Beauty contests ‘unhealthy’

Renee Ranchan’s concern at the unhealthy trends of beauty contests "This business of beauty," (June 5) in our society deserves special attention of parents as also of social reformers. For a society with cultural values, rooted in the ancient times of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, it is unfortunate that the small girls who should be learning and singing nursery rhymes, are being taught the importance of make-up brush, adorable looks with fake eyelashes and a painted mouth. It is cruel to expose a small innocent girl to the world of artificial make-up and glamour. In the name of health awareness, small girls are subjected to bleaching, waxing, manicures, facials etc. They are made to live on a strict sugar-free and oil-free diet and regularly visit the gyms to look hale and hearty.

Little do such parents realise that in the name of good looks and a slim figure, they are not only creating vital deficiencies in their children but are also hampering the natural growth of their personality and talent. It is not a painted mouth, sauntering around in high heels and projecting grown-up airs that brings real success in life. Real success lies in a balanced development of one’s physical, intellectual and spiritual qualities that would make one a valuable human asset than a beautifully painted puppet unaware of socio-cultural life and its demands.

Ved Gulianii

Hisar

Among the Badals

This refers to Khushwant Singh’s column — This above all — (May 29), titled — "Among The Badals." (II). The account of Mr Khushwant Singh’s visit to Badal village makes interesting reading. He paints for us a picture containing scenes of rural tranquillity and prosperity. He found the Badal clan living in feudal splendour and having feudal tastes. In the evening he found dozens of elegantly dressed attractive Sardarnis strolling about and scores of children screaming as they chased each other. To him every one looked relaxed and happy.

I wonder how could he miss out the towering personality of Sardarni Surinder Kaur Badal — a graceful and dignified figure popularly called "Bibi " by the village folk? A real moving spirit behind Badal clan. Bibi’s intimate sense of belonging with the masses has won her a dedicated following. She is heard with as much respect as her CM husband. She is thereal brain behind The Shagun scheme and many modern development activities. Khushwant Singh must re-visit Badal village to pay regards to this great woman.

Onkar Chopra

Ludhiana

II

Khushwant Singh has given us a heavy dose of Badals’, their high life-styles and their vast estates. These articles have no doubt brought out his old habit of sycophancy towards his benefactors.

The Badals have favoured him by bestowing upon him a saropa and citation on Baisakhi day during the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib. In return and as a reciprocal gesture he has consumed a lot of space of his column and also precious time of his readers on a meaningless and drab subject. It would be in the fitness of things if the renowned writer kept his admiration of his benefactors to himself, his family and friends refrained from using the columns of the newspaper for airing his personal admiration of his patrons.

Satinder Singh

Pathankot