The Hindu : Praying for rain

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 12, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Praying for rain

Sir, — The Chief Minister of Karnataka, S.M. Krishna, might have set a record of sorts for offering many `unofficial' prayers to the rain god, visiting temples, churches, mosques and gurdwaras. There is nothing wrong in offering prayers but it is necessary to remember that "god helps those who help themselves".

This is the time to render help to the drought victims and also take proactive measures such as de-silting of tanks, reservoirs, ponds and wells. Moreover, each village, especially in the drought prone areas of the State, should start rainwater conservation by digging ponds and constructing bunds to restrict the flow of water and recharge the underground springs. `Shramdan' should follow each prayer meeting and Mr. Krishna should set an example by involving himself in moves to tackle drought.

D.B.N. Murthy,

Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — Mr. Nagendra Rao's letter `Praying for rain' ( June 11 ): May I share a topical and thoughtful anecdote. It appears that the scientist who devised the technique for inducing rain was taking a walk with his little son. The scientist proudly told him, "Sonny, your dad can make rain". On their way back, it started raining. The impish boy pulled the coattails of his father and asked "Can my daddy stop this rain!"

N. Dharmeshwaran,

Guduvancherry, T.N.

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