Satyam fraud

“The Satyam saga” (Jan 24) by Arun Kumar succinctly encapsulated the Satyam fraud. It is simply not possible that B Ramalinga Raju alone was behind the fraud. How can the directors, company secretary, chartered accountants of the company and the rest of the management not be aware of the murky goings on? The dimension of the crime committed by Raju and his cohorts is in no way short of treason towards his countrymen, state and international clients who had reposed faith in Satyam.

MAJ BALDEV SINGH, Ambala Cantt.

Faulty exam system

“The fear of failure” by Nonika Singh (Jan 20) was well written as both sides of the debatable point were presented lucidly and objectively. The views of various teachers on the Right to Education Bill 2008 aimed at making the right to education a reality for every single child, which proposes that both private and government schools across the country will not fail students till class VIII, were thought provoking.

Before imparting education, it is very important to understand the psychology of the students as to why they study. There are two reasons. For the majority, it is the fear of failure. This can be understood by seeing the tension on their faces in the days of examination, how they run from one tutor to another. Students get up early in biting cold to study only because of the fear of failure. No doubt, there are a few students who study the entire year regularly, as they love studies but their strength could be counted on fingers.

I believe taking one time annual examination and passing or failing accordingly is not justified. Rather the teachers should assess the students on the basis of several activities not just academics around the year. We should identify their weaknesses and give them extra coaching in that particular area so that they become eligible for the next grade.

RAJAN KAUSHAL, Nahan

Medical tourism

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s successful heart surgery has demonstrated the capability of Indian medical professionals. The credit goes to the entire team of doctors as well as the top-class infrastructure provided by the AIIMS. We hope this success will be helpful in boosting medical tourism in India.

  SUKHVINDER SINGH NARULA, Amritsar 

Honour killings

The news report “Girl’s family kills couple for honour” (Jan 26) by P K Jaiswar was unsettling. It makes every Indian hang his head in shame. While supporters of ‘India Shining’ boast of Pokhran and the advances made in space and information technology, there exists a much larger India that sanctifies the murder of lovers and couples who dare defy society’s caste and religious injunctions. Can India still qualify to call itself a civilised nation?