Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On Mohanlal

The induction of actor Mohanlal into the Territorial Army is an indication that the government wants to make the defence services more attractive for the young. No doubt films on soldiers are inspiring but the inspiration lasts only a few hours. If the government really wants to make the defence services more inspiring and challenging, it should start at the school level. Often, students face the dilemma of whether to opt for a career in the armed forces or pursue a professional degree in medicine or engineering. For them to overcome it and take a firm decision to join the defence services, the curriculum should be revamped to include more chapters on patriotism and national security. Although the NCC has a presence in many schools, only a few are attracted to it, many of them for getting extra marks. How many NCC cadets become soldiers? All students should be trained in military-related programmes. Schools should provide opportunities to honour soldiers in their region. Widows of soldiers should be honoured, schools should make contributions to martyrs’ families and the pay of soldiers should be made more attractive.

J.M. Smitha,

Thiruvananthapuram

Mohanlal is a great actor and can perform any role on screen effortlessly. But earning a commission in the military is not a joke. When many who have retired after serving in the armed forces for years have not become Lieutenant Colonels, Mohanlal has become a Lieutenant Colonel (Hon.) after playing an army man in a film or two. If the actor sincerely wants to serve the country, he should undergo training and work in operational duties in Jammu & Kashmir for two years. He should stop acting in movies during this period.

P. Ramdas,

Palakkad

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