Looking at life differently

THIS refers to Abhilaksh Likhi’s article "Looking at life differently" (March 27). There can be no doubt that the reel life has not only depicted real life, but it has influenced and moulded it through bold and sensitive experiments on controversial socio-cultural and political themes. Indian cinema has not only highlighted public attitude towards old social values vis-a-vis the fast-changing life, but it has also dedicated itself to a serious exploration of complex and multi-faceted human experiences. On the one hand, it has presented the issues of tradition, caste, ethnicity and religion, while on the other it has also focused public attention on the feudalis rural areas. It has portrayed revulsion for an unjust, atrocious, corrupt and exploitative social system.

While all this has earned it praise and goodwill, the film-industry must also own responsibility for giving rise to social evils and increasing crime. An excessive exposure to raw violence in films has made the youth insensitive, crude and egoist. Our cultural values, spirit of sacrifice and tolerance level have fallen in the face of an onslaught of materialism depicted in films. An ill-conceived display of sex on the screen harms impressionable minds. Films reduce the female form to an object of sexual oppression and exploitation.

The cinema of the gaudy needs to be tempered with a humanism imbued with poetic brilliance, which should be nearer Indian cultural values than the mindless materialistic pursuit of the West.

Ved Guliani
Hisar

Tatapani

This refers to the feature "Tatapani: A lesser known hill resort" by Baljit Singh (March 27).

Tatapani’s thermal springs are indeed a wonder of nature. Scientists say that deep below the earth crust lies magma (a molten substance) at a temperature of about 120°C when ground or rain water meets the magnatic surface, it spouts through crevices in the crust, resulting in hot water springs. At certain points, the temperature of springs is over 50°C. A peculiar smell of sulphur and vapour prevails over the springs, which contain large amounts of sulphur and lime.

Known for their healing properties, the water from sulphur springs is invigorating and helps cure arthritis, rheumatism and various skin ailments.

Tatapani being a pilgrimage centre, massive community baths are held here during Magh, Sankranti, Lohri, Tara Ratri etc. These days are considered auspicious for a dip in the Sutlej’s springs.

Near the springs, most of the rock’s coarse surfaces have been smoothened by water, and they have become very slippery due to accumulation of slime on them. So tread carefully on these beautiful but dangerous rocks and the roaring Sutlej flowing around them.

Roshni Johar
Shimla

Ode to immortality

Ashwini Bhatnagar’s article "Ode to Immortality" (March 20) made interesting and informative reading.

The writer’s reference to the image of Vishnu received from the then King of Kangra, Sahi, who in turn had got it from the "Lord of Tibet" links the Khajuraho stone art to that of the Kangra region.

True, stone art flourished in the Kangra region in the 8th and 9th centuries when the temples of Masrur (Kangra) were cut and carved. Here too there are erotic images of gods and goddesses (though now in a ruined shape) According to a legend, a young prince was going to renounce the world in the prime of his youth. But the most beautiful apsara from the court of Lord Indra, who was in love with the young prince, succeeded in bringing him back to the world of reality where procreation is a part and parcel of life. Lord Indra requested Lord Vishwakarma to carve these temples of Masrur so that the young prince would have a desire to marry the beautiful I

About Khajuraho temples too there is a legend that a king had a young beautiful daughter (his only heir) who started worshipping gods and goddesses and decided to renounce the world. Her father didn’t want her to put a stop to his lineage of heirs. He, therefore, got the temples of Khajuraho built where erotic images of gods and goddesses could instil the desire of sex in the young princess.

Since the temples of Khajuraho were carved between 950-1050AD and those of Masrur in the 8th and 9th centuries, there is thus a great possibility that the stone art of Khajuraho may be an imitation of the stone art of Masrur (Kangra). The archaeological survey in these parts has revealed how stone carving and temple architecture had been at the peak of its glory during the 8th and 9th centuries. Even prior to that, stone images have been found at Pathiar, Ranital, Chari, old Kangra fort, and in rivers and lakes of the region.

The writer’s interpretation about spires — that they represent the never-ending human urge to soar higher and higher — is interesting and educative.

D.C. Sharma
Kangra

II

At the time of Muslim invasions, the whole of northern India was under the sway of the Rajputs. Bundelkhand, one of the important Rajput states, was ruled by Chandelas. The capital of Chandelas was Mahoba.

In the year 1000, the Chandelas were at the height of their power and the most illustrious kings of this family were Dhang and Kirti Varman, who ruled from 950 AD to 998 AD and from 1049 AD to 1100 AD, respectively. Most of the temples in and around Khajuraho were constructed during this period. The sculptures of these temples are based on Kamasutra and were discovered by an engineer in the British army in 1838.

Shame on society

This refers to the article ‘shame’ by Aradhika Sekhon (March 13). Rape is the most inhumane crime committed against women. Unfortu-nately in a male-dominated society, the rape victim becomes an object of contempt. She faces social ostracism.

The law is also not able to help the rape victim beyond a point. We all should try to change the negative social ambience in which perverted sexual behaviour is glorified. In TV serials and movies, a lot of vulgar and obscene scenes are shown. The young minds are dangerously affected by these objectionable scenes. Crude glorification of sex ought to be treated as a criminal activity.

Law alone cannot help women. The mindset of the entire society has to undergo a sea-change. The electronic and the print media must play a responsible role in this regard.

The rapist is not just an individual but a "deep-seated disease" of our collective psyche which we will have to cure with the help of a persistent social campaign against all those who are polluting the very air around us.

RAJBAHADUR YADAV
Rewari

II

There is an urgent need for an appropriate legislation to tackle the problem of the abuse of "rape" entails the ultimate violation of the human body, the human feeling and human spirit as has been highlighted by the author in this article. A detailed study of all rape cases filed in the courts for over a decade to check their end results and highlight the deficiencies and in the existing laws and their enforcement is in order. A ‘review’ of laws pertaining to rape to make them more stringent and to ensure justice to women is overdue. The law and judiciary need to be sensitised to the vulnerability of women and children. Mere lip service will not do!

ONKAR CHOPRA
New Delhi