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

Anna’s drive can’t be ignored

In the article “Anna Hazare can’t stop “Shri 420” (Apr 19) Surendra Kumar’s approach to Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption and the Lokpal Bill seems to be pessimistic, biased and myopic. Why did the government agree to all the demands of Anna which had been kept pending for the last 42 years within five days?

It is because there was a strong, spontaneous and natural reaction of civil society for the first time since Mahatma Gandhi galvanised the nation during Independence. Civil society’s response to such moves indicates that it is time for politicians to read people’s mind which must be correctly deciphered and understood. If they fail to do so then they must be ready to face situations like in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya.

No one can undermine the positive role of the media. Anna Hazare’s movement and response of civil society must be seen as a means and not an end. Selfish politicians and irrational critique must not underestimate the force and velocity of Anna’s movement. It can become a political tornado, which can sway anything under its force.

Capt AMAR JEET KUMAR (retd),
via email

Panchayat’s role

The article “Panchayati Raj: A God that failed” (Apr 4) by Raj Kumar Siwach was informative. Actually, panchayats have been the backbone of the Indian villages since the beginning of recorded history. Gandhiji, the father of the nation, had aptly remarked that the Indian Independence must begin at the bottom and every village ought to be a Republic Panchayat. Gandhiji’s dream was translated into reality with the introduction of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system to ensure people’s participation in rural reconstruction.

What is needed today is a change in thinking and bringing about a sense of consciousness among the people as well as the administrators. Likewise, panchayats should be made more active and responsive so that social awareness and consciousness is created at the grassroots level.

AMIT KUMAR LADDI Faridkot

Mother’s love

Raj Mehta’s middle “Mothers are special” (Apr 13) was really touching. Who can forget the great mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Mata Gujri Ji who sacrificed her husband, son and grandsons for the sake of humanity. It is no denying the fact that mothers are really special and no one can repay the debt of mothers. The writer’s mother had extraordinary will power to take care of her children in utmost hard situations.

SIRANJDEEP KUAR UBHA, Mandi Gobindgarh

II

The middle “Mother” by Jupinderjit Singh (Mar 30) was touching and emotional. There were many letters in response to it and all profusely praising the loving role of a mother. And if that was not enough there was another emotion-packed middle “Mothers are special”. Unfortunately, we have some un-motherly mothers as well.

For example, we have “merciless” mothers who readily kill their unborn daughters, or “unloving” mothers who abandon their small children or “unworthy” mothers who mutely join in honour-killings or “selfish” mothers who fearing loss of hold over their newly wedded sons, do not let the young couple come closer. They should change and not defame the good name of a mother.

Wg-Cdr C.L. SEHGAL (retd.) Jalandhar

People’s faith

The news report “The people have lost faith in the State: Lyngdoh” (Apr 15) by Suresh Dharur and the editorial “Lyngdoh’s lament: Need to restore people’s faith in the system (Apr 16) aptly voiced deep concern over corruption. Certainly corruption is only a symptom of a larger disease afflicting India. Undoubtedly, corporate sector is controlling politics, dictating policies and has destroyed many institutions.

The unholy nexus between politicians-bureaucrats-contractors and the mafia facilitated the process of grabbing agricultural land and converting it into lavish farmhouses and illegal colonies. Is it not startling to note that while the mafia is dominating numerous fields the government has turned a blind eye to their nefarious illegal activities?

Anna’s recent fast unto death proved that people are fed up with corruption. Only electoral reforms along with the passing of comprehensive Lokpal Bill, reduction in corporate funding, blocking of criminals in politics and strict enforcement of the rule of law can restore people’s faith in the system.

Capt S K DATTA, Abohar

Hope helps

The middle “An open letter to Sonalika” (Apr 18) by Aditi Tandon was really touching. Hope is a very small word. However, it works wonders in life. It causes miracles to happen. Only one must believe in its power. Every dark cloud has a silver lining. Hope is the only boat, which can help surmount the ocean of obstacles and help us reach our goal.

KK TAMBER, Ludhiana

Dealing with perjury The editorial (April 1) on actor Shiney’s conviction has rightly opined that there is need to deal firmly with perjury in a rape case. Witnesses are the eyes and ears of justice. If a witness is incapacitated from acting as the eyes and ears of justice, the trial is affected adversely and it can no longer be called a fair trial. The incapacitation may be due to several factors, like the witness not being in a position for reasons beyond control to speak the truth in the court or due to negligence or ignorance or some corrupt collusion. In cases where witnesses turn hostile, the role of the court assumes importance. It becomes the imperative duty of the court to scan other evidence and it should not adopt an easy course to acquit an accused. It has been rightly observed by the apex court that unjustified acquittals shake the confidence of the people in the judiciary. If a citizen has decided to assist the law in bringing the guilty to book, then turning hostile should normally entail serious consequences. SOM DUTT VASUDEVA, New Shimla