The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Nurture him

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Saturday, May 06, 2006

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Nurture him

This refers to the editorial "Nurturing a child prodigy" (May 5). The media publicity given to four-year-old Budhia Singh is uncalled for. He is a prodigy all right, but such media exposure and physical stress at this tender age could put paid to his promising career. Such talent should be carefully nurtured, not subjected to undue pressure.

K. Murlidar,
Chennai

* * *

You have rightly suggested the course of action to be taken to ensure Budhia grows into a professional athlete. However, a word must be mentioned about his mentor, a martial arts coach. Without his encouragement, Budhia would have been one among millions of children struggling to earn a living in oppressive poverty.

Sutirtha Sahariah,
New Delhi

* * *

Our children are our future. It is our duty to see them educated, trained, and capable of facing the challenges of tomorrow.

However, under the pretext of encouragement, no child should be exploited. Wonder boy Budhia should be protected against exploitation.

Jose Vattakuzhy,
New Delhi

* * *

The need of the hour is to guard Budhia against publicity-hungry elements. He should be allowed to develop his skills in relative obscurity before his talent is unleashed on the world.

Pradhyumna R. Kansara,
Anand, Gujarat

* * *

The way hordes of media personnel descended on little Budhia, eager to cash in on his feat is reflective of the present-day, commercialised world where everything and everyone is a commodity.

Budhia's case should be an eye-opener for the Government and the promoters of sport.

Inamdar Ramchandra,
Bangalore

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