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FIFA World Cup was truly a carnival

The editorial “What a carnival!” ((July 13) was apt. Indeed the FIFA World Cup hosted by the South Africa had turned the whole earth into a football. This multicolour carnival was the most riveting of sporting events and the credit goes to South Africa.

Apart from the footballers of the 32 participating teams it was Shakira of Columbia who stole the show by singing “Waka Waka” at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2010 and of course Paul an eight-legged octopus. The editorial has rightly commented that football too can prove all predictions wrong — except perhaps those made by Paul the octopus. Who in his right mind would have claimed before the FIFA World Cup that former champions Italy and runners-up France would be eliminated in the first round, hot favourites Brazil and Argentina would be shown the door and the first time finalists Spain will claim the trophy?

It was the Spanish flair, verve and tenacity that ultimately came out trumps over the battling Dutch and, thus, ended decades of perennial underachievement. Spain had the world’s best goalkeeper, defenders, creative midfielders and a great striker.

This World Cup will be remembered forever not only as a pure sporting enjoyment but also for the surprises and the shocks too as the big names and the most favoured teams found that they were outplayed by zealous and determined competitors.

On the whole, World Cup 2010 will definitely be the one to remember. The blaring vuvuzelas, the sprightly supporters and some scintillating football will remain etched in the minds of soccer lovers for long. There is a lesson for India too, that it also can be equally successful in conducting the forthcoming 
Commonwealth Games if it puts its heart and soul into it.

DILBAG RAI, Chandigarh

Politics sans values

It is still not late for Mr Nirmal Singh Kahlon to resign and save the high office he holds from controversy (editorial, “Punjab Speaker in the dock”, July l2). Needless to say that his indictment by the CBI shakes public confidence in him. Given these realities, it’s not honourable for him to hold the office.

We wonder at the conduct of the Chief Minister in this case who has refused prosecution sanction in this case. It is due to the fact that the practice of modern politics itself seems to be value free. The leaders understand that politics today is a business and not a mission.

AJIT SINGH, Windsor, Canada

Wasteful expenditure

The sojourn of a team of Punjab MLAs to Scotland at this juncture shows how insensitive they are to the sufferings of the people they represent (editorial, “Irresponsible outing: Punjab MLAs off to Scotland”, July 13). Vast areas of Punjab are under flood-waters and entrapped villagers require immediate relief.

Flood-damage has been estimated at Rs 480 crores. Otherwise also, the financial health of the state is under strain. Mr Manpreet Singh Badal, the Punjab Finance Minister has voiced his concerns off and on in this regard, still the Punjab politicians prefer to enjoy foreign trips at state expense with the blessings of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

It doesn’t surprise anyone that the ruling and opposition parties unite when issues of mutual benefit such as raising legislators’ perks or foreign jaunts, etc, come up. Such extravaganza can be curbed by making amendment in the Constitution.

TRISHLA GARG, Panchkula

Surrogacy concerns To reproduce is the strongest human desire, second only to survival itself (article, “Legalising surrogacy – Boon or bane?” by Anil Malhotra, July 14). Surrogacy is gaining popularity as this may be the only method for a couple to have their own child and also because adoption process may be long drawn. Since it is a complex issue many concerns have to be considered. Moreover, surrogacy may be the only chance for some couples to have a child which is biologically their own. Secondly, the genetic mother can bond with the baby better than in situations like adoption. Dr Umesh N. Jindal is right in saying that doctors should not be kept out of the loop and must be made a part of the surrogacy agreement to verify the quality of semen to have a health baby as there are chances of rejecting a handicapped baby. The proposed Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Bill 2010 will be helpful for the couples looking for surrogate mothers and it will be a step in the right direction but it must be well-drafted, keeping in mind the interests of all concerned. HARISH K MONGA, Ferozepur City