On shorthand

I am sure the article “Why this short shrift to shorthand?” (Open Page, Jan.30) would have kindled nostalgic memories in a good number of readers. Shorthand cannot be separated from The Hindu . Instructors used to dictate editorials from the newspaper for practice. This also helped students enrich their vocabulary, gain knowledge in sentence making and write better English. Despite the electronic revolution, the good old art of shorthand has not lost its charm and usefulness.

S. Nallasivan,

Tirunelveli

I passed my typewriting and shorthand senior grade, in English and Tamil, in 1986 and worked in various private and government offices. In 1989, I passed the TNPSC examination and joined the government service as a stenographer. Subsequently, the post was upgraded. No doubt information technology and outsourcing have made inroads. But a person who has the basic proficiency in typewriting and shorthand will finish the job in no time. The government should include shorthand and typewriting in the plus-two curriculum.

G.N. Devaraj,

Bhavanisagar

As a stenographer, I was indeed proud and delighted to read the article. Stenographers/secretaries are the pillars of every organisation. Teaching shorthand in schools will be useful to the younger generation.

Ananthi Sundaresan,

Chennai

The article made me recall the days I spent learning shorthand from my father. In fact, I was forced to learn the skill. I later realised that had I not learnt shorthand, I would not have been where I am now. Everyday my father used to read out a passage for dictation and transcription. My happiness knew no bounds whenever I completed the transcription without any mistake.

Learning shorthand helped me improve my vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills. Stenographers are still indispensable. Although shorthand seems to be fading out, an art which provided a living for thousands will never die.

C.P. Jayraman,

Thiruvankulam

I learnt typewriting when I was in class VI and passed the higher grades in both Tamil and English before completing class X. Later, I started learning shorthand. I did only 30 exercises. I didn't continue because I entered class XII. I am pursuing B. Tech but I have not been able to continue learning shorthand. The Open Page article has revived my interest. I am now determined to complete the exams. Thanks to the author and The Hindu for publishing the article.

J. Sivaguru,

Thanjavur