Insensitive children

The news “Patients on Bir deathbeds are abandoned,” published in THT on July 4, was really disturbing. The condition of the old patients at Bir Hospital and the behaviour of their kin and children are to be deplored. One cannot imagine the extent of children’s cruelty towards their old and dying parents.

When children grow up and start leading their individual lives, they seldom appreciate all

the efforts made by their parents to bring them up. They thus become totally insensitive

towards their parents.

Our religion too says that it is the duty of every son or daughter to look after his or her ageing parents. There can be no excuse for leaving the elderly to die in misery. It seems that many young people do not have a sense of duty towards their parents. If these close family bonds break, how will the society and culture survive?

Laxman Khanal, Dang

Correction

My attention has been drawn to the news “King urged to solve crisis facing the nation” published in THT on July 5. The report is grossly erroneous, as I never suggested that the King should give up the chairmanship of the government. Some other speakers made that

suggestion.

Furthermore, I never said in the talk programme at the Reporters Club that the King should give up trying to play a creative role. What I said was that the monarchists should define the

constructive role of the King, which role the King has said he wishes to play.

Himalaya SJB Rana,

via e-mail

Eye-opener

The Midway article “Melodious Sarangi” by Tulsi Prasad Acharya, published in THT on July 1, was an eye-opener. Today, most of us are greatly influenced by western music, while we pay little attention to our local folk music. It suggests that we don’t understand music at all. Music is divine and has no barriers. Music expresses great truths about life.

Likewise, the music of a Sarangi expresses love and sorrow. The depth of a “Sarangi dai’s” songs is deep and one often gets lost in the melodious tunes from his instrument.

Besides, his music has a Nepali touch.

For the preservation of our culture, it is very important that we do not neglect our folk music. Hence, these musicians should be encouraged.

Purwoj Shrestha,

Gyaneshwore

Ban drugs

The letter “Drug control,” published in THT on July 6, by Birendra Shrestha had a very strong message. Drug control is a highly sensitive issue. Like Shrestha, I think that our culture has a lot to do with the problem of drug abuse among the youth. It all starts in the small pubs and restaurants. There are hundreds of them all over the city and I do not believe many of them care much about the problems of underage drinking and drug abuse. I agree with Shrestha that we need strict rules banning the sales of cigarettes and hard drinks.

Besides, regular checking of pubs and bars would ensure that they comply with the ban and that drinks and cigarettes are not sold to the underage. The government should implement these measures soon to secure the future of our youth.

Nawang Ghale, via e-mail