Teachers in India

This refers to the article, “Make students good citizens” (August 23). The learned writer has rightly laid emphasis on the real purpose of education, and has tried to motivate the teaching community to impart education in such a way that it brings a complete transformation in the life of students, besides developing their skills.

The basic aim of education is to bring the best out of students, develop their skills and make them good human beings, besides inculcating in them a set of noble and moral values. Most of the teachers are aware of their role, and a majority of them are playing their role with full commitment. A host of factors discourage our teachers.

First, the curriculum is so clumsy, outdated and unscientific that a teacher finds himself in a bind as to what to teach and what to leave untaught. The contractual appointment of teachers is also a big hindrance. The need of the hour is to introduce major reforms in the education sector.

RAJAN KAPOOR, Nakodar

Libyan crisis

While the rebels in Libya have won a well-deserved victory toppling the Gaddafi regime, there is still a long way to go before a democratic government can be established in that country (editorial, “Takeover of Tripoli”, August 24). I was in Libya for a few years, and it looked no different from any other country. But there were strict rules and regulations to be followed. In every country where dictators rule, there is always suppression of civil rights. Libya is no exception. But my worry is, it is easy to topple a dictatorial regime, but it is difficult to replace it with a democratic one.

This is because Libyans have no taste of democracy, and for them to embrace democratic principles may not be all that easy, as the Americans feel. Moreover, how much the rebels are united, is also a matter of concern. The US and its allies will do well not to allow a chaotic situation in Libya.

Dr NARESH CHAUHAN, Jalandhar

Drug trials

This is a glaring example of total lawlessness in our country (Indians sitting ducks as drug trials turn fatal, August 8). It is not only the low cost of trials but also the benefits of this lawlessness that is lucrative. Though HPV trials have been halted, the vaccine enjoys unbridled sale and usage in India. Many other expensive and untested vaccines are also being sold in India in collusion with the medical fraternity, without the prerequisite permission of the DCGI.

Doctors have apparently become “paid endorsers”, as many of the Powerpoint presentations shown at medical seminars carry company logos. “Paid endorsement” of any pharmaceutical product is a serious offence, according to MCI’s code of ethics, rules and regulations.

One also doubts the capacity of “normal” Indian medical colleges to conduct new drug trials and research in terms of personnel and equipment. Many of these trials are nothing more than “biased opinion polls” (always in favour of pharmaceutical companies) in the garb of “drug trials”. Death of volunteers during such trials is deplorable and criminal.

The status of reputed medical teachers has been reduced to cut and paste compilers of pseudo-scientific data provided by the pharmaceutical industry, of course against payment of massive “inducements”.

Dr DINESH KHOSLA (MD),

Chairperson, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Haryana

Farmers’ woes

This refers to the news report, “In Andhra’s rice bowl, farmers on ‘crop holiday’” (August 25). It is a matter of concern that farmers in the fertile Konaseema region of Andhra Pradesh have decided not to grow crops this season.

While they may have taken this step as a mark of protest against government’s apathy towards them, they do not seem to have any other choice. While the input costs have increased, the MSP continues to be low. As a matter of fact, the report suggests, the protest may spread to other areas in the state.

It is a pity that farmers in India have to struggle to get a reasonable price for their produce so that they can continue to work for the next season.

SURINDER SINGH, Faridabad