Mailbag

Degraded profession

Sir,

Oh! What a fine and interesting letter under the heading ''Degraded Profession'' written by Mr Adarsh Ajit based on his personal experience appeared in the Daily Excelsior dated September 25, 1999.

Mr Adarsh really deserves appreciation for such a kind of letter because the views expressed by him are valuable, timely and an eye opener for the doctors, patients and the administration. He is absolutely right to say that gone are the days when the Doctor's Profession was a Noble Profession but at present the whole system is rotten and adverse barring some exceptions.

Here, the question arises why it is so and what are the remedial measures to set right the affected system? To my mind firstly, it is so because majority of the Doctors have become highly materialistic and they attach a little value to the precious human lives. It is irony of the fate that they have to deal with the human lives and to provide them better treatment but as against it they act as stone-hearted and careless creatures because money is their only goal though they get good salary, benefits, facilities and allowances.

As reported through the printed media from time and again many patients died due to the negligence of the doctors. Most of the doctors in the hospitals and dispensaries do not discharge their duties honestly and as such for monetary gains and Commissions compell the patients to come to their private clinics, nursing homes to undergo for ultra sounds, ECG, Urine and Blood tests etc.

Not only this but maximum doctors after receiving the handsome consultation fee from the patients at their private clinics which is almost valid for 10 or 15 days check up the patient only once and do not even touch the patient second time though the consultation fee being valid.

Secondly, some fault also lies in the selection/appointment procedure of the doctors where the criterian is based on regionalism, nepotism and favouritism etc which has been discussed threadbare, in the state legislative Assembly last year and published through the print and electronic media.

Thirdly, there is no practical administrative control. Hence, the result of all this is the degradation of the sacred profession.

Therefore, as a remedial measure the authorities concerned must realise the gravity of the whole situation and take concrete measures. I am of the opinion that selection/apointment to the post of doctors should be absolutely on merit and not on any other consideration. This will bring about a desired change in the present faulty system & will rescue the patients from their miserable plight.

Yours etc...
Ashok K Koul (Lalpuri)
19/5 Bhawani Nagar
(Gole-Pully) Jammu.

Inspiring symbol

Sir,

This is in reference to the article on Bhagat Singh by Chander Pal Chandan published in your esteemed daily's Sunday Magazine on Sept. 26, 1999. Really, in his tribute to Bhagat Singh the writer has brought to fore a unique facet of Bhagat Singh's personality which is little known to people. In fact, the ordinary people (better say, general public) hardly knows any thing about Bhagat Singh. They only know that Bhagat Singh was a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for motherland. Let me give a brief account of the turbulent life of Bhagat Singh.

Exactly sixty nine years ago, on this fateful day (i.e. Oct. 07,1930) Bhagat Singh alongwith his two comrades, Sukh Dev and S. R Rajguru were sentenced to death by a specially constituted Tribunal for conspiring to wage war against. His Majesty, the King Emperor (British Government of India) which includes Murder of an A.S.P., J P Saunders and a Head Constable, throwing of a bomb in the Chamber of Legislative Assembly Delhi, for manufacturing bombs, for blowing up of trains, for attempting a dacoity in P.N.B Lahore, for seducing youths to join their party. Indian Socialist Republican Association and for many other offences against the State.

In fact, Bhagat Singh was a brave youngman who had taken pledge to serve his mother land by all means. He was a man of manifold qualities. he was a revolutionary and patriot to the core of his heart.

Bhagat Singh, was born on 27 Sept, 1907 in a family of revolutionaries at village Banga in Punjab. His father Kishan Singh was a staunch patriot and a brave personality. From his early childhood, he was influenced by the revolutionary activities in and around his family. The incident of Jalianwala Bagh massacre (April 13, 1999) had left a deep impression in his tender mind. He was extremely fond of studies.

He organised Nawjawan Bharat Sabha, a militant youth organisation to proceed with unsuccessful mission Indian Socialist Republican Association. He continued the struggle with great vigour and enthusiasm and reached its culmination with the avenge of Lalaji's death and throwing of bomb in the Central Assembly while it was in session.

Gandhiji didn't approve Bhagat Singh's action. Bhagat Singh was of the view that British would not leave India without resorting to recourse of violence and agitation while Gandhiji considered that they can be forced to leave under the moral pressure of 'truth and non-violence'.

Bhagat Singh and his two comrades were executed (at the prime of their lives) on March 23, 1931. There were massive demonstrations and great resentment in public throughout the country against the Government as well as against Gandhi. Gandhiji was criticised for he did least in securing the life of Bhagat Singh and had he pleaded his case effectively before Viceroy and Governor General, Lord Irwin during talks, if not saved, at all cost managed to grant Bhagat Singh reprieve. It may not be out of place to mention that Mohammad Ali Jinnah supported Bhagat Singh's view for decent treatment in Jail in the Central Legislative Assembly on September 12, 1929.

Bhagat Singh, with his courage and conviction has left a deep impression on general masses. His courage and sacrifice have been an inspiration to the youth of India.

Yours etc...
Pankaj Shah
408, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu.

Teachers and tuitions

Sir,

There was a time when tuitions were discouraged both by teachers and parents. In rare cases very brilliant and extremely weak students were given private coaching. No extra fee was charged from such students for the overtime. The object was that brilliant students would bring credit to the institution and the weaker would get through the examination. But these days tuition work or private coaching has become a source of income for regular teacher and some unemployed educated people.

Teaching or coaching is a noble profession if it is done honestly and religiously with the object of improving the capability of weak students.

It is unfortunate that teachers run such coaching centres simply for getting pass certificates for their students. For this ulterior motive they arrange copying facilities by joining hands with superintendents and invigilators of examination centres.

In every town some teachers become notorious for this anti-national activity. The Education Department has not been able to eradicate this malpractice.

Yours etc...
Rakesh Puri
Thandapani
(Sunderbani)