 2 crore. The utility of the heritage road has now increased manifold. It also shortens the distance between Nurpur and Chamba from the earlier 111 km (via Kakira) to 94 km via Dunera. Unfortunately, certain people have started encroaching the berms.

In pubic interest, the encroachments should be removed. This must be developed as heritage road as a part of national highway between Nurpur and Chamba.

SURENDER SINGH, Suliali (Kangra)

Ragging menace

Ragging in educational institutions continues though it is a criminal offence. Many cases go unreported as students and parents do not want to face the consequences. Only a few cases come to light every year.

Students, parents and teachers are equally responsible for the menace. Students are afraid of reporting the matter. If a few dare to report, the authorities tell them that their career may be spoiled. It is time students, parents, teachers, human rights organisations and the judiciary rose collectively to tackle the menace.

SHAKUNTALA, Shimla

Misuse of govt vehicles

Misuse of government vehicles has become a common practice in Shimla. Consider the example of the Himachal Academy of Art Language. Its new secretary is always seen on the wheels. From morning to evening, she attends to the conveyance needs of her daughter and husband who is a doctor in the Directorate of Health.

In the evening again, she picks up her husband. They go on picnic often. Is there no one to check such flagrant misuse of official vehicles?

MAHESH, Shimla

Train sans TTEs

During a visit to Hardwar recently, I had a bitter experience. Owing to heavy rush, I faced difficulty in boarding the train at Hardwar. The policemen deployed at the station did extend us a helping hand, but that was not enough.

Not even a single security man escorted the train from Hardwar to Bathinda. There was also no ticket collector. It is often observed that the trains having no AC sleeper car remained unchecked. It is hard to believe that almost all passengers travel with a valid railway ticket.

B.R. DHAND, Mansa