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A nice write-up

Prof. Chaudhuri has written a timely piece on the changing face of Bihar politics, (TSI, July 12-19). Nitish Kumar has done the almost impossible task of bringing to book the infamous dons of Bihar who had been protected, preserved and patronised by the past regimes. He has proved to be a true follower of the ideals of JP who had caused a change of heart in the dacoits of Chambal back in the golden days of the Janata Rule. Due to his great achievement,no one seems to mind that Nitish has aligned with the BJP, a party with a known communal record. These dons had made a total mockery of democracy during the Wild West days of Lalu. No wonder he is feeling like a fish out of water as his base support of goons has been eroded. Bihar is no longer bimar(ill). It is hale and hearty due to the treatment of Nitish. Sometimes quiet and gentlemanly politicians do wonders in the badlands of politics. The Bihar model also shows that political will is all that is needed to change the criminal face of Indian politics.

Santosh Mohan Joshi

Maharashtra Black business

Your editorial on Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (TSI, July 12-18) seems an endless programme. In the name of education, state governments fulfill immediate economic crisis using such funds. In the hands of corrupted employers and politicians, it becomes a black business. Arindam Chaudhuri has rightly demanded for a direct allotment to the students. Actually we are depended on politicians, political representa tive and government employers to be empanelled in BPL list. If the persons involved in government work are corrupt, dishonest, irresponsible then who will protect our rights to get education? Education is the key to success not only for the people but for the nation. We cannot provide our children of the present and the future a balanced and honest atmosphere. We common people are feeling shame thinking our government and system unutilised the help contributed by foreign governments. Our traditional honest and liberal culture is being tarnished in the world perspective. If our government and judiciary system cannot obey this duty then the country will never progress.

Uttam Kumar Bhowmik

West Bengal Save the childhood

The editorial on " Physical punishments ...(TSI, July 19-25)" was a real eye-opener. Every word of the write-up leaves a mark in my mind whenever, I am talking to my three-year-old son. "Love is more important...." This applies not just to parents, but also on the teachers. The time has come to re-examine the saying, "Spare the rod and spoil the child.” Corporal punishment should have been banned long time back. The discipline is not taught, it is learn't! The process of physical punishments leads to three kinds of reactions, i.e. fear, hatred and anger. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has developed new guidelines for the ban of physical punishments in school and may land a culrpit into a jail along with hefty fines.

Adyant Singhal

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