This refers to Randhir Khare’s write up ‘A smile always wins. Try it.’, (PM, June 23). I agree with the author’s view that a smile wins a million hearts and I have also tried it. Although it costs nothing, people are rarely found to be courteous. In today’s society virtues like respect for the elderly , love for youth and politeness are missing.

One can find examples of such brazen behaviour in offices, trains, flights and markets. I know a few people who take pride in showing disregard for other people’s feelings. And the reason they state for such inexplicable behaviour is that they have paid for the services.
 
Is this civilisation? In sharp contrast, I have seen how a plain compliment like thank you to the autorickshaw driver, who drops me to my office, brings a glow on his face. Even the Bollywood film Munnabhai MBBS attempted to induce a sense of belongingness among masses with its famous line jaddu ki jhappi. The concept was absolutely noble and can work wonders.

-  S N Saroja

  Making our street safe
 
This is with reference to ‘Street smart kids’, (PM, June 21). I congratulate the youngsters who have come forward to create awareness about Pune’s biggest menace, traffic indiscipline. Already it has become very difficult to venture out of our homes due to chaos and traffic jams in the city. And the unruly youth are giving citizens a harrowing time with their craze for high-speed bikes and reckless driving.
 
In Aundh, I have seen countless incidents in which bikers have fled after hitting senior citizens. The street I am talking about is located between Mithaas chowk and Convergys. Most of the time, the victims were walking on the pavements when the bikers had hit them. Therefore, I think the ‘street smart kids’ are doing a noteworthy job. If possible, I will also extend whatever help and support the group will need, so that life becomes easier for all of us.

-  Jonaki Bhattacharya
 
Teenagers associated with Action for Pune have set an example for all of us. More than mere thanks, their efforts should be recognized. Citizens breaking traffic rules, especially grown ups, should be ashamed that youngsters feel the need to hammer in the common sense. When will the offenders realise that it is senseless to disregard traffic rules? Even schoolkids and pensioners have done their bit by standing and regulating the traffic. What is the rush for? If one is in a hurry then s/he should leave home a little early and respect other drivers and pedestrians.

-  Dr Rajan 

  Give wheels to Chetak 

This refers to ‘Why Chetak, the police dog, can’t retire’ (PM, June 21). Why isn’t he is given some sort of a mechanical assistance to perform his duties without bearing the pain? Alight aluminium frame on wheels, with asling passing beneath the dog to take his weight, should do the trick. Such appliances are readily available. Making poor Chetak suffer needlessly, is uncalled for.

-  Pesi J Padshah