M A I L B A G

Give a boost to Indo-Pak peace talks

This has reference to Dr Swarnjit Singh Sidhu’s article “Continuing the Indo-Pak peace process” (Perspective, July 25). He has rightly pointed out that Pakistan’s younger generation has no hangover of the past as has been demonstrated by the various people-to-people contact programmes undertaken across the border.

We understand that peace in this part of the continent is largely dependent on the Indo-Pak relations. How to improve the ties is the responsibility of the political leadership in both countries.

The real question is the overall development of the people. Most of them want the two countries to grow and are less concerned with the political gains of their leaders.

PARMJIT SINGH, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

Frailty and strength

Apropos of Jyoti P. Singh’s article, “Frailty too can be a strength” (Spectrum, Aug 15), frailty and bravery are both required for a better society. An example of frailty and bravery combined is Kiran Bedi. The way she dealt with criminals showed her strength. On the other hand, she arranged for counselling of prisoners, spiritual discourses, entertainment and improved conditions in jails. She thought of the welfare of prisoners and their families.

UMESH KUMAR DHAMIJA, Chandigarh

Role of media

This refers to Jaspal Bhatti’s write-up “Media hype” (Spectrum, August 15). There is no doubt that the media — particularly electronic media — has ended up creating sympathy for Dhananjay Chatterjee and his family. Shockingly enough, while a lot of coverage was being given to Dhananjay and his family, one hardly saw any programme or write-up highlighting the agony of Hetal’s family members.

Such irresponsible behaviour amounts to encouraging crime. The victims of crimes and their families have to wait for a long time to get justice since the judicial process is quite cumbersome. When they finally get justice, politicians (and media in this case) chip in to undo the same. Why such kindness is not shown to the victims of the crimes or their kin?

SURENDRA MIGLANI, Kaithal

Accelerate growth

In his interview “We won’t force Centre to follow Left agenda, says Karat” (Perspective, Aug 15), it is clear that the CPM is not against FDI. It wants FDI in the manufacturing sector. Mr Karat admits that even China accepts FDI to boost its economy.

According to Mr Karat, the West Bengal government does not approve of “gherao” as a correct form of protest by the trade unions. One hopes the leftists and their trade unions will work towards a conducive environment to win over the investors’ confidence.

The formation of the UPA-Left Coordination Committee to resolve controversial issues on the basis of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) is welcome. The Congress and its allies at the Centre should work for the overall development of the country in tune with the people’s mandate.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

Cinema Guru

This refers to Nirupama Dutt’s “Guru of sensitive cinema” (Spectrum, Aug 15) on director, producer and actor Guru Dutt. The music director of Jaal has wrongly been mentioned as Hemant Kumar whereas it was S.D. Burman. The song Yeh raat yeh chandni was sung by Hemant Kumar and written by Sahir. Guru Dutt took to heart the failure at box office of his classic film Kagaz Ke Phool and never directed any film though he directed one song Na jao sayyian chura ke bayyian from Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam and produced only box office hits like Chaudhvi ka chand and Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam.

Although he got training in dance from famous Uday Shankar, he never danced like Kamal Haasan and Raj Kapoor.

C.R. JINDAL, Chandigarh

II

For those who viewed Guru Dutt’s films in the 1950s, the celluloid moments created in black and white through light and shade have left an indelible impression on the mind. May be, never again shall such a genius be at work in the Indian cinema. He was indeed one of the most sensitive directors of the cine world.

KAMLESH UPPAL, Patiala

III

It has been wrongly mentioned that Guru Dutt married Geeta Bali. In fact, he married playback singer Geeta Roy. Guru Dutt’s contribution to the Indian cinema is priceless and an example for others to learn from his art and hard work. Shammi Kapoor had married Geeta Bali.

D.K. TALWAR, Panchkula

Shocking comparison

This refers to a letter by Dr Sarabjit Kaur in these columns. I agree with her in that Lachman Chella Ram cannot be compared with Baba Sheikh Farid. But Lachman deserves a pat on the back for compiling a translation of Guru Granth Sahib in different languages either by him or through the help of other scholars. He has done what the SGPC should have done long back. His work is a life-long dedication towards the Sikh faith and he certainly deserves praise for his achievements.

AVTAR SINGH, Dehra Dun