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

Clash shameful

The Sikhs are very touchy about their turbans. They have also opposed checking of turbans at airports. But, during the recent clash at Akal Takht, it did not seem so as the Sikhs were seen tossing each other's turbans in the air. Known for their discipline, the Sikhs are losing face because of a few radicals who have shamed the entire community.

Prof Rajdeep Singh, Patiala

Business interests

Apropos the news item "Sikhs march through London to protest Operation Bluestar" (June 9), it is proposed by the legal adviser of a rights group to seek referendum among the Sikh diaspora in which they can vote on the question of self-determination. There should be another question for the diaspora on whether they are ready to leave American or European countries for their dreamland. It is certain they would reply in the affirmative for fun’s sake, but they would never mean it.

They have been just passing time through such actions because the attorney referred to in this news item is an immigration lawyer in California who and his co-professionals want to be in the limelight among the Sikhs for the sake of their business. These "attorneys" usually give paid advertisements in Punjabi newspapers, available free of charge in grocery stores in the US, with pictures of the persons for whom they claim to have got asylum in the US. This can be verified from the internet edition of Punjab Times, Punjab News and 10 other such newspapers. These kinds of marches are conducted by those who manage gurdwara funds in the West and a common Sikh has nothing to do with it. These "attorneys" sensationalise such issues for the sake of their business.

KS Dhami, California

Infant’s tragic thirst

This is in reference to the news “Villagers protest after infant dies of thirst” (June 12). How can a two-month-old infant demand water? Infants need only mother's milk as it contains water sufficient for them. No water is required up to six months of age until there is some acute loss of water from the body.

It is very tragic that the infant died while his mother went out in search of water. But more tragic is that he was unknowingly denied a natural source of water (mother's milk).

Dr Dhiraj Sarwal, Panchkula

Cherish the moment

Sometimes we miss golden moments in life. When we were in school, we were not aware of the value of time. For many years, I have been searching for my friend. I have a vague idea that she is in England. Till class VI, we were doing holiday homework together. Then she left school and went abroad.

Lucky are the ones who get the opportunity to attend silver, golden and diamond jubilees. When I attended the silver jubilee of our school, I did not realise that it’s a once-in-a-life-time event. I met our Founder-Principal, but did not share much with her. I miss that so much now, but she is no more.

However, when I attended the golden jubilee of the school, I was aware of its value. We enjoyed meeting the nuns after so many years and interacting with the schoolmates.

At this phase of life, I have learned to enjoy whatever moment one gets, since time will never come again. Now I am writing a diary of my feelings and beautiful moments spent in school andabout teachers with inputs from other alumni.

Opinder Kaur Sekhon, Chandigarh

Crimes against women

Women have not been given equal rights as men and today crimes against them have reached alarming proportions. At least 10 cases related to women’s harassment or other forms of violence are registered in police station throughout the country everyday. At least one is reported in the media daily. Is this how a woman is respected in our country? Is this how the government is providing rights to women? Men think women are inferior to them. They need to understand that women are not meant to be used and thrown.

If strict laws against rape had been imposed, crimes such as the Delhi gangrape wouldn't have taken place. Parents feel insecure while sending their daughters out. The government has to take some strict action.

Only awareness can minimise the crimes against women. Change in law is not enough, there is a need of change in us.

Amisha, Jagadhri

Power pangs

Every summer, Punjab faces the problem of power scarcity even as the demand for electricity is increasing each year. However, I fail to understand why there is no planning to deal with the shortage. The SAD-BJP government's statements that Punjab will become a power-exporting state are nothing but a joke.

The electricity board has many senior employees and there are many retired employees who are ready to share their experiences on how to tackle the issue. The government should take their assistance. The people should also be made aware of the actual situation prevailing in the state.

Amanvir Singh Tiwana, Patiala

Revise scholarship norms

The Himachal Pradesh Government has announced Rs 75,000 to meritorious students who make it to an IIT. All students having top scores in the HP Board examinations are being awarded e-notebooks. An amount of Rs 80,000 (per session) for a bachelor’s course in science for any student who takes admission in a government college is a laudable effort in encouraging students of weaker sections.

However, students who scored top positions in March 2013 and thereafter took admission in coaching centres for JEE/PMT entrance examinations are being denied these incentives only because they did not enroll themselves in a government institution.

If a student yearns to achieve something greater and drops a year for special coaching, he/she should not be denied such incentives. The authorities must reconsider the terms of such schemes. This will benefit thousands of students.

Balak Ram Dhiman, Nadaun