The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Readers' Mail

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 03, 2005

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Readers' Mail

Austerity drive

Sir, - No doubt all kind-hearted people are donating to the cause of the tsunami-affected. Let me present here some suggestions without pinching the pocket of the common man.

This is the season of temple and church festivals for which donations would have already been collected.

The respective temple/church festival committee can decide to avoid fire works altogether or reduce the budget to 25 per cent. They should also identify artists who are willing to present their show free. The feast conducted on the festival days (Annadanam/Nercha sadya) can be scaled down. Savings made by way of these austerity measures could be donated to the relief fund for tsunami victims.

Do not wait for the district authority to clamp down on luxurious weddings and other functions.

Let us all take a decision to hold all functions in 2005 on a low key and low budget.

The savings can be handed over to the Collector. The media should highlight these events, which will serve as examples for others to emulate.

Capt. R.K. Iyer

Kochi

Spread goodwill

Sir, - A passenger who at the end of an autorickshaw journey thanks the driver and has a kind word for him such as "Your driving was good," cheers up the latter and sets off a chain reaction in polite behaviour.

The driver, in turn, would behave politely to at least 10 people and thus create an atmosphere of love and affection.

Everybody faces problems in their lives.

But, these burdens can be lightened in many ways if we interact with love and affection.

Let us resolve to spread the message of love and affection in 2005.

Davis Vithayathil

Thripunithura

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Readers may send their letters to the postal address The Hindu, N.H. Bypass, Vytilla P.O., Kochi - 632019 or e-mail letters.kochi

@thehindu.co.in

Kochi

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