The magical influence of ads

THIS refers to Aradikha Sehkon’s write-up "Why dil maange more" (May 1). About four decades back, to be in pursuit of pleasure and a hedonistic lifestyle was looked down upon in Indian society. But with the passage of time, people no more frown upon such ambitions. In fact, material prosperity is considered a yardstick for success.

To raise one’s standard of living was never despised in traditional India. But the only condition attached was that one ought to adopt the right means and should not remain unmoved by the sufferings of fellow beings. Admittedly, the urban middle class has relatively become richer than before, but it has lost its social conscience in the bargain.

A consumerist society life ours, whose main market principle is "self interest", stresses on overproduction of goods, and more and more profit. Producers along with sellers stupefy the customers with the magical influence of the electronic media through alluring advertisements for consumer goods.

When people crave for more and more material things, prompted by the consideration of prestige and the fear of not keeping up with fashion, it revives individualistic tendencies. It covertly or overtly destroys one’s standard of moral decency and undermines the values of life.

P.L. SETHI
Patiala

A centre of learning

I am thankful for the article "A centre of learning" by Ravinder Sood under Regional Vignettes (May 1).

The article under reference gives the history and informs about the functioning of the Vishveshvaranand Vedic Research Institute, Hoshiarpur. However, no mention has been made about the functioning of the university department on the same campus.

Panjab University, Chandigarh, took over w.e.f. July 1,1965, four wings from the Vishveshvaranand Vedic Research Institute, Hoshiarpur, i.e. teaching, research, library and administration sections under the name of VVIS & IS (PU) Hoshiarpur. After the death of Acharyya Vishva Bandhu in 1973, its name was changed to Vishveshvaranand Vishva Bandhu Institute of Sanskrit and Indological Studies (VVBIS & IS), Hoshiarpur.

Further, the caption of the photograph of the library building reads: The library of the Vishveshvaranand Vedic Research Institute. The correct name of the library is Vishveshvaranand Library, Department of VVBIS & IS (PU), Hoshiarpur.

DAMODAR JHA
(Chairman, VVBIS & IS)
Hoshiarpur

Kiran Bedi

This refers to the article "A phenomenon called Kiran Bedi" (Stamped impressions) by Reeta Sharma (May 1).Kiran Bedi has certainly carved a niche for herself because she is a go-getter, a person of conviction and action, devoted and dedicated to her profession — and above all, a brave and fearless person who is out to fulfil her commitments against all odds, opposition and flimsy criticism. I agree with the author that Kiran is a real fighter — woman of our times — who is fighting for the right causes. She is a dare-devil who accepts the challenges this corrupt system throws at her. There is no wonder then that lakhs of women in India want to be like Kiran Bedi — she serves as a role model to them. She deserves every word of praise which has been showered upon her in the article. The future of our women in this country would hold great promise if we had more Kiran Bedis

ONKAR CHOPRA
New Delhi

The unexpected pilgrim

Khushwant Singh, in his write-up "Anandpur Sahib: The unexpected pilgrim" (This above all — May 1), admits that though he often writes against certain established religious practices, he agreed to visit Anandpur Sahib and accept a siropa on the occasion of the tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa Panth.

The columnist has remarked that either they (the organisers of the tercentenary function) do not read what he writes against established religions or are large hearted enough to overlook his "verbal and written misdemeanours". What the writer seems to convey is that he attended the aforesaid function only because he was invited to do so. If his stand on his oft-proclaimed principles is really so weak, how can he expect his readers to follow what he preaches? How will his ambition of bringing about a change in society be fulfilled under the circumstances?

SURENDRA MIGLANI
Kaithal