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It is tragic that India and Pakistan are not living peacefully. Talks between the two nations can go a long way in mending relations. It is hoped that both nations will find a meeting ground and hostilities will cease. They can solve problems through mutual dialogue and even contentious issues like Kashmir can be resolved.

DALIP SINGH WASAN, Patiala

Majithia’s dream

To the news report “Fulfil Majithia’s mission, exhorts Dr Bambah” (Feb 3) I would like to add that the late Dyal Singh Majithia was a great visionary of his time who earned praise for his phenomenal service to society. He was pragmatic and realised that reading books and newspapers contributes immensely towards the enrichment of our knowledge and enhances both human experience and information.

He was of the opinion that teaching should lay stress on self-improvement and self-development for leading an ethical and purposeful life. He understood the role of education and information and thus bequeathed to society Dyal Singh College, Dyal Singh Library and the The Tribune. I feel immensely proud of having been a student of this college and a member of this library before Partition and an ardent reader of The Tribune since 1945.

Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar

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The photograph of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, founder of The Tribune, instantaneously filled me with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the unique Sardar.

Sardar Majithia, it must be noted, did not start The Tribune as a commercial venture. It was essentially meant to serve the larger national cause. The successive editors of the paper have upheld the Sardar’s lofty ideals and served his cherished cause with remarkable steadfastness.

Impartial, objective, unbiased and fair reporting is the hallmark of the paper. The people at large turn to The Tribune to cross-check the veracity of a news report. In fact, the paper has become a byword for credibility. No wonder, over the years the readership of the paper has multiplied by leaps and bounds and today it occupies the top slot among the English dailies of northern India.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Agriculture’s decline

Dara Dhillon’s article “Collapse of agriculture in Punjab” (Feb 4) has depicted a clear picture of the current situation of agriculture in Punjab. Punjab is a land of agricultural bounty. But of late, there has been a growing concern over the possible collapse of agriculture in the state due to excessive exploitation of land and water resources.

The cropping pattern needs to be modified and diversified. Groundwater availability, as also its quality, has been affected. The rate of suicide among debt-ridden farmers is also on the rise. In this context, the suggestions given by the author are commendable.

SUNIL EASTWAL, Patiala

Curb price rise

Rise in prices of the essential food items is the real problem confronting the common man. The ruling parties at the Centre and in the states must address this issue at once or else they should get ready to be bundled out sooner than they expect. The common man is not interested in lectures on the reasons for inflation and hollow assurances to curb it. Aam aadmi’s only concern is why he can’t get food to fill his stomach and why his real income is shrinking by the day?

The wrath of the hungry against the rulers can turn into an unstoppable tornado. It must be tackled before it takes those in power in its sweep. The Opposition cannot pass all the blame on the Centre. Unscrupulous traders, stockists and distributors need to be reined in and the public distribution system should be streamlined at once. The government shouldn’t shy away from drastic measures.

RJ KHURANA, Bhopal