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Bogus trophy

It was on 13 December 2001 that terrorists attacked the Parliament and the issue keeps coming up, partly because of the media overkill. Mohammed Afzal’s petition has been with the President Abdul Kalam for almost two months now. And, his (Afzal’s); conviction by three courts (including the Supreme Court) would be nullifi ed if the President does not act in time. Th e death penalty will automatically be converted into a life sentence. It is a wrong signal to be sent to the bereaved families of the security men who got killed in the incident. Being the fourth estate, it is the media’s responsibility to arouse national consciousness. Is awarding gallantry medals the only way to recognise a soldier’s mettle?

Arijit Ghosh

via email

Reforming souls

This is with reference to Freedom No Bar. Th e transformation of Tihar jail prisoners proves, if given a chance, along with the right atmosphere and directions, anybody can be moulded well. It could be called the rebirth of a man. Th e system should be followed by other prisons as a model. And as one step further, a cell should be made that still guides these people when they are out of jail.

Rajesh Goyal

New Delhi

For young and old

Prashanto’s column Children of a Lesser God was touching. And why only these children, the story is same for the old people lying on the traffi c crossings in extremes of weather. Giving them money or things won’t make their lives better. Prashanto rightly says that all of us can do much more. And for all this, we need not depend on our government or the corporate. Following the example of the Tihar jail prisoners, the lives of the poor people on the streets could also undergo change.

Tarun Lalit

Chandigarh