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Diwali ‘baksheesh’
Divali is the day when the watchman, gardener, postman, dhobi, telephone linesman, sweeper, housemaid, garbage collector, gas cylinder delivery boy, peon, driver, ward boy, milkman, newspaper boy and even wife consider it a right to get ‘baksheesh’. He who gets this ‘baksheesh’ without asking is the previleged one sitting on a high position. Juniors consider themselves lucky to offer him costly gifts. I sometimes wonder when the total ‘baksheesh’ on Diwali equalled half of my monthly remuneration, causing me great difficulty in striking a balance between the earnings and expenses of the month. Yes, it is certainly not out of any happiness that I tip those who knock at my door or I knock at their door. I pay them simply to neutralise any thought of mischief they could be harbouring against me. Is this the only way to spend Divali?I think we should light diyas and lanterns and spread happiness around us. And avoid ‘baksheesh’. But this has become a status symbol and the one who gets more gifts or ‘baksheesh’ is considered more influential. Ranjit K.Chandan, Balachaur
Why Malala?
By awarding Malala with the mighty Nobel prize, the sanctity of the most prestigious award has taken a hit. The eligibility conditions for the award are strange. A look at the list of recipients shows that a great span of life was dedicated by them to earn a number of achievements and this made them eligible for an award. One can hardly understand what “extra” Malala has done that she should become eligible for this honour. Maybe, by bringing Malala in the news, they are making every Pakistani girl rebel against the system and Taliban rule which is infamous for restrictions. It is strange that thousands of children killed in drone attacks didn’t catch the attention of world media, unlike Malala. Deepjot S Thukral, Ambala Cantt |
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Nobel peace Congratulations to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai for getting the Nobel peace prize. What a comparison: war and peace, Hindu and Muslim, love and hate, democracy and dictatorship. For sants, there are no barriers of countries, caste or religion. Birds fly all over, winds blow all over and are examples of peace and love. Education and a healthy childhood make the world a happy and healthy place. Dr DP Godara, Abohar Ties with Pak The killing of Indian civilians at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in firings by Pakistani army proves that Pakistan is not interested in peace or talks. India has acted boldly by fighting back and giving a clear message that we are not a soft State. Arun Jaitley and Modi must take bolder and stricter action. Political and diplomatic relations must be severed till Pakistan proves itself worthy of such relations. Mahesh Kumar, via email Drug unavailable Human albumin, a life saving drug available for Rs 2, 800 to 3200 (100 ml), has suddenly gone out of market. If at all available in an illegal way, it costs Rs Rs 12,000 to 15,000. The Medical Council of India should take action and restore the supply. Babu Ram Dhiman, Pinjore “Shame, Shame!” The news item “171 employees attached to VIPs replaced over ‘inflated’ fuel bills” (September 30) ought to shame the Punjab Government. The ministers’ own petrol bills present such horrifying escalations and they still blame the innocent hard-working employees for having eaten up the State budget? The government should pave the way for austerity for the common good of the public. MPS Chadha, Mohali Bio plants needed Due to a huge shortage of coal in Punjab, 11 of the 15 units of the three main thermal plants have been shut down. In our country, small bio power plants such as solar power plants, hydel power plants, wind power plants nuclear power plants or gobar power plants are not encouraged even though these plants are environment-friendly and cost less. The government must give a boost to such plants by providing subsidy. These will also provide employment to many people and reduce dependency on coal -based projects. Kamaljeet Malwa, Mansa Revise bankers’ pay At a recent election rally, Modi is reported to have praised bankers for responding to his Jan Dhan Yojana call and opening more than the expected number of accounts. Yet, he is not taking any steps to finalise the matter of bank employees’ salary revision pending since November 1, 2012. This is affecting the morale of over 10 lakh employees of PSU and private sector banks. Another issue that he has ignored is that of appointing heads of six PSU banks. SC Dhall, Zirakpur No banana republic Admiral Arun Prakash’s article “India no banana republic” should give a jolt to our complacent government and the people. India became a Republic in 1951. Now we have to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of our country. We have to do this ourselves and by our own resources. Nobody can take a bath for us. Our foreign policy is clear. We want amicable relations with our neighbouring countries. But if need be, we will not think twice before giving them a taste of their own medicine. BS Saini, Gurgaon Volvo ordeal On October 10, I booked two seats for my sons in Volvo departing from Chandigarh at 4 pm for Gurgaon. As they were to board a flight at IGI Airport, Delhi, I was assured by the Roadways staff that the Volvo would drop them in Centaur Hotel at Delhi from where a 15-minute regular free shuttle service operates for the airport and coolies to lift baggage are available. To be sure, I confirmed the arrangement. But in reality, the situation was different. The Volvo dropped the passengers across the road opposite the hotel. All those headed for the airport had to cross the fast traffic-laden road on foot with heavy baggages, at great risk. Why are the passengers charged fare up to Gurgaon but dropped 20 km advance near Centaur? Why does the Volvo not stop at the shuttle stop? Or why is correct information not given? VK Kaura, Panchkula Save trees Every 3,000 sheets of paper cost us a tree. Save trees. Conserve trees. Don't print any file unless you really need to. Vipin Rishiraj, Panchkula
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