United we stand

Terrorist attacks that ripped Mumbai last year were most unfortunate and tragic in which many innocent people and brave men lost their lives. We who fight for narrow considerations of caste, colour, religion and language must remember that united we stand and divided we fall. Our unity would prove to be a better shield than even nuclear weapons.

RAJINDER KAUR, Jalandhar

Monogamy’s virtues

We pretend to be monogamous, yet yearn to be polygamous, while expecting others, particularly our spouses to practice monogamy (article, “Monogamy isn’t easy, naturally” by David P. Barash, Nov 26).

We should understand that what comes naturally to us comes naturally to others also. The problem arises when we set higher standards for others than those being followed by us.

This debate is even more important in the Indian context, where a wife is expected to be faithful to her man for life and there is hardly any guarantee from her husband.

We have to consider the scourge of AIDS also. If we focus our energies on more constructive things, we may realise the true meaning of life. As far as being free to choose, we must also remember that we are bound by the result also. So choose, but with wisdom.

BHUSHAN CHANDER JINDAL, Jalandhar

Weed out criminals

Editor-in-Chief, the Tribune, HK Dua, in his maiden speech in Parliament, has rightly and timely emphasised the urgency of barring criminals from entry into politics. Indeed, their way to institutions of democracy should be blocked. Tainted politicians tarnish the image of India abroad. It is high time political parties take concrete steps. Otherwise, India will lose its standing in the world.

PN GUPTA, Sangrur

Take stern steps

The government must counter every move of China that is aimed at destabilising India. At the same time we should also appreciate and try to follow the disciplined and honest programmes that have made China a dominating force in the world. We can learn valuable lessons from it, especially in controlling population growth, the menace of corruption and increasing crime rate.

We chalk out countless policies, frame latest rules to tackle problems. However, we fail to implement the same. To put the country on a right track, the government must take strict measures. It should shun its policy of appeasing voters.

SUKHDEV SINGH MINHAS, SAS Nagar

Wasted report

The Liberhan Commission report was tabled after 17 years. What a waste of time and money! Most of the people involved are dead or too old to stand trial. What is the use of such a report? The amount spent on the commission should have been given to some charitable institution.

 SURAJ & R KAPOOR, Solan

Be friends

Teachers should be friendly with their students and extend the hand of love towards the child. They must teach students the value of discipline and help them cope with pressures and fears of life.