Arjan Singh, the IAF star

The article ‘Arjan Singh, the man who was our Marshal’ (April 15) was a flashback into the life and career of the first five-star officer of the Indian Air Force. The iconic officer would remain a source of inspiration to many in the IAF and the two sisterly services. Remembrance on his 100th birth anniversary enlivens a generation that was a witness to both the pre- and post-Independent India and its dynamics of political change that went a long way in influencing their worldview and the urge for professional excellence. The first Marshal of the IAF epitomises the profile of the service and the changes it is undergoing in response to the contemporary world scenario.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

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Salute Karnal doctors

Reference to the news ‘Karnal docs: Will serve without double salary’ (April 16); the doctors have shown a real nationalistic spirit. In times, when people are in a rush to go to foreign lands for money, and several agitations are held to get salaries increased, these doctors having realised the gravity of the situation, have refused to accept the offer. They want this money to be used to fight the pandemic. The gesture should be commended.

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

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Humanity gives hope

Reference to the editorial ‘Covid heroes’; it is said that doctors are living gods. One is a witness to it, especially at this time of pandemic. Healthcare professionals across the world are serving people without any discrimination. In fact, it is notable that the Cuban doctors, who were expelled from several Latin American countries, have now returned to save the people. The only positivity and hope at this terrible time is the humaneness displayed by the people which is otherwise hard to see.

Vidhya B Ragunath, Thanjavur

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Don’t desert them

The government is yet to announce measures for the movement of stranded workers across India. It seems that the livelihood of poor migrants is not among the priorities of the government. They have been left to fend for themselves. The government should be vigilant against signs of unrest, as has happened in many parts like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Surat and Jaisalmer. The PM’s announcement has failed to alleviate their sufferings. The government can’t be insensitive to the poor. It will be a big challenge in the days to come.

SK Khosla, Chandigarh

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Worthwhile contribution

Even as the poor are struggling and facing their destiny — joblessness, lockout, curfew, fear, disease and hunger — some petty-minded people are trying to carry forward their own agenda of self-projection, image building and cheap publicity to highlight their philanthropic acts. One can positively contribute to come out of this pandemic by following the instructions and creating the necessary awareness.

Arun Jandial, Jammu

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All hands on deck

The Punjab Government needs to pull up its medical resources in the wake of recording the highest percentage of corona deaths as compared to the other states and the national figure. Punjab has a large number of positive cases even though it has a fairly good number of multi-specialty hospitals supported by medical colleges. Mohali, with several hospitals and laboratories, is topping the list. Its dismal recovery rate compared to the national average should be a wake-up call to optimise both private and government facilities.

Col KS Grewal (retd), Patiala

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Support the needy

Apropos of the news ‘Lockdown extended till May 3, migrants throng railway station’ (April 15), increasing the lockdown period is a compulsion of the government as it is necessary to save the lives of the people. No government can leave its citizens open to death. The migrant labourers were hoping that the lockdown would end and trains would resume service. The government should ensure that there is no shortage of essential items.

Narayan Hari, Chandigarh

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Slow Net speed

Refer to ‘Net speed puts brakes on online classes in Punjab’ (April 14); provision has been made by the educational institutions to take online classes for students. This is a good decision that will help them recover any lost time. But the tools used for the purpose should be completely workable and not cause any difficulties of access. Students in rural areas are facing problems like slow Net speed. Some of them do not possess smartphones or computers. This is a matter of concern. The state should ensure some facility.

Aarzoo Arora, Jalandhar

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