II

The editorial hit the nail on the head. Indeed, long-term effects of Bt brinjal on human health should be analysed thoroughly. After all, what is at stake is the future of millions of people. I fail to understand the rush to release Bt-brinjal for commercial farming when there is so much at stake in terms of public health. Good sense must prevail and health of millions should get priority over the greed of few to make a quick buck. There should be a moratorium of at least five to seven years to study the health impact on humans and cattle.

Genetically modified products are completely banned in the EU, Japan and many countries around the world. With the world moving towards organic farming, India can gain much and a huge opportunity awaits our organic farmers. But the introduction of GM crops can nip that export potential in the bud. GM crops can contaminate non-GM crops through insects and winds carrying pollens into other farms and even minute contamination will render them no good for export.

JASKIRAT SINGH, Ludhiana

Punish the corrupt

Lately, certain elements in the judiciary, the army, the police, the bureaucracy and the state legislatures have been in the news for reasons not so edifying. Almost every institution is slipping into the abyss of corruption with little or no light at the end of the tunnel.

Transparency is the answer to the fast spreading malaise. Those who try to exploit the loopholes in the law of the land and claim exemption from scrutiny or interpret laws and rules to suit their pursuit of self-aggrandisement must be exposed. Punishment for the corrupt should be very harsh.  

RJ KHURANA, Bhopal

Deemed varsities

It is a pity that the education system, especially that of higher education, is in a state of utter chaos (editorial, “Deemed varsity status”, Jan 20). Higher education has been commercialised. The move to de-recognise 44 deemed-to-be-universities is a step in the right direction and will help sort out the flaws in our education system.

Strict action has to be taken against the people who run substandard institutions. Efforts have to be made to ensure that our education system is on a par with global standards. The common man has to be kept in mind while formulating education policies.

  RAJIV ARORA, Ferozepore

II

The HRD ministry has taken a right decision to de-recognise 44 deemed universities because such institutions have become money-making machines. These institutions are not interested in higher education. The government must check the mushrooming of these educational shops.

 Dr HARINDER SINGH KANG, Yamunanagar

III

Now, the HRD Ministry must also take coaching centres under its regulatory ambit, instead of allowing them a free run. The damage caused by this unregulated education system over last 10 years needs to be assessed.

Air Cmde RAGHUBIR SINGH (retd), Pune

Teachers’ role

Teaching without passion and mission is meaningless (article, “Defining teacher’s role” by Achla Bhatia, Jan 19). Students will be what their teachers are. A real teacher is a role model, respected for his/her integrity, honesty and vision. His real job is to inculcate these virtues among students. It is a fact that many teachers themselves are not aware of what society really expects from them.

A teacher needs to distinguish between imparting information and knowledge. Textbooks, computers, television, newspapers, magazines, etc, can provide information. On the other hand, a teacher acts as a catalyst in the transformation of information into knowledge and this explains the indispensable role of teachers.

It is time the government and society did everything possible to raise the status of teachers. Teachers too need to take a pledge of selfless service and must keep themselves away from the tuition culture that has plagued our society.

Dr GURSHARAN SINGH, Ludhiana