Tracking the march of civilisation

APROPOS of Chaman Ahuja’s article "Age of destruction and creation" (December 12), the writer aptly argues that any backward march of civilisation is akin to the burning of the phoenix before it is reborn. History shows many instances in which old, degenerate civilisations had to be weeded out so that the entire world could thrive anew.

How one terms the 20th century depends on one’s own perceptions. However, one thing is certain— this century will be known as a century of modernisation. The modern society has made advances in the fields of industry, science and technology, particularly information technology. Alas, a large part of the society still lives in misery and destitution. The world we live in is characterised by injustice. The problem before us is how to successfully overcome this contradiction. The solution requires the combined efforts of the intellectual and political leaders of the country.

P.L. SETHI
Patiala

Think before you act!

Apropos of Nonika Singh’s article ‘What after desertion’, (December 5) no doubt the list of women, deserted by their dollar-earning spouses is getting longer.

If a man carries a H-1 Visa, then his wife can go abroad only on a H-4 Visa, which means that she would be a ‘dependant wife’. She would not be allowed to earn there. Women looking for NRI spouses should think before they act.

ROBIN BATRA
Patiala

Morning walk

This refers to G.K. Sharma’s article "What a good start to the morning" (November 28). A lack of physical activity, combined with unhealthy food habits and the stress and strain of modern life has made us susceptible to diseases like diabetes, hypertension and even heart ailments. A morning walk is the best remedy to counteract such diseases.

A morning walk is not only good for health, but it also serves as a tonic for the mind. It activates and refines our thought process. It invigorates our emotional system as well.

SURINDER KUMAR MARWAH
Delhi

II

H.G. Walls once said, "I write as I walk because I want to get somewhere. I write as straight as I can, just as I walk as straight as I can — because that is the best way to get there".

A walking enthusiast, the historian G.M. Trevelyan, had commented on the subject, "I have two doctors — my left leg and my right leg."

ROSHNI JOHAR
Shimla

Army-police relationship

This refers to Pritam Bhullar’s article "Looking at Army-police relationship" (December 12). A good relationship between officers and jawans can do wonders in building morale. Military officers and jawans are trained to serve under adverse conditions, to function in tense and often complex situations and to act fast, if need be. Stringent medical screening that a potential soldier is put through, ensures that only absolutely fit young men are selected. However a bulk of these soldiers retire at a young age. Early retirement is one of the major reasons why young people are not attracted to a military career.

PARTAP SINGH
(Kainthan) Dasuya

A new you

I.M. Soni’s article "Wake up to a new you" (December 5) was very interesting and inspiring. If we plan our work and work sincerely, we can make the best use of all the resources and opportunities available. We should avoid mental laziness and cultivate some worthwhile hobbies to keep ourselves busy. In a nutshell, we should strive earnestly to turn a new leaf at the dawn of the new millennium.

ASHWINI BHASKAR
Yamunanagar

Tricks that memory plays

Apropos of Roshni Johar’s article ‘Tricks that memory plays" (December 12), it is a fact that without memory, one can never learn, nor can one understand what one sees and hears. One’s ability to store memories and use them at the right time, enables one to not only understand, but also transmit ideas to other people.

We depend upon memory to guide us in all that we do. We have two types of memory: Temporary and permanent. Mental pictures stimulate memories — we link one thought with another until we eventually have a complete picture.

VANDHANA SHARMA
Ropar

II

‘Tricks that memory plays’ by Roshni Johar (December 12), made interesting reading. Over the ages people have tried novel aids (associations, mnemonics), various regimens (repetition for better long term retention), even all sorts of herbs (brahmi, shankhpushpi etc.), elixirs and concoctions, to enhance their memory. Some have succeeded, where others have failed. Needless to say that they must indeed be fortunate people who are blessed with the gift of a good memory.

At times, however, were it not for the redeeming power of forgetfulness, many people would go completely berserk. Stressful situations, taxing circumstances, unpleasant instances and people one often comes across in life, make it necessary that occasional lapses of memory come to our aid.

The human mind, has developed natural defense mechanism in the form of forgetfulness, which comes to its rescue. By shutting out of one’s mind unpleasant and painful instances from one’s past, one is perhaps able to survive hostile environments and challenges of the world.

VIVEK KHANNA
Panchkula