Old is gold
Having read the article “Old is gold — yesterday, today & tomorrow” by Sivamani Vasudevan (Open Page, May 20, 2012), the sense I get is that the author appears to be concerned about the insecurity prevalent during modern times. This is because of the population explosion that has made survival difficult, pushing people to the extremes of selfishness, while in olden days people with no work could still manage three meals a day !
So was everyone happy in the past? Not necessarily, as we always have some problem or the other, be it present or past, there were always good and bad happening at any point of time. So if we want to survive we have got to accept change and see the better side of the present rather than whining about the present and glorifying the past!
Vishnoukumaar,
Puducherry
There are 93 pithy, powerful, convincing points made by the writer as to why old is gold! Very enjoyable, indeed!
M.S. Jayaraman,
Chennai
The articles titled “Old is gold” and “Forget good ol' days, new days are far better” (Open page, May 20, 2012) list out the merits of the ‘good old days' and ‘new days.' We perceive old days to be better because of the quality time, youthfulness and energy with which we spent those days with our relatives and friends. We think current days are better because of the comfortable life gifted by science and technology. But elders may develop the mindset “old is always gold” and this prevents them from getting along with youngsters and with the changing times. The solution is given in the good old Tamil classic Thirukkural. One of its couplets (no:140) says ‘Those who have learned many things are still ignorant, if they don't know how to act agreeably to the changing world' (UIlgatthodu otta ozhugal pala katrum kallaar ariviladhaar). So let us be wise to retain only those old things which are applicable and useful to current times and also be receptive to new things which change our life for the better! One thing is certain, values of life are to be retained and cherished for ever!
A.V. Ramanathan,
Chennai
Old is gold but change is the essence of life. Life would have been stagnant for ages had we refused to accept change. One would have been the same old men living in forests, covering our bodies with the skin of animals, finding shelter in the caves and hunting out in the wild for food. Beauty lies is balancing change while upholding the importance of the ‘old gold.'
Ranjith Kumar Reddy G,
Hyderabad
Noise pollution
The article “The noise called ringtone” (Open Page, May 20, 2012) should serve as an eye-opener for many mobile users. Notwithstanding the distraction caused by that awkward ringtone, people add insult to injury by talking at a very high decibel.
I would like to share a small incident that happened sometime back in the bank where I work. I found a customer was talking to someone in a loud voice over the mobile. Since there was a noticeboard that stated that mobile should not be used on bank premises, I asked him not to use it. But he kept on talking and at one point of time, I told him to cease talking. That gentleman was enraged and he asked whether his passbook had been updated or not. I asked him to wait. Then he started firing on all cylinders. After a couple of minutes, I too lost control since he was assassinating my character. I too shouted at him. Even now, I repent for losing my temper. He went to the manager and complained and I apologised.
All this happened because I pointed out to him that mobile phone is a huge nuisance in banks, where even a small mistake could prove costly for all.
Sekar S.
Gobichettipalayam.
The article on ringtone, especially the part where the author mentions about the loud-speakers in marriage halls, rings so true. In general, people in our country show scant respect for others' need for silence. This issue is really close to my heart as I live in an apartment complex which is sandwiched between a marriage hall on the one side & and a temple on the other (how lucky can one get?). Both feel it is their absolute right to pray and celebrate (as the case may be) as loudly as they please. They constantly try to outdo each other, in terms of decibel levels, neighbours be damned!
If there is a patient who needs peace and quiet, while recuperating from an illness, or a student who is trying to study for an exam, well TOUGH LUCK! It is not their problem. There is a complete disregard for others' rights.
The marriage hall is at least silent during the days when there are no “shubh-muhurthams.” As for the temple, it is an everyday ritual, morning and evening and heaven help me if the day happens to be a particularly auspicious one! The decibel levels are upped many notches and I have no option but to flee to my parents' home, if I have to remain sane. Numerous pleas to reduce the noise have fallen on stone-deaf ears. Each time I am given accusing looks that seem to say — “You are such a spoilsport.” I sometimes wonder if any laws against noise pollution exist in our country. If indeed they do, I wonder when they will be implemented. All I'm asking for, is some peace and quiet in my own home after a hard day's work. Is that too much?
Beena Punjabi,
Visakhapatnam