L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Leaders should shun self-glorification

The candid opinion expressed in the editorial “Splurging on memorials: Mayawati must be called to account” (Sep 19) reflected the sentiments of the common man. Indeed, enough is enough and Ms Mayawati must be taught to respect the law of the land.

The tax payer pays tax in the hope of getting better services and facilities like roads, hospitals, schools, electricity, etc. Unfortunately, often this money is utilised for self-glorification. Shockingly, a huge amount of money was wasted in a state where a large number of people are struggling to get two square meals a day.

The money spent on memorials could be used to construct homes for the poor. Nobody will object if such a project is named after Ms Mayawati. Sadly, leaders like her defame the Indian democracy. Instead of self-glorification, leaders should strive for the welfare of the people who voted them to power.

RAJESH SHARMA, Jalandhar Cantt

Traditional values

Kuldip Nayar has made significant observations in his article “Tradition, old values still alive in Bangalore” (Sep 18). If one were to compare coffee belt (southern region) with cow belt  (northern region), one would realise that by and large, simplicity is a way of life in South, barring exceptions as in the case of Mr S.M Krishna and Mr Shashi Tharoor. South Indians and Bengalis have a great affinity for music, literature and painting. They rarely resort to ostentatious display of wealth.

Punjabis, on the other hand, are flamboyant. They live life king-size and their women too prefer expensive ornaments and clothes. Alas, Punjabis have little love for reading.

B M SINGH, Amritsar

Mercy petitions

The editorial “Worthy directive” (Sep 22) was apt and timely. What is the logic of awarding death sentence to criminals if they have to remain in jails for years together thanks to the government’s indecision regarding their mercy petitions hanging fire?

Hardened criminals, especially terrorists, who have committed crimes against the nation, should be hanged at the earliest. The Supreme Court Bench has rightly put the onus on the Union Government for the inordinate delay in disposing of mercy petitions. Clearly, the government is not fulfilling its duty.

KARAN SINGH BAWWA, Rewari

Immature comment

Shashi Tharoor’s “cattle class” remark was an immature comment. However, since he has already apologised, he should not be asked to resign. He is an intelligent person with valuable experience and deserves a chance. India needs such leaders if it has to progress.

RAMNIK SANDHU, Amritsar

Equality & liberty

Indeed, perfect liberty is the soil (article, “In search of justice” by B G Verghese, Sep 16) in which personality grows and ripens and brings forth the fair fruits of beauty, knowledge, virtue, joy and love.

Equality is the twin sister of liberty. Both are mentioned in the American declaration of Independence. Massinger said: “Equal nature fashioned us, all in one mould.”

Equality must be of six kinds: physical, economic, political, social, cultural and ethical. Only then can the state flourish and prosper.

ADITYA N CHOPRA, Kurukshetra

Curb corruption

The Chief Justice of India has termed corruption as an insidious plague and said that it has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies including national threat and could be checked if the public servant involved is certain of punitive action against him.

His statement has come at a point when people had started accepting corruption as a necessary evil. Certainty of punishment will definitely curb the menace of corruption.

Strengthening the investigation process and prompt prosecution of corrupt persons are suitable measures. Seizure of assets of the corrupt public officials too can go a long way in tackling the hydra-headed monster of corruption.

Dr VINOD KUMAR GUPTA, Ambala City

Don’t neglect elderly

The middle “Of grandparents”(Sep 16) by Shriniwas Joshi was poignant and touched a chord. Indeed, elderly in India are a neglected lot. The young generation must remember, “As you sow, so shall you reap” and look after their parents with love and care.

NIMMI BHAT, Jammu

Rural postings

It is heartening to know (news report, “PG made easy for docs in rural service” by Aditi Tandon, Sep 18) that extra weightage will be given in postgraduate entrance examinations to those MBBS doctors who opt for rural postings. Only, if this decision had been taken earlier, there could have been tremendous improvement in rural healthcare by now. Still, it is better late than never. 

HARISH K MONGA, Ferozepore City

Austerity measures The imposition of strict discipline (article, “Austerity drive won’t do” by K Subrahmanyam, Sep 21) to ensure productivity is the need of the hour. But unless the mindset of the babus and politicians who love to enjoy comforts at the cost of public exchequer changes, the chasm between the rulers and the ruled can never be bridged. It is unfortunate that we have inherited the British colonial legacy. The elite lead a luxurious life. However, for the teeming millions in India there is no respite from poverty. The government should set an expense limit on the governing machinery. The clarion call given by the late Lal Bahadur Shastri to forego a meal was aimed at austerity and the country stood like a wall in that hour of national crisis. The austerity measures intended by the government are steps in the right direction and can help tide over difficult economic conditions. R M RAMAUL, Paonta Sahib