II

The court deserves praise for announcing the decision in the ragging case where a medical student Aman Kachroo lost his life. Aman Kachroo was beaten to death by a group of drunken students. The entire country was shaken after his death. The Tribune deserves praise for highlighting the anti-ragging drive after his death.

The Supreme Court of India has taken a serious view of ragging and had earlier directed the states to set up two committees one for de-addiction for students hooked to alcoholism and another for providing counselling, both psychiatric and psychological. But it had little effect on the states. There is a need for mandatory counselling of students at all educational institutions. The institutions should be vigilant and must curb the menace of ragging.

M L GARG, Chandigarh

III

Just four years of imprisonment to the seniors (read killers) of Aman Kachroo is far from satisfying. This is not the first instance when ragging has turned into a brutal act. Concrete steps need to be taken by educational institutions and also by the law-enforcing agencies to check this menace.

GEETANJALI M SINGH, Fatehabad

Learning English

The middle “ The ‘non-chastising’ mishap” (Nov 11) by Justice S D Anand deliberates on how parents can imbibe good habits, in this case good language skills, in their children.

It is rightly said that English is a funny language. We Indians make earnest efforts to learn the nuances of the language yet can never be sure as this is a foreign language. Many a times, we come across people trying to show off speaking in English and in turn provide an opportunity for others to have a hearty laugh.

BHUSHAN CHANDER JINDAL, Jalandhar

Captain-in-charge

The editorial “Captain takes charge” (Nov 13) has rightly acknowledged the massive support of the Congress workers to Capt Amarinder Singh on his taking the command of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. The conditions to bring back the Congress in power in Punjab are conducive and favourable. Only Capt Amarinder needs to learn lessons from the past experience.

He should make innovative plans and projects to revive the fiscal state of Punjab, cut wasteful unproductive expenses. Many of his so-called loyalists deserted him when he was out of power. Sycophants and greedy advisors, party office bearers and officers on special duties have damaged him more than his staunch political foes by misinforming and changing their loyalties overnight after his exit. He must discard such people and choose intelligent, honest, dedicated and straightforward people.

He must have experienced that his aloofness from the people and inaccessibility became his major drawback. The Maharaja status is no more relevant in politics If he plays his cards well, the prominent state Congress leaders will forget the past and work as loyal party workers to sincerely help him and bring the party back in power.

Capt AMAR JEET KUMAR, SAS Nagar

II

It has been rightly stated in the editorial that despite numerous challenges in the recent past, Capt Amarinder Singh has once again been accepted as a stalwart by his supporters. But it is surprising to see the so-called “loyalists” who had betrayed him in the hour of need, with him. Besides, the Congress leaders, the participation of the people from all over the region projects him as a leader of singular qualities.

The way public has bestowed their affection, warmth and overwhelming response is heartening. Now it is hoped that he will focus towards uplift of state’s economy and improve the prospects of the Congress in the next Assembly elections. Besides, he also needs to have intellectuals and professionals around him who can really work hard as his core team. One hopes that in future he will be accessible to the common man.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

Globalisation

The article “Globalisation: The juggernaut will roll on” (Nov 8) was interesting. I, however, differ on the point of yoking and taming what the writer called the beast of globalisation. I suggest that this welcome phenomenon needs proper assimilation into our system so as not to destroy the mores of civility and the glorious past.

If we prefer to wear jeans/tops, we must not discard salwar kamiz.

GURMIT SINGH SAINI, SAS Nagar