Grim picture

The article, “Services contempt of civil authority is not casual” (Oct 22) has caused much consternation amongst the services. Arundhati Ghose has tried to see ghosts where there are none. The article itself is highly biased.

We have the ambition to be a world economic power, but the vision and will of a third world country when it comes to creating strategic capabilities. Given the geo-strategic environments of the region and India’s unwillingness to rise to meet the emerging challenges, the picture is getting fairly grim by the day. To complete that picture, one may add the factor of de-motivation of country’s  armed forces.

Now that the fudging of the Cabinet decision by the Babus to advantage the IAS and the IFS has come to light (Outlook, Oct 13), would some one file a PIL against this forgery?

It also explains Ms Ghose joining the fracas. Had the Defence Minister told the Service Chiefs that the Cabinet decision was final, it would have left the chiefs two options to either resign in protest or accept half a century’s piled up degradations of their commands.

Lt-Gen HARWANT SINGH (retd), New York

Symbolic value

India has so many festivals that they are celebrated with great pomp and exuberance and a spirit of devotion and respect to saints, gods and gurus is associated with them.

At the same time, we keep telling that these festivals stand for peace, brotherhood, love, equality, compassion, the victory of the good over the evil and what not. Our politicians also do not lag behind in sending messages on these auspicious occasions greeting and urging all of us to work for betterment of people of all castes, religions and regions.

If we really understand and practise what these festivals represent, then why is there so much tension, hatred, disharmony, inequality, exploitation and injustice afflicting our daily life in the country? It all shows that our celebrating festivals is only symbolic, ritualistic and meant only for rejoicing and frolicking.

SATWANT KAUR, Mahilpur

No to crackers

Diwali is no more celebrated as the Festival of Lights. It has, in fact, become the festival of crackers. We must not waste money on crackers which cause pollution, skin, eye and respiratory problems, apart from causing harm to animals, sick people and children. The money thus saved can be used to help the victims of blasts and floods.

Let us say no to crackers this Diwali. Let it be a festival of lights only. Let us distribute sweets to those who cannot afford to buy them. Let us spare a thought for them. Let’s celebrate Diwali with a difference!

SOURABH BAMBA, Ferozepore

Gate of contention

The Punjab government’s Town and Country Planning Department says that the present road mass transport system is inadequate and that it can be improved as per the Master  Plan of Ludhiana approved by the government.

Unfortunately, reports that 20,000 people will be affected by the “gate of contention” is totally contradictory to this plan.

This is because the link road is blocked for the majority of general public from 181 C to 198 C, Raj Guru Nagar, Ludhiana, by fixing the permanent gate in the road. The link roads should not be blocked under any circumstances. This will obstruct the citizens’ right of free movement.

S.P. SINGH, Ludhiana