Let's seize the ceasefire

Sir,

The cease-fire announced by the Pakistan Government on the eve of Eid in response to Diwali bumper offer of the Indian Government is a great step forward Indo-Pak relationship. This in fact is the approach that the teeming millions on the two sides of the border yearn for between the hitherto-known 'Arch rivals' - may the term gets replaced by 'Arch friends' in the days ahead. Let this cherished dream come true.

In fact the efforts which are going on for the last few months for the return of peace in the twin countries are worth appreciating. However, the peace champions have to tread the path with optimism but with extreme caution. It is a known fact that there are some forces in the region who are working in different forms and facets to keep the pot boiling as their vested interests are linked with it. The festival bonanzas offered to each other by the two countries in pursuit of peace is a strong blow to the nefarious designs of such forces and they will now make fresh attempts to scuttle the move as has happened in the past. Thus if the peace efforts have to survive and to reach the logical end, more vigilance coupled with pre-emptive approach and action will be required on the part of peace champions of both countries and their respective Governments.

Though the kind of response shown to peace efforts is encouraging, it will be a source of more elation if the opportunity created will be seized fully so as to prove as harbinger of better tomorrow. For this to happen, a well thrashed and well thought modus-operandi has to be formulated by the joint efforts of these stalwarts of the two countries whose endeavours have today given a sigh of relief to the harassed and innocent masses on the Line of Actual Control and International Border. Moreover, a shift from off repeated slogans by the two countries is inevitably needed. All the issues including the contentious one must be addressed to with pragmatic approach and with a firm resolve for their solution. An iota of insincerity or any political gimmickry will be very damaging. It is how the opportunity offered by the cease-fire has to be seized in the interest of peace, progress and prosperity of the two nations.

With these words of Albert Einstein I conclude "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved through understanding."

Yours etc.......
Tahir Khurshid Raina
Chief Executive
Rajouri - Poonch Peoples Welfare Forum.

Attractive uniform

Sir,

There should also be an attractive, decent and smart uniform in Government Schools. We see that the uniform in Government schools is very poor, absurd and in attractive especially in primary schools as compared with the uniform of private Institutions. Every private school has introduced an attractive and smart uniform which adds to the outward personality of the child whereas a poor and absurd uniform of Government schools leaves a very poor impression on child's personality. No parent wants to see his little ones dressed in poor uniform when his neighbours' children studying in private school wear a first class uniform with tie. Especially mothers cannot tolerate this difference. Moreover, in poor uniform the children as well as their parents feel inferiority complex which is a very bad thing. As a result, the majority of the parents prefer to send their wards in private institutions.

This is perhaps also why the present world is more after outward show than the real purpose of things. Now people do not bother so much about mere reality. The parents as well as students all the more ostentations now. So they prefer to send/go in private schools where full attention is given towards their uniform which plays a significant role in their outward personality whereas in Government schools no body bothers about their uniform as well as about their personality.

The present age is the age of competition. In every walk of life one has to face a competition and a healthy competition is not a bad thing. At present the parents are very much concerned about their wards. They consider them as a full fledged personalities. They respect them as adults.

One thing is more required. The teachers should be bound to show good results. In case of poor results, their annual increments should be stopped till they improve their results.

Yours etc....
C.R. Khajuria
Surara (Hiranagar)