Ode to immortality

THIS refers to the article "Ode to immortality"by Ashwini Bhatnagar (March 20). We feel proud of our rich cultural heritage. Khajuraho temples, which represent the zenith of medieval art, are really a mute testimony to divine inspiration. These are priceless national treasures which must be preserved and maintained at all costs. The powers that be — governments at all levels — cannot afford to pass on the buck to the corporate sector to save and maintain our national assets. Concerted efforts under one central authority are required in this regard. As we celebrate a thousand years of Khajuraho, 20 existing temples provide a window to one of the most splendid temple cities of the world. We must keep these 20 temples intact at all costs .The debate about as to why erotic images adorn the walls of these temples, is of no consequence. As has been highlighted by the writer, the fact of the matter is "these sculptures are indeed a celebration of the beauty of the female form one way or the other". To all true art lovers, the picture presented by Khajuraho is of glorious beauty!

ONKAR CHOPRA
New Delhi

Youth is as youth would be

Apropos of the thought-provoking article "Youth is as youth would be" by Nonika Singh (March 6), a saying goes that "age should think and youth should do". It means youth ought to do what the elders think is right. To put it, the other way, youth being inexperienced in matters of life should follow the older generation. But, still it is a matter of debate whether age comes with experience of experience with age? A majority of us think that with age we acquire superior wisdom. But psychology does not accept this claim. However, age has the advantage of the experience.

It is universally admitted that most old persons are apt to despise viewpoints of all those who are younger than themselves. Very often, a youth, who is well qualified and ambitious is not ready to accept the ways of traditional society. It does not mean that the youth is not right. But what comes to play is the factor of disobedience, for which we the parents, to a great extent, are responsible. In a sense, we usually give in to all demands of a child. The the young people have the more they want, and the less thankful they are. If we take a little care in checking the first signs of disobedience and selfishness while our children are too young to offer serious resistance, they will grow up into better human beings. In this connection, there is a quotation by (William James) "It is practically impossible to change one’s oriental outlook after the twenty-fifth year".

While concluding the writer asserts that in a society thriving on corruption, nepotism, hypocrisy, is not it a trifle too righteous to demand idealism from our youth? Admitted. In my view it is utopia. Because youth as individual is a unit of a family, a family is a unit in a society. Our society is affected inflicted with the menace of corruption. How then is it possible that goodness may prevail in minds of our youth? Until and unless we the parents are redeemed, all changes are meaningless.

P.L. SETHI
Patiala

Champa Mangat Rai

I endrose the sentiments expressed by Reeta Sharma that Champa Mangat Rai was a rare combination of "a woman of classes and masses" (March 20), influencing three generations of Chandigarh residents.

She had the good qualities of the head and heart, which helped her in living the complete spectrum of life. These traits coaxed her in venturing out of the comfortable confines of her home. In fact, she carved her own distinct identity as a capable teacher as well as a Good Samaritan, who was always eagre to share the moments of triumphs and travails of fellow human beings from all walks of life.

Her real passion and companions of life were her books from a well-stocked personal library of English and Urdu classics. The works of P.G. Wodehouse in her collection denotes her penchant for wit and humour. This probably explained her infections zest for life and immense faith in God.

A house or city made of mortar and bricks gets its distinct soul and character from the people who inhabit it. The city elders like Champa, who made Chandigarh their home right since its conception, nursed and helped it grow into city beautiful — both in appearance and soul.

Humane to the core, legends like Champa will always endure the march of time and shall remain engraved in our minds for ever.

K.D. PATHAK
Chandigarh

Relics of Shimla

"Still standing but endangered" by Jyoti Mahajan (March 13), was a thought-provoking piece.

The major cause of devasting fires destroying the beautiful buildings of Shimla is short circuits. The old electric wires go faulty, as they have not been changed for decades.

Why are we letting Shimla’s rich heritage of beautiful buildings slip out of our hands? Perhaps our future generation will read about them in history books only. Why can’t our authorities use their imagination to declare these buildings national heritage, preserve them and light them up in the evenings to attract tourists.

ROSHNI JOHAR
Shimla