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

Social practices hit women’s interests

Indian society is conservative by nature. Despite our modern means of transportation and communication, houses furnished with all facilities, English-medium educational institutes, rising industrialisation and urbanisation, we are yet not modern in true sense.

We have superstition, gender discrimination and many other social evils but outwardly we present ourselves as modern.

The editorial ‘Victims of social practices’ (June 13) rightly throws a challenge to the forces of modernity to help the Indian women in getting rid of the outdated social practices. As per the 73rd amendment to the Constitution, one-third of the seats are reserved for the women in self-governance, but, despite they being elected members, they are dependent on their husbands or other male relatives for necessary decisions. The majority of Indian women lack substantial knowledge, information and communication skills to play an active role. In a patriarchal society, right from her birth, a woman faces gender discrimination and is taught to remain submissive.

The role of the school, media, intelligentsia and religion needs to be more constructive. Every woman needs opportunities, confidence, attention, respect, authority and the realisation of her constitutional rights. There should be no domestic violence in the family and she must feel safe and secure. She must develop her creative, critical and innovative traits which would ultimately encourage her to take decisions independently and objectively. 

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

II

In general, it is held that the prevalent social practices would definitely affect our future social conduct despite pious intentions of the Constitution framers. The editorial: ‘Victims of social practices’ (June 13) is a vivid description of the issue with special reference to J & K. Women have made their intentions clear in no uncertain terms in regard to rejuvenation of the social set-up. In the case of Andhra Pradesh, the results have been encouraging. There is a need to highlight such success stories in the media where women have accomplished what the men could not. We ought to be optimistic, especially when pillars of democracy favour a change for the better. Hopefully, a force of about 10 lakh women out of 28 lakh elected representatives in the panchayats will give credence to the optimistic vision and will bring value-based cohesion in society. The government and the NGOs should provide intensive training to the elected representatives on the one hand and quality education to the girls on the other.

Dr S KUMAR, Panchkula

Cow protection

A voice to alleviate the suffering of stray cows raised by cow protection organisations has at last been heard by the Punjab government. This is wth reference to the news report “Govt to build mini power plants at cow shelters” (June 14). The unproductive, disabled, emaciated and abandoned cows, who are being dubiously slaughtered will be rehabilitated in cow shelters (gaushalas). The free power supply beside VAT-free purchases on the goods supplied to these shelters will ensure smooth running of these gaushalas. This is a right step in the right direction. India has gained notoriety in the apathetic sale, cruel transport and savage slaughter of stray cows for beef and leather. The vital role of the cattle in improving and sustaining the country’s agriculture-oriented economy needs to be highlighted in the right perspective.

The dung as a bio-fertiliser helps in growing cheap nutritious foodgrain and fodder by enriching the fertility of the soil. The danger of chemical fertilisers and poisonous pesticides can be avoided by replacing them with cheap, economical and effective bio-fertilisers.

SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar

TV serials then and now The middle “Stories without end” (June 13) by BK Karkra raises a serious media problem. Decades ago serials like “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana” gave the spectators both entertainment and moral education. After that a detective serial, “Beomkesh Baksi”, touched the heart of audiences. The serial was interesting and involved a good exercise of the brain. But now that time has gone. These good serials have been replaced with dim-witted serials. They have no entertainment, no logic and no end. TV producers should be responsible towards society and should give real and positive entertainment. Audiences should also be sensible  enough to avoid these types of meaningless serials. KHUSHWINDER SINGH SURYA, Barnala