Uncle judge syndrome

The middle “To be or not to be” (Feb 7) by Justice Mahesh Grover was interesting and suggested novel methods of getting rid of the virus of “Uncle Judge syndrome”. About three decades ago the Opposition raised much hue and cry when the late Indira Gandhi intended to induct her sons into politics. She was accused of perpetuating dynastic rule in India.

But times have changed now. Every politician whether at the Centre or state level, has inducted his son or grandson into politics and encourages him to adopt politics as his profession. Otherwise also home is a natural school for every child.

In every sphere of life we see industrialists, doctors, engineers and architects induct their son into their own profession and allow him to inherit their estate. I fail to understand as to why an accusing finger is raised against a judge when he tries to settle his son in the legal profession.

AJAY K. JINDAL, Ludhiana

Tackling corruption

The article by PR Chari and the middle “O Tempora ! O Mores!” (Feb 22) by Ram Varma made interesting reading and made pertinent observations about the present state of affairs in the bureaucracy. However, may I ask all these worthy and honourable officers now retired as to what steps they took while in service to put an end to this malaise? And what steps do they propose for their brother officers now in service to stop this practice. Or may one presume that the tehsildar is above the law and not answerable to the district head.

R K DASS, Panchkula

Rare gesture

The middle “Governor’s Khidmatagar” (Feb 12) by RK Kaushik was informative. It was a rare gesture on the part of Sir Bertrand James Glancy, then Governor of Punjab to recommend the talent of his Khidmatgar (attendant) Nagrath to Governor Bombay Presidency, Sir Roger Lumely. Efforts of the two British Governors bore fruit, and Nagrath whose full name was Roshan Lal Nagrath, became music director Roshan and rose to be one of the foremost composers in the film industry. His sons Rakesh Roshan, Rajesh Roshan and grandson Hrithik Roshan need no introduction.

The writer has raised a million dollar question, “Can one expect such gestures now, from our own Indians?” The answer is anybody’s guess.

HARBANS SINGH, Ambala Cantt

II

The middle was worth reading. It was heartening to learn that Sir Bertrand James Glancy then Governor of Punjab recommended the talent of his Khidmatgar (attendant) Nagrath to Governor Bombay Presidency, Sir Roger Lumely. Nagrath proved his worth as a well-known music director. Can anyone expect such gestures from Indians? Indians encourage their own kith and kin.

SUBASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

III

The middle was interesting and inspiring. However, Indians too are magnanimous. In 1948, late Amar Nath Sharma, General Secretary Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Punjab had to leave Lahore and settled at Palampur (Kangra) as a refugee. He came to Kakkar, a remote place to open Sanatan Dharma Sabha middle school there. He had to tread 15 km to reach the place. He suggested that if people provide two rooms, Rs 2,000 and 15 boys for Class IX , he would sanction a S D High School. The people of the area accepted the conditions and he generously accorded sanction. Many benefited from the school.

RIKHI DASS THAKUR, Kakkar, Hamirpur

Sycophancy rules

A personal security officer (PSO) of the rank of a DSP, bending down to clean and rub the dust off the shoes of a VIP is shameful (news report, “PSO cleans Maya’s shoes; fuels political controversy”, Feb 9). Servility and servitude are rampant in higher circles, too. The gesture of the PSO cannot be dubbed as an act of obedience but sheer sycophancy – an act of gratuitous folly.

RAVI DATTA, Jwalamukhi

Extravagant weddings

The editorial “Big fat weddings: Curb wasteful spending” (Feb 24) has rightly opined that the government may limit the number of guests at marriages and other events, but who will bell the cat? Only an honest officer can check the implementation of this rule. Already there are so many rules that exist only on paper. It will not be easy to make people realise that extravagant weddings are a complete waste of money.