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

Turban: Not just a symbol of faith

Maj-Gen Kulwant Singh (retd), in his article, “Symbol of faith” (Spectrum, Aug 12), has defined the turban as the symbol of faith, courage and self-respect. I, as a retired soldier of the Indian Navy, would define the turban as a symbol of “talent, toughness and tenacity”.

During my long service in the Navy, I have seen the Sikh sailors ever ready to face any stormy situation with a smiling face. However, I differ with the writer that the helmet is never used by the Sikh soldiers. In the Indian Navy, during the gun-firing practice, the helmet is used by everyone, including the Sikh sailors. In sports, including the boat-pulling and sailing practice/race, instead of turbans, the Sikh sailors put a patti on the head to make themselves comfortable.

MULTAN S. PARIHAR, Hamirpur

Search for Saraswati

Kuldip Dhiman’s book review of Michel Danino’s The Lost River: On the trail of the Saraswati (Spectrum, July 18) was indeed informative and interesting. The mystic Saraswati, also called Ikshumati (Brahma’s daughter) is considered to be the mother of the seven seas.

The Saraswati is considered more significant than the Ganga even though the Ganga is regarded as the most sacred river in Indian culture.

Dr L.K. MANUJA, Nahan

Blame it on politicians Prof P. M. Bhargava’s article, “A nation of assets, but …” (Perspective, Aug 15) portrayed the real picture of the unemployed, the uneducated and the ruled. The blame for the present situation in India must lie with our rulers. People should ask them to submit detailed account of our huge money being paid in the form of taxes and how this money is being utilised for national development. Crime and corruption are on the rise. There is virtually no law and order in the country and the rulers are simply not bothered to improve the living conditions of the poor people. The assets of the nation are lining the pockets of a handful of rulers and businessmen who try to serve their own interest. The assets are useless if not utilised properly. Massive natural resources have been siphoned off by the powers that be. Poverty, unemployment, crime and widespread corruption have hindered growth. Is it real freedom when the common man suffers from so many problems? AKSHAY PAHWA, Jhansa (Kurukshetra)

Women’s woes

Sudeshna Sarkar’s article, “Women in distress” (Spectrum, July 4) is disturbing. The Badi women are not getting their rightful place in the Nepali society. The Nepali government should resettle the Badi women and remove the bane of untouchability.

SHER SINGH, Ludhiana