|
Bharat Ratna
Hectic consultations and lobbying are
presently being done in regard to the next President of India. With
due respect to Dr. Abdul kalam, people find it hard to digest that a
renowned pioneer in the field of science, may be a good administrator
too! Such dignitaries do command the highest respect and they are also
awarded the nation's highest honour of 'Bharat Ratna'. It is senseless
to think that only sufficiently old persons should be the President.
There should be a maximum age to contest the Presidential elections
and healthy practice of one tenure of Presidentship should be
followed.
However the post of a second Vice President is a necessity to chair
Lok Sabha proceedings in an impartial manner. The President and two
Vice Presidents may be elected simultaneously.
Subhash Chandra Agrawal
Delhi
India Habitat
Centre
This refers to the shocking incident of the refusal by
a restaurant at the India Habitat Centre (IHC) at New Delhi to serve a
maidservant accompanying her employers. It is regrettable to note that
age-old class-distinctions still exist even in the capital city of
India.
The incident has taken place where executives and diplomats from India
and foreign administrations visit often. The incident has reminded the
of similar behaviour of a Club which refused entry to renowned artist
M. F Hussain for violating their dress-code. A Kolkata establishment
had to tender an unconditional apology to West Indies cricketer Viv
Richards after a storm broke out his being refused entry for being
dressed casually.
Madhu Agrawal
Delhi
Peace Marches
The article “Peace Marches do little for Ahmedabad” was
thought-provoking. Unfortunately, in India, political parties try to
exploit every situation for their selfish ends. Their concern for the
victims sounds totally bogus as they are only interested in getting
votes in the name of religion. Thus peace marches are held only for
media publicity. Rarely does one find common people joining such
gimmicks. If politicians are genuinely keen on helping the victims of
riots, they should sit with the affected men and women and find ways
to rehabilitate them.
It would be more useful if more meetings between different community
leaders are held to bring about peace and normalcy in Gujarat.
Ravinder Kumar
Bhopal
New Speaker
The reluctance of the Telugu Desam to nominate its
candidate for the post of the speakership of Lok Sabha has led to the
BJP getting a Shiv Sena man for the crucial job. Being a leader of a
party that is not known for religious tolerance, Joshi has a tough
task at hand. His every word and judgement will be watched carefully
by the MPs.
He has to strike a balance between the decor of the Hous and his
party’s interests. More importantly, he should ensure that
instructions don’t flow in from party supremo Bal Thackeray. As a
person who has come up from humble beginnings, Joshi has to fit into
the shoes of noted personalities who had held this post with rare
distinction. One would wish him all luck in the delicate as well as
responsible post of Lok Sabha Speaker.
Deepak Joshi
Lucknow
Magic of
Ayurveda
I found the feature The Beda of Ayu fascinating. Though
Ayurveda and its beneficial effects have been known to India for many
years, it is only when the foreigners appreciated the ancient form of
treatment that the concept is catching up fast. Now many joints are
opening up in every part of the Capital, proming a cure for every
medial problem through Ayurveda.
Packages for foreign tourists are being offered in such clinics. There
is the danger of quacks entering the business only for commercial
reasons. In the hands of inexperienced people, the massages and other
oil treatments could cause harm.
K. Sreedharan
Delhi
| 
