Rail Budget

Sir,

Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav deserves appreciation for presenting people friendly Railway Budget for consecutively fifth time. He has done a commendable job as a Railway Minister. He has given concession in rail far to almost all section of our society. Above all he has sympathy for weaker section and down trodden. Having seen the miraculous job done by Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav, memory of Late Babu Jagjivan Ram comes in my mind. Babu Jagjivan Ram was one of successful Defence as well as Agriculture Minister during the period of Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. Like Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav he was also from Bihar and belonged to poor and weaker section. His glorious contribution is well known during Indo Pak war in 1971 as Defence Minister. He also added another feather in cap when he was Agriculture Minister in 1974-75. At that time we not only became self reliant in food production but were also able to export some of food grain to foreign countries. Hence both these great leaders have some similarity in their personality.

In the day to come, the leaders having capability to get things done and to deliver on ground will be able to make place in the heart of masses. Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav is the first Railway Minister who has effectively steered the administration of Railway department and brought not only huge profit but also made numerous concessions in rail fare. This was not done by his predecessors. Country needs leader like Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav in every department.

Opposition parties as well as some people may be of the view that present budget is election oriented budget, but for doing something extraordinary one must have guts to do extraordinary effort. He has become role model to be emulated by other leaders.

I hope that instead of criticizing such leaders, all our efforts be made by other leaders of political parties to come forward with agenda to do something particularly for poor people as India is a country of majority of poverty-stricken people.

Yours etc...
Pira Ram Mahotra
Kunjwani Bye Pass
Jammu

Kashmir returns

Sir,

The news that Kashmir Singh has returned to the country has been received well by all. It was after thirty five years that he finally returned to his country is good. It is beyond the imagination that how could a man survive after suffering so much. Thirty five years means virtually half of your life. It is said that Kashmir was a trader who traded in electronic goods. He went to Pakistan for a business trip where he was suspected of spying and was sentenced to death by a Military Court. He was left in a solitary cell where he could not see the Sun or the sky and even did not receive any visitors. Who would visit him in Pakistan.

On the other hand his family at home had a harrowing experience. His wife without his support raised three children single handily. This is itself credible especially when she was knowing that even though her husband was alive she would not perhaps see him any more. To undergo such a mental torture for so long a time of three decades and a half means that she had made a steely resolve to carry along and not leave hope. Finally, her faith and hope borefruit. Her, Kashmir united with her and her children. Here, credit is due to Mr. Burney, Pakistan Huma rights Minister who has perhaps opened a new Chapter in India Pak relations. The release of Kashmir Singh has earned him and the people of Pakistan goodwill. We always wish for better relations with Pakistan.

Yours etc...
Mohan Singh Raina
Simbal Camp
Jammu