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Libya’s future remains uncertain

Libya’s future does not seem to be a bright one. One gets such an impression after knowing the fact that attempts are being made to build an Islamic State. This will be unfortunate for the people of Libya who have lived under Colonel Gaddafi’s tyrannical rule for 42 years. The Western powers must ensure that democracy comes to Libya. They cannot afford to leave the fate of Libya in the hands of fundamentalists. In fact, this will not be in the interest of the international community.

Democracy alone can ensure the rule of law in any country of the world. The greatest threat to international peace has emanated from countries which do not have democracy. Isn’t it true that India is fortunate as it is a democratic country? Should we not be grateful to our leaders who were in favour of democracy? Only democracy can lead to growth and development of all countries. One can sympathise with the people of Libya, as they don’t know what to do. They find themselves “moving from the frying pan into the fire”. It is unfortunate that the Western powers do not complete their task. They assume that the people of a newly liberated country have the patience, power and wisdom to know what is the best course of action for them.

RAJIV SHARMA, New Delhi

India’s performance

The Tribune has expressed the apprehensions of cricket-loving people of India in its thoughtful observation, "What is mystifying, however, is how dominant India can be at home and how complete an antithesis it is when they are on an overseas tour" ( editorial, "India decimate England: Youngsters made the key difference", October 28).

Dr RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad 

II

This refers to the editorial, "India decimate England: Youngsters made the key difference" (October 28). It is really heartening that Team India won the home series 5-0. The way Team India batted, bowled and fielded in all the five ODIs, proved that it was sheer hard work and the intention to win that gave India the much-desired victory.

It seems the days of the senior players are over. The time has come for the talented youngsters to perform. Cricket has never been the same. It keeps on changing with the passage of time. Surely, "the core team that has carried India on its shoulders so long is looking worn out".

 R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

III

The Indian team has shown that it is not impossible to come back after losing heavily. Thanks to our selectors for picking a young side. The younger players knew it was their best chance to impress the selectors. After the humiliating defeat in England, it seemed for a moment that the dark days of Indian cricket have begun again. When the England team came to India for this series, the players were confident of beating India once again. However, it did not happen. England lost the ODI series 5-0. This would haunt them for a while.

Now, it is time for the Indian team to start preparing for the Australian tour. One of the reasons we lost heavily in England was that we did not prepare well before the series. Injured players should not be asked to play till they recover fully. This is in the long-term interest of Indian cricket. We have many young players who can take the places of the seniors. They should be given a chance in Test matches also.

BALBIR SINGH, Ludhiana

Human population

This refers to the editorial, “Seven billionth baby” (October 29). Economist Malthus, in his famous population theory highlighted the potential dangers of overpopulation. Malthus says that while ‘the populations of the world would increase in geometric proportions, the food resources available for them would increase only in arithmetic proportions’.

In other words, if human population was allowed to increase in an uncontrolled way, the number of people would increase at a faster rate than the food supply. A point would come when the food resources would no longer be able to support human population.

The international community should find ways of dealing with the problem of overpopulation. Poverty and diseases cannot be wished away. Besides, peace and stability would be difficult to ensure in such a world.

PRAKASH SHARMA, Chandigarh

Health benefits of laughter I fully agree with the writer that people of cheer are rare commodities (Middle, “People of cheer, October 28). Humour is infectious. It is said that the sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any other disease. When laughter is shared, it keeps people together and increases happiness and intimacy. In addition, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humour and laughter strengthen our immune system, boost our energy, diminish pain, and protect us from the damaging effects of stress. Moreover, this priceless medicine is easy to use. Laughter is also a powerful antidote to stress. Humour lightens our burden, inspires hope, and keeps us alert. It has a great healing power. People, who have the ability to laugh easily and frequently, spread happiness everywhere they go. Others yearn for their company. Great comedians become immortals, as people remember them even after decades. As a person grows old, he finds it difficult to remain cheerful. Therefore, we have the ‘laughing clubs’ for them where they meet like-minded people who are old but cheerful. This keeps them positive and healthy. The writer rightly says, “When the day of reckoning comes, and when it is really time to be counted, these ‘cheer-leaders’ will surely lead humanity towards eternal joy. KISHORI LAL, Jalandhar