Consumerism in Ludhiana

APROPOS of the write-up "A model of extravagance and waste" (Feb 16), I want to point out that in this part of the country Ludhianvis are now famous for their flamboyance and ostentation in almost every sphere of life. Not to speak of marriages, even the annual and less important functions like birthdays and anniversaries at Ludhiana are celebrated most lavishly by spending lakhs of rupees. In this rat race for more and more show-off, sense and non-sense make little sense. It seems just for the sake of false prestige everybody is trying to excel the other person by fair means or foul.

Ludhianvis have no time to think about the different types of chaos in their city — environmental, traffic, sanitation or regarding other civic matters. Life in this city is becoming more and more difficult not only for the poor but for the rich also.

I have seen this city growing up for a couple of decades. Today it has the largest number of small and medium-scale industrial units besides a good concentration of export houses. Over the years, an abundant flow of money with economic liberalisation and consumerism has caught hold of the Punjabi ethos.

Ludhiana today has the maximum number of vehicles, and here everyday we see the opening of new exclusive show-rooms of reputed "phoren" brands. One can see even a small shopkeeper flaunting the mobile phone no matter if he actually does not need it. Restaurants and other eating places always remain full, and often one has to wait for his/her turn at ice-cream parlours also. Not to speak of the locals, even the migratory labourers who work in the industrial units here are now enjoying a life-style which can be the envy of a vast section of population in other parts of the country.

It is not only the ordinary people here who are bitten by the bug of style and show-off. During all time of the year more and more "dharmgurus" descend on Ludhiana. Their brief sojourn and way of holding congregations can put the most ostentatious marriages to shade. The popularity of such preachers is now measured by the rush of their followers arriving in big imported cars.

Sadly enough, funeral processions and kirya/bhog ceremonies are also becoming an occasion for a different type of show-off, the show of connections. No doubt, Ludhiana has made all-round progress, but when I see here growing materialism with the absence of the feeling of social responsibilities, I get mixed feelings about my city.

(Dr) RAVINDRA VATSYAYAN
Ludhiana

Plight of the aged

Mr Kirpal Singh ("Editor's Mail", Feb 12) has drawn a grim picture of non-pensioners retired employees. In the case of pensioners, an index-linked increase in DA instalments is given at frequent intervals. This neutralises the effect of inflation to some extent. But the condition of non-pensioner retirees is pitiable. They are at a disadvantage when it comes to meeting the ever-increasing cost of living.

The writer has taken great pains to explain the whole situation clearly, but the question is: who bothers? Those who can do something about this anomaly seem to have no time to spare for such trifle matters. They are too well encased in their airconditioned offices and residences — all at the tax-payers' expanses — to give any thought to the problems of the old people. As if they themselves are never going to age!

A glaring example of this abject apathy shown by the authorities concerned is the case of the retired employees of Panjab University, Chandigarh. They have left no door unknocked for the redress of their grievances about not receiving a pension. But all remain unmoved by the distressful situation of the aged. Like many other civil cases in the courts this one has also been hanging fire for years. There is no realisation that this case pertains to senior citizens and should be given priority.

Because of old age and its related problems, we are not left with sufficient strength. We do not have enough funds either. Therefore, we are unable to fight forcefully for our rights. We wish some conscientious person would show pity and take up our cause, maybe as a public interest litigation.

BHUPINDER SINGH BHOOP
Chandigarh

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Privileged obstructionists

Our parliamentarians and legislators are definitely a privileged class, different from the rest. They have their proud parliamentary privileges to shout, to indulge in scuffles and troop into the well of the House so as not to allow any proceedings and yet get their sumptuous pay, perks and allowances for thwarting the duty for the performance of which they are elected and paid.

I wish other classes of people were also that fortunate! But they can't. They are employed people whereas our legislators and parliamentarians are elected. The latter make laws not for themselves but for others to obey and be punished for any violation.

Above all, our parliamentarians are the torch-bearers for the nation!

AMBA CHARAN VASISHTH
Shimla