Install Bhagat Singh Chair

REFER to the editorial ‘Appropriating a martyr’ (September 29); the legendary Bhagat Singh’s thoughts provoke a revolution in one’s mind. Being projected with a gun in some posters is not justifiable as he did not promote the gun culture to settle scores with opponents, as we see today. Studying literature and works of different writers and countries makes him a legend in such a tender age. His philosophy still rules our hearts, but we are not implementing it in our socio-political fabric. His presence in the form of statutes encourages youth, but it would influence them more by the installation of Bhagat Singh Chair in universities. 

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Jasvinder S Humsafar, Maloudh

Blow to patriarchy 

Apropos the editorial ‘She can, declares SC’ (September 29), the SC has rejected the plea that judicial intervention is an infringement of constitutional protection guaranteed under Article 26 to religious denominations to manage their affairs. The verdict is welcome as it upholds the individual’s right to equality and gives a blow to patriarchy in society. God and religious shrines are not the property of individuals and boards.  

Deepak Mehra, Mohali

One more for equality 

Like Dalits, women, too, have been a victim of discriminatory, exploitative and misogynistic practices over the years, and that too in the name of religion in our patriarchal setup (‘She can, declares SC’; September 29). Hats off to the apex court  for delivering a number of progressive decisions during this month, ameliorating the status of women significantly. The ban on entry violated the right to equality before law. Those who fought this protracted legal battle, without the backing of the political class, are also worthy of praise. 

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Women in gurdwaras 

While the Supreme Court ruling in the Sabarimala case against patriarchy in religion was long due and is laudable, it is also time to end gender discrimination in all religious practices of all religions. Although Guru Nanak’s message ‘So kyon manda akhiye jitt jame rajan’ (Why call her inferior? From her kings are born), is recited from the Golden Temple every day, women have not been allowed to do path and kirtan there. There is need to practice what the religion preaches.

Lt Col Harbinder Singh (retd), Patiala

Using forces as tool 

Reference to the article ‘Militarism as an electoral ploy’ (September 29); over the years, the legislature has evolved into the strongest pillar of Indian democracy. Majority of efforts of the ruling parties are concentrated on getting re-elected by wooing people in their established vote banks or targeting new ones. but it is extremely saddening to see a truly secular and apolitical entity, the military, being politicised for this objective. Increased defence spending and several modernisation programmes deserve to be added as feathers in the cap of the ruling party, but the needless use of military as an electoral ploy needs to stop.

Gaurav Dogra, Chandigarh

Don’t politicise Army 

India is celebrating Parakram Parv in honour of the surgical strikes. In the exaction of vengeance, many of our soldiers were killed in counter attacks and many others are sacrificing their lives day in day out in the most tumultuous times for the Army. The strikes didn’t prove to be a foolproof solution, rather they resulted in greater violence. Peace talks should be initiated and such missions should not be politicised. 

ANHAD KAUR, CHANDIGARH

PE must for students 

Apropos ‘Physical education no more must’ (September 29), Punjab is already suffering from addiction. Drugs is one, but nowadays, it has also engulfed adults and children with the craze for electronic gadgets. To confront it, the government should actually promote physical activity in the form of physical education (PE) as a compulsory subject. If the Punjab Government cannot nourish its children, at least it should not harm their health. 

Sourav Middha, Mansa

English please 

Excerpts from the convocation address of Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu at NIT Goa are not digestible (‘English mind an illness’; September 29). We should be proud of our mother tongue, but we can’t ignore the might of English. Ask any scientist, engineer or doctor, the importance of English while engaged in research. Can we imagine present-day India without English? English acts as a link language with people of South and many other parts of India.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

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