Ambassador for Olympics

This refers to Salman Khan being selected as the goodwill ambassador for the Rio Olympics. It's a pity that our sport has been hijacked by corporates and politicians. Earlier, the role models used to be scholars and intellectuals who had selflessly dedicated their life to society and the nation. Sadly, today, people know very little about Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders but know every detail about celebrities.

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Abhay jain, Mohali    

Unethical selection

The appointment of Salman Khan, a flamboyant person of doubtful credentials, as goodwill brand ambassador for the Rio Olympics is unethical. The government has ignored such sports stalwarts as Milkha Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, Sania Mirza, Abhinav Bindra, Vishwanathan, Dhanraj Pillay, PT Usha etc.

BALBIR KHANNA, BM SINGH, Amritsar

Rio mascot

Good governance of sports can ensure some medals at the Rio Olympics. 'Goodwill ambassador' cannot be the panacea of ills. The IOA secretary says that the ambassador has been selected to draw the attention of the masses. But, the masses are already well aware of sports. They have been and will continue to view games as per their choice and liking. 

Rajeev Kumar, Chandigarh

A good choice?

Salman Khan a very good choice. Really? A true sportsman. Shoots black buck with a high-powered rifle from the comfort of his Land Cruiser. The same Land Cruiser which he ran over half a dozen pavement dwellers. He spent the next 12 years trying to get out of this 'Payment Affair'. The only eyewitness, his bodyguard, died conveniently. All others connected with this affair lied consistently. At the last minute, a 'driver' was produced. Where was he for 12 years? Finally, the case was decided and Salman Khan got bail in 15 minutes. Makes one think and worry. Everything about this man is mud-spattered. The government could have done better by appointing Lalit Modi or Vijay Mallya. At least they are sports-oriented. 

H.Kishie Singh, Chandigarh

Not art of living

This refers to the news item pertaining to Sri Sri's Art of Living "Can't pay remaining Rs 4.75-cr green fine" (April 23). The so-called babas have a thousand things to preach to others but when it comes to themselves, they stoop to any level. Sensing the embarrassment, it agreed to pay Rs 25 lakh immediately and promised to pay the remaining amount in instalments. The NGT "accommodated" it as the PM and other dignitaries were to attend the event. Institutions such as the NGT should be given more teeth to save our Good Earth. Defying law cannot be the of living'.

LALIT SEHGAL, Moga

Spare PF investors

Since the provident fund (PF) investment is of an employee's own hard-earned and tax-paid money and the employer's contribution is also a part of employee's salary, the government should not introduce any control on this fund. In general, the employees reserve this money for retirement. The investors know the best use of their own hard-earned money and should be left to freely use it. Any restrictive law on PF withdrawal will not earn any goodwill of employees.

Hari Om Miital, Gurgaon 

Medical aid for elderly

Apropos the news item "Govt decides to hike DA by 6%, medical allowance by 10%" (April 17), the Haryana CM would earn the gratitude of the very senior pensioners, aged above 80 years, if he raised their medical allowance to 20%. This would be in tune with the system as they are already paid additional 20% on their basic pension, DA and additional DA. It will lighten a little their ever-rising medical burden in the evening of their life.

PL Bhola, Gurgaon

The real kohinoors

The newspapers are full of articles on the pros and cons of the return of the Kohinoor. A Punjab ruling party leader said that he would bring back this diamond from England. He must not have looked at the news on the “disappearance” of wheat worth Rs 12,000 crore. Our real kohinoors — the bright techies, doctors, engineers, teachers — are all going abroad.  The need is to save them in the motherland. We need to stop brain drain. They can do wonders if they serve their motherland. 

Inderpal Singh, Ropar

East-West divide

This is with reference to two photographs of Queen Elizabeth: one in which she is shaking Barak Obama's hand without gloves (April 23) and the second, of her visit to Hounslow (London) in which she is meeting the Indian community wearing gloves. It gives the impression that the colonial mindset and the East-West divide still exist. 

Lt Col Harbinder S Dullat(Retd), Patiala

Online property deals

The online real estate transactions are a boon for the common man as the skyrocketing property rates will crash by this step. The under-the-table transactions will be guillotined by the online procedures. 

Harish Bansal, Mansa

Paucity of judges

The CJI has rightly said that we have a paucity of judges. As per the Law Commission (1989), there should be at least 50 judges for a population of 10 lakh. The bitter truth is that we have only one judge. Consequently, there are delays in delivering judgment. A simple case of divorce takes years, resulting in frustration for both parties. It is time to bring about the overdue reforms in our legal system and fix a time period for the decision of cases.

RS Balhara, Hisar  

CJI’s appeal

Chief Justice of India TS Thakur has asked for augmentation of the judicial infrastructure (April 25). That he got emotional while making his point underlines his attachment to the cause. Maybe, now we can expect a positive movement in the system so that justice reaches quickly to the needy.

Pushpinder Paul Singh, Ludhiana

No ‘thought’ in this

The “Thought for the Day” dated April 21 is somebody's personal comment about his own country. How is it a 'thought' for the people of other nations? A 'thought' is a quotable quote only if it withstands the test of time and is meant equally for the whole humanity.

SHAM MURARI SHARMA, Chandigarh

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