Research lagging

A college is known for the quality of students and a university by the quality of research. The PAU is known for the Green Revolution. It has had renowned research-oriented Vice-Chancellors. But now its research has been affected by the paucity of funds. On the other hand, the PTU has abundant funds, but no research department or laboratory. It is possible that it hasn’t got a research-oriented VC so far, more so, when it is being run by bureaucrats as additional duty for several years. Bureaucrats are administrators and are not expected to lead research. The lack of research at the PTU has denied the state technical and engineering development, which the university was supposed to provide. This, in turn, has affected the scientific and industrial development in the state, besides reducing the employment of youth in technical manufacturing. It is advisable to hand over technical universities to renowned VCs. 

DS Grewal, Ludhiana

Snap ties with SAD 

It is clear from the Chandigarh MC elections that the BJP should now go it alone in Punjab. The mind of the public in Chandigarh is the same as that of Punjab — they like Modi and his policies, but not the Akalis. If it were to do so, I am sure it would win a clear majority in Punjab, as in Haryana and Maharashtra, without the INLD and the Shiv Sena, respectively. People of Punjab are nationalists and are against the policies of the ruling Akalis. The top BJP leadership should think about it, otherwise the party would lose along with the SAD.

VIJAY K BANSAL, Panchkula

Rational in faith 

Kudos to the writers for ‘The politics of atheism’ and ‘Fix masses don’t need’ (December 22) on the age-old debate between faith and rationality. More than ever, religious beliefs are gathering momentum worldwide, but without the essentials of religion which are largely ignored for social and political advantages. No longer is religion a private affair, but is exploited for worldly benefits. Compared to religious belief seekers, agnostics and rationalists seem more true to values. At least, they practice what they proclaim. Faith and rationality can coexist only in an open society. Insecurity leads an individual to search for God and once the insecurities are removed, there may be less dependence for protection. The world can be made a better place if we adhere to Khushwant Singh — ‘To be happy, rid yourself of greed, envy and hypocrisy.’ Rationality in unison with godliness is the panacea of mankind.

PARTHASARATHY SEN, New Delhi

The non-believers 

It was a pleasure reading ‘The politics of atheism’ and ‘Fix masses don’t need’ (December 22). According to the Census, there are hardly 33,000 atheists in India, with a population of about 1.25 billion. This does not appear to be true. During the Census, the moment I say I am ‘Sinha’, they write ‘Hindu’ without asking my religious beliefs. Please, publish more such articles so that our tribe increases.

AKP Sinha, New Delhi

Some questions, no answer 

Apropos ‘RBI was, is fully prepared: Arun Jaitley’ (December 21), the FM claims that the RBI was prepared to deal with the currency shortage following the note ban, and has been releasing adequate currency to  banks. If so, some questions remain: why even after 40 days the crisis still prevails? Where is the released currency going? Why is it not reaching the common man? Who will ensure that it is reaching those who desperately need it? Who is answerable to the public for all such questions? People elect their representatives to work to make their life better and not make  it a hell with their ill-conceived plans.

Dhaminder Kaur, by email

No power, what surplus?

Power cuts in Punjab are a routine affair. Winter is here but there is no respite from unscheduled long power cuts in the state. Now, Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal should realise the reality of the power crisis in the state and stop calling it ‘power surplus Punjab’.

SANJAY CHAWLA, Amritsar

Revive reading rooms

Refer to the Punjab Government’s advertisements highlighting its performance, there is no doubt about its commendable achievements in the field of education. However, the deplorable condition of some district libraries seems to have escaped the attention of  the Chief Minister. For instance, the library in Hoshiarpur has not been functioning properly for long. The government would do well to revive libraries and reading rooms that are facing shortage of funds for the purchase of reading material.

BS Saini, Hoshiarpur

New CJI  

I have had the pleasure of studying with Mr Justice Khehar at Govt Senior Model School, Sector 16, Chandigarh. We passed out in 1968. Even as a student, he was bold and spoke the truth. He was never naughty and commanded the respect of his classmates. His integrity is beyond doubt and the judiciary is safe in his hands. He deserved this post and by dint of hard work he has realised his dream. May God give him the strength to shoulder new responsibilities.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Not MLA’s money to give 

Refer to the news report of the Bathinda  MLA donating Rs 3 lakh to DAV College (December 21), I do not understand why politicians waste public money on private educational institutes, that too when elections are near. People pay VAT to the state to utilise that money on the welfare of the public. These politicians donate it for their vested interest. This college is not providing free education. If the MLA is so impressed with the college, he can donate money from his own pocket. 

Vishwas Garg, Bathinda

Defence appointments

The appointment of defence heads is the prerogative of the government. The appointment should not be taken as a promotion, but that of a taskforce commander suitable to the current national and international situation. To that extent, the government can justify its choice. But when it starts showing parochialism, it becomes suspect. In the present case, it is the sudden preponderance of appointment in high offices of officers only of one Infantry regiment, following the retiring Chief. As if there are no capable officers in the rest of the Infantry regiments and other arms to fill these posts.  

Susheel Paul, by email

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