FAQs on vaccine

Apropos of ‘Vaccine spat’, corporates, politicians and experts have started a mudslinging match over the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, thereby buttressing an impression that people shall be relegated to the status of punching bags! The government has to play a proactive role and it is prudent to roll out FAQs that even a layman can decipher to combat rumour-mongering and misinformation. Further, the government ought to take criticism in its stride and do course correction, if required, before it is too late. — Deepak Singhal, Noida

Songs for the soul

‘Brazen gun culture’ rightly denounces the bawdy side of songs that incite bitter feelings. But so far as the Kisan Morcha at Delhi’s borders is concerned, it is reality that farmers, children, youths and women are participating, considering it their solemn obligation to fight for their rights under challenge. The songs elucidate the importance of the cause and tie it to Punjab’s rich history, tracing it to Guru Nanak ploughing fields at Kartarpur Sahib and confronting the tyrannical Babar. Ballads of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Nawab Kapoor Singh and many more raise the morale of the protesting farmers. Then there are songs eulogising community kitchen, sharing income, fighting for a noble cause. It is not easy to stay in improvised tents, shelters and trolleys without the spiritual or ethical dose. The farmers’ protest will go down in history as a remarkable one and a paradigm call for the unity of the nation. — Gurmit Singh Saini, by mail

Offensive pop culture

Punjabi music videos depicting the use of drugs, alcohol and violence is leaving a strong imprint on the minds of youth. Despite the high court’s directions to the authorities concerned to keep a check on songs, social media norms are not being followed. Even the singers and media companies need to follow social terms and produce content accordingly. Punjab youth is already grappling with drug menace and joblessness, and such dilution in culture will ruin their mindset and push them towards unjust practices. On a positive note, the farmers’ protest is being carried forward with inspiring folk music that is keeping Punjabiyat alive. — Shivani bansal, Rampura phul

For instant success

Punjabis are a martial race, but the lure of guns in video songs is destroying the upcoming generations of Punjab. In the absence of clear educational priorities and job prospects, the youth are looking for avenues for megabucks and instant success and popularity. Today, every young man is holding a mobile in his hand, and watching videos, or playing games. Videos are made not for artistic joy, but with the sole motive of making a fast buck. The government can involve youth in gainful activities, but it has no policy and no will. A large chunk of students are studying subjects which have no relevance to their mental capabilities. Degrees do not ensure jobs and jobs on contract do not ensure a steady living. A bleak future is staring at them. The government must recast its priorities, taking care of the mental and moral needs of the youth to suit the larger interest of civil society and wean them away from ‘instant solutions’ like violent videos. The collapse of the home, family and educational institutions can be attributed to this nasty and dangerous development. — JERNAIL SINGH ANAND, ZIRAKPUR

Resolve farmers’ issue

Refer to ‘Massive tractor march in Karnal’, farmers are the backbone of our country. We address them as ‘annadata’ and give slogans like ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. But, unfortunately, we have failed to give them due respect. As per a 2018 study, agriculture employed more than 50% of the Indian workforce and contributed 17-18% to the GDP. It’s been very long now. The government must provide a solution to their problems as soon as possible. — Samarpita Sharma, by mail

Freedom to love

Apropos of ‘Thought for the day’, Gandhi said the day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace. Let people love and decide whom they want to spend their life with. Hate would diminish and bigotry would vanish when one would be free to love, irrespective of caste and religion. ‘Love jihad’ laws are a dictatorial sermon on the freedom of an individual in a secular country. — Amandeep Bains, Kurukshetra

Well done, Kiwis!

The Kiwis deserve to fly high, with accomplishments following one after another. After Kane Williamson topped the Test rankings a few days back, the team has now achieved number one status in Test cricket rankings, first since 1930 when they started Test cricket. They have been termed as ‘little big guys’ since they don’t enjoy superstar status, yet their feats are no less glorious than those of their well-reputed rivals. Bravo Kiwis, fly high and higher! — Rakesh Sudan, Kurukshetra

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