Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Corporal punishment

This has reference to the article “Corporal punishment-an ugly mess” (Open Page, April 6). The message in it and the article “School’s new rule for pupils in trouble: no fun” (Oped, April 5) was similar — the failure of the teaching staff to empathise with students and the over-exuberance bordering on the zany to implement regulations, in utter ignorance of the damage they cause to the psyche of children. It is the pedagogues who need counselling and periodical monitoring. Teachers cannot arrogate to themselves rights that militate against the children’s basic claims to enjoy a normal childhood.

M.R. Srinivasan,

Chennai

The question is whether those engaged in teaching children deserve to be teachers. In today’s highly competitive scenario, there are very few people who opt for teaching. Most of whom who take to it do so because they have failed to make it elsewhere. They are a frustrated lot who treat children harshly and rudely.

Kalpana Shukla,

Lucknow

I disagree with the views expressed in the Open Page article. Corporal punishment has become a mess because it is not being used properly and by the right people. One person in each school should be given the responsibility of meting it out. He should be trained to administer it in a manner that respects the students’ sensitivities. I remember my teacher who used to punish me when necessary. But he used to lace the punishment with humour so that it would cause some pain but would not hurt or insult.

Mohan Das,

Kodaikanal

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