Hockey’s downfall

This letter is in context to the editorial “Good but not enough, Think big for next Olympics”, Aug 14.

India has immense talent but we cannot tap this talent.  The problem starts from the grass roots level.  There are not enough training centres for sportspersons. And the living conditions of those present at these centres are pathetic.

We can tackle this problem by making it compulsory for every student to participate in sports. The best sportsperson from every school should then be admitted to a sports school on a scholarship. 

Indian hockey is witnessing a continuous downfall. Our hockey players need to be encouraged.   Regular hockey matches should be held once in two to three months so that the players have a calendar to follow. 

Brij Bedi and Jasleen Kaur, Amritsar

Respect armed forces

Apropos the ‘Not the best foot forward’ by Vijay Mohan (The Tribune, August 19), there have been unfortunate instances of man-management problems in some units and serious cases of corruption among senior ranks, but then it is an army of 1.3 million.

These cases do not even constitute 0.005 percent of our force strength. Also, the organisation spares no defaulter, and immediate corrective measures are instituted.

So, to say that the army is stressed out and highly corrupt is not only incorrect but a misplaced observation.

I have been in the thick of active service as a combat arms officer for 38 years (1974 – 2012). Yes, I have seen the standard of some officers deteriorating in terms of regimental spirit. But then majority of the officers are of good moral character.

There is no dilution in the selection process or the training of officers. Else, how could we have been successfully fighting insurgency in J&K and the North East. So, let us not run down the armed forces by painting the entire army with the same brush.

My son joined my regiment last year. His training is in no way worse than mine. As long as we have passionate men and women donning the olive green, we will continue to be the best in the world.

Col R D Singh (retd), Ambala Cantt

Vrindavan widows

The editorial ‘Vrindavan widows’ (August 17) was heart wrenching and deeply saddening. It is a blot on our society that the elderly women who deserve to be venerated are treated worse than animals.

Even as millions of people do not have access to food and clean water, public funds to the tune of billions of rupees go into the pockets of the corrupt.

Vrindavan widows paint a grim picture. They are sexually exploited and live in humiliating conditions. More so, once they are dead even their bodies are not disposed of properly.

Their bodies are chopped into pieces and put in gunny bags. What could  be worse?

The government must ensure that these widows are given immediate relief and provided with basic sanitation.

A team of doctors must regularly visit their shelter homes. The authorities should see to it that their last rites are performed as per their religion.

Dr Shruti K Chawla, Chandigarh