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Tragic victim
With reference to S Nihal Singh’s article “An incomplete tale” (May 10), as can be made out from reading Sanjaya Baru’s book and from independent observation, it is obvious that Manmohan Singh was more sinned against than sinning. He was the John Stuart Mill of Indian politico-economic thinking and believed in the principle of laissez-faire as much in politics as in economics. He was forgetful of the fact that everybody around him did not have the same level of integrity as he had. The dichotomy between party and government imperatives led to a situation in which he appeared increasingly helpless. Mistaking that in the given scenario, his strength lay in his weakness, his actions became more visibly subservient to the party high command. Knowing full well that he was being retained in position for a quiet transition of power to the obvious successor, he held on to the baton loyally. It proves the theory that responsibility without power is as bad as power without responsibility. He is the tragic victim of these twin realities. GS Aujla, Chandigarh
Economising on govt cars
The plying of government vehicles on Mondays was banned in Himachal Pradesh a few years ago. The ban proved doubly blessed: it blessed the government as it helped economics on scarce petrol. It also benefited the public as the ban meant availability of government officers in their offices on Mondays at least. Subsequently, the government lifted the ban and the vehicles were once again free to ply on all days of the week, multiplying the expenditure on petrol, TA/DA etc. And to the chagrin of the public, it hit the “assured availability” of officers in their offices on Mondays. Is it too much to request the state government to re-impose the ban in larger public interest? Tara Chand, Ambota (Una)
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Deviswaroopa ladies Sidhartha, the handsome prince of Kapilavastu, forsook his wife Yashodhara and son Rahul and left for an unknown place in search of permanent peace and truth. After a few years of penance, he earned name and fame as Gautam Buddha. Similarly, another great man of India professed and practised non-violence and tolerance and was adored as the twentyfourth Tirathankara of the Jains, better known as Bhagwan Mahabir. His wife’s name was Yashoda. Today’s politician Narendra Modi, imbued with the zeal of serving the nation, also forsook his wife named Jasodaben. All three wives had no grouse for living alone after abandonment. It’s a strange coincidence that they all bore the names Yashodhara (upholder of fame), Yashoda-Jasoda (conferring/bestowing fame). I bow to these ascetics, deviswaroopa (divine ones) ladies who proved true to their names. Shyam Sunder Airi, Kapurthala Retire old brass The state and central governments are increasing the retirement age, but it breads corruption. The unemployed educated youth with degrees are at a loss on how to get jobs. The only way to increase unemployment is to lower the retirement age. Also, the new employee will get less pay than the old employee. Prem Singh Cheema, Amritsar Climbing high It is a matter of concern that 12 Nepalis have died in the avalanche on the Everest. As per the news report (April 19), almost 4,000 persons have scaled the Everest and more than 250 people have lost their lives. Normally, these high peaks are the abode of rishis and munis who have the spiritual power to live in extreme cold conditions. The Kailash Parbat was the abode of Lord Shiva, and now pilgrims visit this mountain every year during favourable weather conditions. Many have died in the process. With science and technology, man is now even reaching out to the Mars and moon! Sher Singh, Ludhiana Ferry farm labourers Labourers engaged during the rabi and kharif harvesting seasons have traditionally come from UP and Bihar. But recently, the number of labourers coming to Punjab has declined. Because, firstly, the train fares have gone up. Secondly, they feel insecure as there is no security arrangement in trains and they are harassed and looted on the way. So, the farmers have to engage local labourers, who are comparatively more costly. We read about debt-ridden farmers committing suicides. The government should engage a train and transport labourers from and to UP and Bihar during these seasons free of cost. Security should also be provided during the journeys. It will help both the farmers and consumers. Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar Justice delayed With reference to editorial 'Justice delayed again' (May 12), it is unfortunate that the wheels of justice are moving at a snail's pace. The whole process is encouraging wrongdoers in a big way. There are enough stringent laws in the country. But uncertainty about punishment and conviction are spurring the crime rate in the country. There is a strong need to have time-bound trials so that justice is delivered in time. It's nothing short of travesty of justice if one has to wait for 25 years for an inconclusive judgement that may be challenged further in courts. Government must initiate measures to make justice serve its purpose. Ashok Goswami, Amritsar Stubble burning Despite adequate laws and efforts made by government agencies, stubble burning is rampant in wheat and paddy growing areas, causing environmental and soil infertility problems. However, the authorities are unconcerned about garbage being burnt in urban areas under the very nose of the administration. Garbage is being burnt in rural areas as well. The municipal administration should come forward to arrange transportation and recycling of waste. Dr Puran Singh, Nilokheri
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