Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Corporal punishment

Sir, __ I refer to your Editorial `Ban corporal punishment' ( June 17 ). It is a mistaken view that schools have rules to impose corporal punishment. Though teachers are badly paid at some self-financing schools, the record shows that they maintain discipline on the campus and produce good results, which is what parents expect. No teacher will treat his students as his enemies. There may be some shortcomings on the part of some teachers, but that can be rectified. Unfortunately, some students commit suicide during the time results are announced. An awareness should be created among them. Psychologists, social scientists and teachers should come forward to find right solutions. If teachers are found guilty, they must be punished.

A. Bright Rathinam,

Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Corporal punishment is brutal and uncivilised. Many of us belonging to the earlier generation can remember the caning we received from our teachers. One should also admit that such treatment did bring about discipline. Things seem to be different now. It is indeed sad to see children committing suicide on account of such punishments. It must be realised that suicidal tendencies are symptom of psychiatric illness, which is on the increase in India. Many children may appear and behave normally without showing any symptoms of the illness. When they are not diagnosed and counselled early, even a mild stress might lead to the children ending their lives.

Benjamin Victor,

Ranipet, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — As has rightly been pointed out in your Editorial, competition and consumerism have shown their ugly heads in educational institutions, with the least interest in the development of human values and character. It is time to evolve a true system of Indian education.

P. Sethumadhavan,

Dindigul, T.N.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• The Sino-Indian potential
• Reality knocks
• Facets of violence
• The Indian manufacture jinx
• Tibet static in China
• LS election and BJP's dilemma
• Why miss the bus?
• Indo-Pak. ties
• Corporal punishment
• Coal is precious

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu