M A I L B A G

Plight of the old must  end

The editorial “Living dead” (Dec 29) and the news item “They organise their own bhog” (Dec 28) are a candid indictment of the sad behaviour of the modern generation towards their aged parents. It is time to be of one mind about society’s moral imperative to provide better living conditions for the elderly people.

The present generation is apathetic to the older people, but youngsters, if properly awakened, can change their lot. Educating the young today will curb ill treatment and callousness tomorrow. The state government should set up a cell to spread the message in young minds of love and respect for their elders. The cell’s staff should do this by visiting schools and colleges on a regular basis. Issues regarding older people should be highlighted using various forms of media, at a national level.

Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar

II

News of grown up children deserting their aged, unwanted parents are often reported, but such instances never fail to shock and depress. What an erosion of values in today’s society! It is only morality that differentiates human instinct from animal instinct. But is not our next generation becoming self-centred, selfish, and uncaring? It is rightly said that values are not taught, but caught. But from whom should our offspring catch these values? Are there worthy role models around?

ANITA KATARIA, Patiala

Don’t help Baloch

Pakistan has asked India to “mind their own business” in reaction to India’s comments on the situation in Balochistan, and has gone further to the extent of blaming Indian involvement in arming and financing Baloch rebels.

There is no wisdom in showing concern for Baloch rebels. It is good for India if Baloch rebels keep on fighting for their own cause, undisturbed by India. We have had a bad experience with helping Bangladesh. India spent its valuable resources to help them get freedom; but they support Pakistan in every respect, including aiding terrorist activities in India.

If the people of West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), were allowed to fight against each other for all time to come, it would have kept Pakistan engaged in internal troubles, giving them no time and energy to create problems for India. In any case, Baloch rebels would never tolerate Indian involvement. India’s moral and legal obligation is towards minorities of Pakistan and Bangladesh

ANAND PRAKASH, Panchkula

My Himachal

The creation of an international forum called ‘My Himachal’, by non-resident Himachalis, is welcome news indeed. Himachal, with its unique geography, climatic, culture and richness of resources, is poised to take a quantum leap forward.

However, the neighbouring states have blindly followed the flawed and dubious Western models of development leading to crass urbanisation and environmental degradation.

The said forum can judiciously employ its members’ expertise, international exposure, financial muscle and above all the sentiment for a better Himachal, as its most valuable tools in transforming this struggling hill state into a vibrant, prosperous, environmentally-rich oasis of splendour and beauty, free from the pollution, corruption and decadence prevailing all around.

The forum must also be in a position to exert pressure for better governance in the state, whichever party may be in the saddle.

SUBASH C SHARMA, Palampur

Boost to trade

It is welcome news that “SAFTA”, the South Asia Free Trade Area, is coming into effect. It will definitely be a big boost to trade for all SAARC countries. There will be further tariff reduction in custom duties, and removal of quantitative restrictions. More items will come onto the trade list. There will be more co-operation between SAARC countries and the flow of goods will increase from one country to another country.

DEEPAK SARAF, Rampura Phul

High bus fares

In Himachal Pradesh, the bus fares are 80 paise per km. I recently visited the Western Ghats in southern India, where I encountered similar type of terrain and roads. But the bus fares that the Kerala and Karnataka road transport corporations charge is 46 paise per km. I paid Rs 103 for a 240 km journey by a Kerala government bus from Mysore to Calicut. The transport ministry in HP should take note of this.

NEELA SOOD, Chandigarh

Decline and fall

Mr S Nihal Singh deserves to be complimented for his excellent article “The Fall of Mr Advani” (Jan 3) , which throws light on BJP leader L K Advani’s long, dramatic political journey. The beauty of the article lies in its delightful balanced tone and tenor. To quote a Shakespearean phrase, Mr Advani seems to have been more sinned against than sinning. Can he bounce back? At the moment the chances seem quite dim.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Media menace The media nowadays seems to be misusing its power. Recently at Aamir Khan’s reception media people were not allowed inside the venue in spite of all their attempts to enter. This led to a quarrel between the media persons and his security guards. Now the media people are blaming the security men for what happened. Is it fair? TV channels, in particular, are today more interested in covering events and issues which have little news value. Perhaps, their main purpose is how to increase their viewership. The electronic media’s standard has gone down so much that if some 8-10 persons want instant fame they can easily get it by burning some posters of celebrities and raising slogans. Whether this encourages people to indulge in this kind of negative activity is not the media’s concern. The most shocking incident was seeing media persons barging into the ICU chamber where Amitabh Bachhan was fighting for his life. Their action could have resulted in some serious problem to the film celebrity. Does this not show that the media has forgotten its responsibility? Don’t they know that they have no right to interfere in one’s personal life? They often go beyond their limits. I would rather say the media has lost its dignity. The media must realise its responsibility towards the nation. Shazy Zia, Mohali