Don’t worry, be happy

THIS refers to R.C. Sharma’s write-up "Don’t worry, be happy" (July 3). Worry has its roots in tension, strain, fear, stress, anxiety, insecurity, rivalry, failure and nervousness. According to doctors, nervous problems are more common than all other illnesses combined. These affect people of every age and race and there is no end to the number of those who are sick because of worry, anxiety, nervous tension, or emotional stress.

Many people remain constantly worried seldom with good cause. We should confront our worries. Sort them out one by one. Decide which are ours and discard the rest. We will be amazed to discover how many things we have been worrying about, that did not actually concern us. For a personal or emotional problem find guidance. Once you have realised your problems, don’t let them keep eating at you; Don’t worry, be happy!

Let us meet the challenge of worry with the art of laughter. He who laughs ....lasts!

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

II

A cheerful disposition fortifies us against physical ailments. I recall how once in my youth I sought medical advice about the sorry state of my health. The doctor listened to me, and examined me. His prescription was a book Stop worrying and start living by Dale Carnegie. He advised me to read it every day. By acting upon his "medical" advice, I developed a positive outlook on life and have been leading a healthy life even now in my sixties.

That state of mind influences the body in tangible ways is now widely documented in medical literature. We must not ignore the role of music, meditation and books to lead a healthy and carefree life.

S.K. SHARMA
Lucknow

Astrology

This refers to the write-up "Garbage called astrology" by Khushwant Singh (June 26), the author seems to have forgotten many important aspects of this science which has emanated from the Vedas.

According to astrology, the moon and other planets affect our lives through their radiations in the same manner as they cause tides in the ocean and also affect the mental faculty of lunatics. Thus it is established beyond any doubt that planets do influence man’s behaviour.

Regarding the accuracy of predictions, they depend upon the degree of knowledge of astrology. The subject of astrology is not to be blamed in case the prediction (as in the case of Khushwant Singh) has not come out to be true. The author should know that there are astrologers like Dr B.V. Raman in India who had predicted the rise of the Nazi power during the late 30s and also its decline in the mid-forties along with all the major events of World War II well in advance. Jeane Dixon, an American forecaster of the 20th century, predicted the death of Jawaharlal Nehru and his succession by Lal Bahadur Shastri. She also predicted the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Not only this Jeane Dixon predicted the partition of India and its exact date two years in advance.

It is essential to understand the scientific basis of astrology before condemning it. Denying astrology would be just like denying any other established science. Hypotheses are proved incorrect in other sciences also. But it is too small a reason to denounce the entire system of learning. The presence of bogus astrologers and fluke predictions cannot undermine the greatness of astrology.

V.P. RATTAN
Panchkula

Traffic sense

Apropos of H. Kishie Singh’s informative write-up "What ails Chandigarh traffic" (June 19) it is true that the traffic sense among the people in India is still not upto the desired level. The author has highlighted several important issues which are generally left out during the so-called "traffic weeks" organised every year. By the way, why should not these weeks be observed quarterly and a traffic slogan competition be made an annual feature?

The truth is that we tend to take pride in our lack of traffic sense and civic sense. It is only the fear of the law which brings a modicum of discipline.

Since the steering wheel brings out the brute in the driver, it is necessary for the enforcement agencies to bring out the whip. Unfortunately, that hardly happens. During the traffic drives in Chandigarh, the official vehicles are found to be the main culprits. Asking citizens to stick to speed and other traffic rules can hardly have any effect, when CTU buses continue to go as if these are taking part in a fire-fighting operation. All vehicles of VIPs should bear their registration numbers clearly and follow traffic lights strictly.

Drives launched by the Chandigarh Police show that hundreds of minors have been issued driving licences. This could not have been possible without the connivance of the licencing authorities.Parents especially in Chandigarh take pride in encouraging their minor children to drive cars and two wheelers. After all, what can the police do when a proud parent invites the Press to demonstrate to them the extraordinary driving skills of his five-year-old daughter, ignoring the fact that it is a violation of all road rules? The writer rightly says that as long as we do not realise the importance of road safety and show respect for the traffic rules, it is futile to expect the traffic and other enforcement agencies to make roads safe for the public.

K.M. VASHISHT
Mansa