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

Peace with Pakistan not a bad idea

H K Dua’s front-page editorial “Making a peace bid is not a bad idea” ( June 11) gains importance in the given volatile situation in India’s neighbourhood. The UPA government is facing an uphill task.

The biggest threat emanates from Pakistan where the Taliban is spreading its tentacles close to the Indian borders. So peace is not a bad idea. India must take the initiative and win the trust of not only Pakistan but also all its neighbours by assuring them that it seeks to be a bulwark against political and economic disruption in the region.

DR VITULL K GUPTA, Bathinda

MOHINDER BEHL, Gurdaspur

III

Nuclear nations like India and Pakistan have little option other then to continue campaigning for peace. In case of a nuclear flashpoint, none can emerge victorious. John F Kennedy once said, “Mankind must put an end to war or the war will put an end to mankind.”  

Like a true statesman, Dr Manmohan Singh has chosen the right path. Pakistan is hopelessly caught in the web of contradictions, conflicts and redundant ideologies. War on the Taliban is its compulsion and not a choice.

B M SINGH, Amritsar

Global warming

One of the main causes of global warming is deforestation that leads to increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Deforestation is to be blamed for 25 per cent of all carbon dioxide release entering the atmosphere by the cutting and burning of about 34 million acres of trees each year.

The second major greenhouse gas which causes global warming, is methane. We should take adequate measures to protect the earth. Schoolteachers can play a crucial role by teaching students and making them aware of the adverse fall-out of global warming.

DES RAJ, Jawali

Criminals & politics

It is worrying to know (editorial, “MP or a murderer?”, June 9) that in the 14th Lok Sabha, there were 128 MPs with criminal records but in the new House, their number has risen to 153. Prior to the recently held elections, there had been a raucous clamour over the issue of tickets to the candidates with criminal background.

Yet candidates with criminal records could not be stopped from entering the Lok Sabha. Sadly, the issue picks up only during elections. Once the elections are over, dust settles over it. The efforts of the judiciary, the media and the Election Commission are commendable. But to tackle the problem in totality, the government should pass legislation. 

ASHWINI AHUJA, Fazilka

Violent agitations

S S Johl in his thought-provoking article “Violent agitations destroy” (June 6) has rightly stated that the government is not meant for merely issuing appeals. It must handle the miscreants with an iron hand.

There is little doubt that some incidents compel the people to lodge a public protest but they must do so peacefully. As a matter of fact, often some misguided elements exploit the situation and instigate the protestors to destroy government property. The government must take tough measures to combat such ugly incidents.

SUBASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

Make education worthwhile The article “More marks, more stress” (June 2) by Nonika Singh made interesting reading. Indeed, children are being imparted education at the cost of enjoyment and learning. The growing incidence of psychological problems among the teenagers compels a rethink on perceptions and priorities of education. However, to blame it entirely on the existing evaluation system is convenient but far from the truth. The present system of education stresses purely on textbooks, examinations and percentage of marks that invariably leads to the mantra—success at any price. It fails to instil the virtues of compassion, patience, sympathy and generosity. Instead of cultivating higher values, the educational institutions are increasingly becoming factories where “sick” minds are being created. Clearly, the need of the hour is a radical reordering of goals of education to enhance the quality of life within the school as well as in the world outside. Children should be made to appreciate and imbibe better community values. Values cannot be taught like texts nor tested in written examinations. Apart from enabling the children to become economically independent, education must also inculcate right values to make them responsible citizens of society. GAURAV JULKA, Ferozepore City