M A I L B A G

We should take care of elders

ADITI TANDON’s article, “Give the old their due” (Spectrum, Nov 4) was timely. The government has indeed woken up to the challenge. The article raises many points relevant to the problems of the aged and the authorities concerned will hopefully look into these.

The children should take care of their parents. We should understand the needs of the aged – their routine, their likes, dislikes and pranks. At times they feel bitter and unhappy, neglected and unwanted. Sit with them for a while and chat with them.

Retirement is mandatory for those in service and voluntary for the self-employed. The elders should accordingly plan for their retirement. One should do post-retirement plans from the age of 50 years. Financial resources, investments and outcome can always be planned in advance.

Government bodies and society can do a lot for the aged. They should establish more and more old age homes with proper nursing facilities and day care centres. Open more and more clubs for seniors for promoting interaction. Provide more travel concessions in buses, trains and aeroplanes.

R.D. ARORA, Chandigarh

VC quit on his own

I read the article, “Another VC forced to quit” by Dr S.S. Johl (Perspective, Dec 2).  Mr S.S. Boparai has not been forced to quit; his own unlawful actions have made him quit the Punjabi University.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has brought to the notice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court a number of instances in the matter of illegal appointments by Mr Boparai. It has pointed out many financial irregularities committed by Mr Boparai. He failed to give satisfactory replies to the questions posed by the Vigilance Department.

Mr Boparai quit the University since he could not face the vigilance enquiry.  It is, therefore, incorrect to say that the VC has been forced to quit the university.  Nobody compelled him to resign from the post.  The decision was of his own volition.

Dr Johl is wrong in saying that the Congress government did not change the Vice-Chancellors appointed by the previous governments. When the Congress came to power, Mr Boparai’s predecessor was changed.

Dr. MANJIT SINGH, Professor of Social Work and JAC Convener, Punjabi University, Patiala

Not an oil cooler

H. Kishi Singh’s column “Good motoring” (Saturday Extra, Dec 1) has some factual errors. While describing the turbo charger fitted in the diesel engines, he has cautioned the vehicle owner to ‘idle’ the engine for 30-40 seconds before stopping. This is a must.

However, his point that the intercooler will cool the oil is incorrect. The intercooler is not meant for cooling the oil. The intercooler cools the air coming from the turbocharger before it is injected into the engine when the intake valve opens.

The reason for idling the diesel engine for one minute at starting and stopping is that the turbine rota gets proper lubrication for its ‘floating’ bearings. The intercooler is simply an air cooler and not an oil cooler. His description about the turbocharger, rota, intercooler lacks technical facts. Also his advice on engine oils.n

V. TIWARI, Chandigarh