Be kind

Sir — Teachers play an integral role in shaping a student’s life. A good teacher not only helps students overcome their shortcomings but also inspires them to work hard. But some teachers tend to be harsh on unruly or academically weaker students beyond what can be deemed appropriate. Recently, a student informed her teacher that she had secured good marks in Class XII board exams in spite of the latter undermining her abilities. Students who are humiliated in school for failing to perform often suffer from low self-esteem. Teachers must be sensitised and trained to handle the individual needs of students.

Bhavna Prasad, Ranchi

Too harsh

Sir — A record 23 members of Parliament — all from the Opposition parties — have been suspended from the Rajya Sabha for a week for protesting against several burning issues during the proceedings of the House. Prior to this, four Congress legislators were suspended from the Lok Sabha for the rest of the ongoing session. The harsh disciplinary action shows that the ruling party is allergic to criticism (“Stick rules”, July 28). Participatory debates have been the norm in Parliament. However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has seldom adhered to the tradition owing to its electoral majority. Most bills are passed without even a discussion. This undermines democratic standards.

S.S. Paul, Nadia

Sir — The suspension of 27 legislators from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for allegedly disrupting proceedings is an extreme form of punishment. It is upon the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha to maintain discipline and ensure the smooth functioning of the Houses. But they must conduct themselves in a non-partisan manner. Disciplining only the members of the Opposition parties violates the principle of neutrality of the presiding officers.

M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu

Sir — Several Opposition lawmakers have been suspended from Parliament for protesting against rising prices, increasing tax rates of goods and services, and several other issues that require urgent attention. The BJP and the Opposition must iron out their differences and deliberate on these pressing problems.

K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam

Welcome verdict

Sir — In a recent judgment, the Kerala High Court recognised the plight of unwed mothers and their children. It allowed the petitioner to include his mother’s name alone in his identification certificates. This is heartening. The children of unwed mothers and rape victims are not only subjected to social ostracisation but also remain deprived of basic rights. The court has echoed the landmark Supreme Court verdict of 2015 that pronounced that unwed mothers cannot be compelled to disclose the identity of the father to the authorities. The high court also drew the reference of Karna from the Mahabharata, whose moral crisis stemmed from his status as an illegitimate child. Hopefully, the judgment will help ensure that unwed mothers can lead a dignified life.

Vijay Singh Adhikari, Nainital

Good step

Sir — It is wonderful that more than 3,500 hectares of mangrove plantation has been done in the Sunderbans by the West Bengal forest department. This would protect the delta from soil erosion and cyclones. Around 17.5 lakh saplings will be planted by the end of this year. The villagers residing in the region are also making efforts towards conservation — they are looking after the saplings. This is encouraging. Perhaps the officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation can emulate such integrated steps for conserving its long and vulnerable coastline.

Melville X. D’Souza, Mumbai