Military power

Apropos of ‘Challenges in India’s bid to be military power’, it will take long to achieve self-reliance. It is this state of affairs of our armed forces that China takes for granted and never fails to showcase us as a second-rung military and economic power. It is evident from China’s arrogant conduct, be it during the talks or at the LAC. India is doing well to diversify its arms procurement from the US, Israel, Europe and Russia. But boots on the ground are essential. Even as 1 Corps and 17 Mountain Corps are fully deployed on the ground, there is an urgent need to raise two more corps. More budgetary allocation will have to be made.

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Lt Col GS Bedi (Retd), Mohali

Board exam challenge

Refer to ‘CBSE exam dates’; the foremost challenge is that in Term I, the paper pattern is based on MCQs. As a teacher, I feel that these questions are double-edged swords. Students can score full marks, but if they get it wrong, they lose all. The concept of the precious ‘half mark’ is gone. MCQs typically affect two types of students: those who score 90s and the others who are below average. They have to tread cautiously. A detailed study of the topics is needed. In English paper, even in composition (letter, article, speech writing etc.) there are MCQs, which is an injustice, not only with the language, but also with students. It mars the thinking power of the student, which is the primary aim of any composition.

Bir Devinder S Bedi, Sangrur

Not in spirit of Sikhism

The murder of a Dalit at the hands of Nihangs at Singhu border is a heinous crime which needs to be condemned by all sections of society. Navjot Sidhu and party made a beeline for Lakhimpur Kheri and announced Rs 50 lakh each for the families of the farmers killed in the unfortunate incident. But nobody visited the victim’s family in Punjab nor was any relief announced. No words of sympathy were expressed for the aggrieved family by the Punjab Government nor the SGPC. Some elements are projecting the Nihangs as heroes. Guru Granth Sahib is respected by all communities and its teachings are for everyone, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Politicians and some others who are raking up this issue and supporting the violence lack knowledge about Sikhism. Our Gurus never approved attacks on unarmed persons. This can be read in ‘Babar Vani’, where Guru Nanak condemned Babar for attacking innocents by his armed soldiers. He was called a savage. People must understand Sikhism in its real spirit.

Oma Kant Tewari, Mohali

Not quite educated

In response to ‘What it is to be educated’, are we really educated? India is producing illiterates with ‘high class of education’, but they lacked common sense. We park our vehicles in no-parking zone and we spit where it is prohibited. In the age of nano technology, our education falters. Mutual trust, helping attitude and empathy towards the needy were at the lowest during the Covid second wave. The government should set up parameters that can infuse new hope in the youth, instead of spreading the venom of hate with regard to class, religion and caste. Education should be redefined.

Jasvinder S Humsafar, Maloudh

Okay to forget

Refer to ‘Forgetting to remember’; forgetfulness is actually a bliss, and to remember unpleasant and irritating things and events is foolish, particularly during old age. Forgetfulness is associated with old age, but it should not be added to the growing ailments of the elderly. Cheerfulness and a positive mindset is essential. I recollect some wise lines that I chanced upon during my college days, 60 years ago: Forget the slander you have heard/ Forget the nasty, unkind word/Forget the quarrel and the cause/Forget the whole affair, because/Forgetting is the kindest way/Forget the hurts of yesterday/Forget the chap whose doleful face/Forgets to smile in any place/Forget the weather, if it is bad/ Forget you’re not a millionaire/ Forget the grey streaks in your hair.

AN SHARMA, Dharamsala

Display coach numbers

Punjab Mail Special (02137-02138) runs between Ferozepur and Mumbai and has 22 coaches. There is no provision of display of coach numbers at the railway platform of the Kotkapura junction before the arrival of the train. This causes a lot of problems to passengers. There is a gap of 15 coaches between the first AC coach and general coach, which makes it impossible to board the required coach as the train stops for only two minutes at Kotkapura. Keeping in view the hardship faced by women and senior citizens, the railway authorities should make arrangements to display the coach numbers so as to avoid incomvenience to passengers.

Raj Kumar Aggarwal, Kotkapura

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