We, the people of this land

IN his article, "we, the people", (August 15) J.L. Gupta highlights the fact that we are all set to overtake China only in numbers but neither economically nor as far as efficiency is concerned. In his customary eve of Independence Day address to the nation, the President pointed to the problem of increasing population and urged that: "We have to gather the political and social will to stem this tide, instead of frittering away energies in the pursuit of the politics of power and pelf."

Whatever little economic development takes place is negated by the rapid rise in population. If we wish to realise our dream of transforming India from a developing country into a developed country we cannot afford to ignore our population problem. We should propagate family planning through incentives such as tax concessions.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana

II

The article not only makes every Indian feel proud and hold his head high, it also reminds us of our cherished ideals of freedom and progress. It also brings to our mind the sacrifices of the people to whom the motherland was more important than all worldly comforts, riches and attainments put together. We have lived through times when we had no rights — economic, political or even personal — and the British had taken away all our resources, natural as well as human.But in our struggle for freedom, the whole nation rose with determination and unity.

In the present times, we have become self-sufficient in food production and are in a position to export our surplus stock. In industry and technology our achievements have been appreciated even by the developed nations. We have the capability to make nuclear weapons.

However, we have much to achieve in socio-political areas. We have failed to evolve a system which ensures that only efficient, honest and sincere people are elected to legislative bodies. Our politicians are corrupt and criminal. In a world of technology and competition, we try to protect the minority communities through reservation. While our natural resources are shrinking, we have the highest rate of population growth. Forty per cent of the population lives below the poverty line.

Today, standing at the threshold of the next millennium, we have not only to find a respectable place among the nations of the world, we have also to protect our sovereignty. During the Kargil crisis, our armed forces and citizens displayed exceptional courage, and sacrifice. We need such national zeal and determination to fight against socio-political and economic ills that afflict the country.

VED GULIANI
Hisar

III

This piece, coming straight from the heart, carries the voice of millions. Its short sentences convey the message in a forceful way.

There is no substitute for ‘hard work’ is a golden rule that, if followed, leads to success sooner or later. Health and happiness, peace and prosperity, satisfaction and solace follow. Richness is just a state of mind. Limit your needs, be content with whatever you have and you will feel like the richest man on the earth.

However, the scene is different in India. There is turbulence all around. Contentment seems to have evaporated into the thin air. The world is progressing at a fast rate and India is jostling with its problems on one hand and the desire to keep up with the rest of the world on the other. Every citizen is passing through a phase of uncertainty and dissatisfaction.

People seem to be running after money. Metros seem to be teaching just one lesson, that there is no survival without money. Consequently there is a rise in crime and corruption. Corruption has also led to an erosion of work culture. If you work hard, you are said to be doing so for self-interest. If you don’t work, you are likely to be labelled incompetent.

We must overcome all hurdles and enforce accountability, generate trust, eliminate suspicion and spread encouragement.

JAGVIR GOYAL
Bathinda

IV

Procrastination is the bane of the Indian society. There is an inordinate delay in the disposal of cases. Employees execute domestic chores during office hours. They also indulge in idle talk in the office. This lack of professionalism needs to be curbed by enforcing a strict work-culture and by setting personal examples before subordinates.

Shakespeare wrote in The rape of Lucrece about procrastination.

The patient dies while the physician sleeps;
The orphan pines while the oppressor feeds;
Justice is feasting while the widow weeps;
Avarice is sporting while infection breeds.

S.K. SHARMA
Lucknow

V

The entire article contains the personal prejudices of the author against the working class and the common people of India. His ideas reflect the mindset of the well-fed and well-bred elite. In fact, the ruthless exploitation of the common people leads to the path of "royal luxury." It is wrong to opine that: "Most of us do not work." Most of us work honestly. Millions of the peasants and workers work round the clock but they do not enjoy the fruits of their labour. The fruits of their honest labour are enjoyed by those who do not work.

The author has tried his best to defend the employers, the capitalists and all those who are in ownership of our fertile land and factories. If we believe him, the entire working class is a vast social segment of shirkers, all employees are dishonest and only the capitalists are honest. He laments the existence of the Industrial Disputes Act, and the Minimum Wages Act. These acts adore the offices of Labour Commissioners only. Even after 50 years of Independence of India, they remain confined to government files. The condition of the agriculture workers is pathetic throughout the country. They don’t get minimum wages.

The vast section of our populace are not poor because they do not work but the ruling elite has resorted to their ruthless exploitation since 1947. Money is created by labour alone. And in this great land, the amount of wealth created by the working class has gone into the coffers of capitalists and money-lenders.

If the working class does not get its due, why shouldn’t it go on strike? It is their democratic and constitutional right. How is it possible that you exploit them and then expect them to remain mute witnesses to their pathetic plight? Why shouldn’t they have the right to raise their voice against exploitation and open injustice?

The common people of this country are not responsible for their poverty and social backwardness. There are a number of socio-economic factors contributing to their present plight. One of the most crucial reasons for their poverty is anti-people economic policy of the rulers of this country. This economic policy has benefited only the elite and pauperised the peasantry and the working class. It is preposterous to claim that this world belongs to those who labour honestly. In fact, the present world is in hands of those who own capital and devise new strategies everyday to exploit the masses. This world is the world of monopoly capital.

From the beginning upto the end of this article, the writer seems to be very angry with the common people. But he seems to be quite soft towards employers and the powerful people. He is guided by his class prejudices more than by solid and proper arguments. His biased observations are, in fact, indicative of his upper class mentality.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV
Rewari

Power of faith

Apropos of Taru Bahl’s article "Have faith in yourself" (August 15), the sum and substance of the teachings and achievements of saints, which are usually interpreted as "miracles" are nothing more than faith.

The power of faith was demonstrated by Mahatma Gandhi. In him the world had one of the most outstanding examples of what faith can achieve. Mahatma Gandhi wielded more power than any other person despite the fact that he had no money or weapons. However his faith in the power of non-violence gave us independence from the British. Gandhi motivated his countrymen to unite and fight for freedom. What other force on earth, except faith could achieve so much?

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

II

Faith is the greatest weapon against worry, revenge, doubt and fear. Faith tells us that we must have a purpose in life, that life can be meaningful, and that our efforts need not be in vain. Faith is a source of strength from within. It restores health when all else fails and heals the wounds of sorrow. Faith always overcomes fear.

The key to success is to have faith in yourself, faith in your country, and foremost, faith in God. Back this up with hard work and nothing can stop you.

VIVEK SINGH MAR GIRAN
Kurukshetra