M A I L B A G

How to check Gurgaon-type tragedy

The recent killing of a schoolboy by his classmates in a Gurgaon school has shocked the nation. Since acts of violence are first conceived in the mind before being physically manifested, permanent cure lies in the mind itself.

How do we immunise and protect our children from unrestrained and glorified display of mindless violence? The ancient Indian technique of ‘dhyana’ or meditation has the capacity to destroy all violent thoughts and tendencies of the human mind. As a senior secondary school head, I had introduced a 30-minute early morning meditation regime in my school two years ago and the results were quite amazing.

The noise level fell by 60 per cent in three months; the violent streak in the children by an astonishing 95 per cent; their academic performance went up to 80 per cent; and the students became more disciplined, responsive and caring towards each other. Consequently, the daily morning mediation has now become a permanent feature in our school.

Globalisation doesn’t mean luxurious living in a sprawling metropolis or sending our children to international schools. It also means creating loving and caring individuals and thus creating a world order where each one of us can proudly say, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

K. LAWRENCE, Principal, St Paul’s High School, Bathinda

II

The incident reflects the pathetic state of mind of our new generation and the heightened desire for violence among the students. Our new generation is aping the West. Sadly, the media and the entertainment industry are exhibiting new forms of violence. The gruesome scenes of bloodshed, the use of guns by cowboys and the brutal killings on the screen give them immense pleasure. TV programmes like “Jurm”, “Sansani” and “Crime time” also contribute to learning the techniques of crime. Even the wrestling shown by some TV channels aggravate the situation.

In today’s competitive world, the parents have to spare time to nourish the child’s emotional health and wellbeing. They should frame a plan or curriculum aimed at inculcating moral and ethical values in the children.

SWANTANTER DEVI ARIF, Rampura Phul

III

The Gurgaon incident was mainly because of parental negligence of their wards. Today, they have no time to spare for their children who, in turn, turn to tuition centres, malls and Internet kiosks. They want love from their parents and grandparents. And in the absence of love, they watch TV, browse Internet or play computer games.

The cell phone mania and films also add to violence. The children are becoming Westernised and are neglecting the values of the East. The parents and teachers should evince keen interest in the children’s day-to-day activities to avoid Gurgaon-type tragedy. Prevention is better than cure.

RAM CHAND NEHRA, Satrod Khurd (Hisar)

IV

The Gurgaon killing and in another case, school students hijacking a taxi and throwing the driver into a canal are not just isolated ones. They are symptoms of a deep malady, thanks largely to the politicians and film heroes who have bestowed dignity on crimes and criminals.

When a high profile gun-runner and convict is projected as the nation’s darling child and a big hero in reel and real life, meets VVIPs and whose every small insignificant act is highlighted by the media as a great event, what do we expect from these impressionable minds? Will they follow Mahatma Gandhi or the ways of this hero? Let us pause and think.

RAM SARAN BHATIA, Dist & Sessions Judge (retd) Faridabad

V

Earlier, we used to hear of shooting incidents in the schools of foreign countries including the US. We never imagined that this deplorable trend would be replicated in India.

A school is an ashram, a temple of learning, where our children go to acquire knowledge and develop their personality. A peaceful and tranquil environment is, therefore, a must for the school. School authorities and parents should occasionally meet to deliberate about the steps needed to ensure that such an incident does not occur again in any of the schools.

G. R. KALRA, Chandigarh

Not posthumously

Apropos of the list of Param Vir Chakra winners (The Tribune, Sept 15), Second Lieutenant (later Major) Rama Raghoba Rane was awarded Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in clearing mines and roadblocks during the advance from Naushera to Rajauri in the Jammu and Kashmir operations in April 1948. The award was conferred on him in person and not posthumously.

Sub-Maj R.P. SRIVASTAVA (retd), Chandigarh