letterstoeditor
STUDENT POLITICS After all the chaos that happened at Ramjas College of Delhi University (DU), nobody clearly has an idea who was wrong and who was not. Educational institutes are meant for teaching and preparing students for a successful career. Student politics is an ugly reality of government colleges, which now needs serious attention by authorities. College-level politics is a critical issue and things need to change for better, so as to avert more such face-offs. Himakshi Batra, Mohali
II
Gurmehar said his father was killed by war, not by Pakistan. The Indian Constitution gives the right of freedom of speech and expression to every citizen under Article 19A. But our comments or acts should not harm anyone. Political parties or student bodies doing politics over the issue are definitely causing harm to the nation. Rahat Ali, Mohali
III
The way Gurmehar was trolled in social media after she posted her picture proclaiming ‘I am not afraid of ABVP’ on the Facebook is disgusting, to say the least. Since when the BJP and its student wing have taken full franchisee on nationalism and patriotism? Social media is flooded with messages against Gurmehar. The whole controversy has been blown out of proportion by the BJP and ABVP. The party, which came to power on the slogan of ‘Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas’, should show more tolerance towards divergent views.
Arun Hastir, Babehali
IV
If student leaders want support of opposition parties, all they have to do is to raise anti-India slogans. This is what is happening in universities and colleges. The earlier JNU episode and the current Ramjas controversy are examples where opposition leaders have defended and supported those who have raised such slogans. The acts of ABVP cannot be justified at all and stern action must be taken action against those who issued threats to Gurmehar Kaur. But the role of political leaders who provoke students to take an anti-national stance is highly condemnable. Mahesh Chander ‘CULTURE OF HATE’ Apropos the article ‘The culture of hate divides us’ (HT, Feb 28) by Harsh Mander, today populism and polarisation are the buzz words of politics that has brought the tsunami of divisive culture, hatred and self-promotion in our system. And unfortunately, it has trickled from the top. No illiterate person would use the language being used by our politicians, who are resorting to personal attacks instead of highlighting their achievements and future road map for development. BM Singh, Amritsar
‘KEEP YOUR MONEY SAFE’
Apropos the write-up ‘Keep your money safe’ (HT, March 1), there is a strong case for plugging the loopholes in the ATM security. I fail to understand the need of ₹2,000 notes after demonetisation of ₹1,000 and ₹500 notes for the fear of fake currency in the Indian economy. Even today when one is to buy goods and services for less than ₹100 while possessing ₹2,000 notes, it is certainly not easy, if not difficult, with people dogged by doubts over the authenticity of the notes. DRMMGoel, Kurukshetra
BEGGING VERSUS WORK
It is no big surprise to see children either doing labour or begging on the streets. The question is, is it better to work for living or to beg? In fact, parents who are sending their children to work are actually teaching them skills to live and survive on their own. They are better than the parents who ask their children to beg and depend on someone else’s money. The children working to learn should not be considered as doing child labour. Megha Bisht IT’S TOO EARLY A victory in local body polls is not a sign of approval of any national policy by the voters. The BJP’s triumph in 8 municipalities out of 10 in Maharashtra cannot be seen as a stamp of approval on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetisation policy, as being portrayed by the saffron party and a section of media. The BJP should wait till March 11, when the results of assembly polls in 5 states will be declared. Vivek Kumar, Batala
UNHEALTHY TREND
In this high-tech era, people are becoming workaholic. They have hectic schedules. They are not even able to spend time with their children. The trend of nuclear families is fast picking up and there is nobody left in the family to guide children about good or bad things. Children spend most of their time watching television and surfing internet. But they don’t know what they should watch. They are becoming lazy and lethargic. This trend must be checked before our youth is ruined morally. Simran Hans, Gharuan
CHECK CHILDHOOD OBESITY
Children of today are becoming overweight and obese because of lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. They spend a lot time while being static and inactive. Though weight problems run in families due to genetic predisposition, parents must encourage their children to do physical activities and eat healthy food. The government should also launch awareness campaigns to educate the students about their dietary habits. Physical education should be made a compulsory subject. Sandhya, Gharuan
HOLY WAR AGAINST DOWRY
The holy war against dowry by Muslims under the guidance of by Maulvis in Jharkhand is finally paying dividends as hundreds of families have begun returning dowry taken during their sons’ marriages. The outstanding success in this initiative has paved way for simple marriages which is an eyeopener for those who nurse a morbid obsession for lavish marriages. OP Coushik, Zirakpur