Women Judges a better Choice; Vijay Times, 9th August 2006

Women judges a better choice

This refers to the news item, "Can only a woman judge understand rape?" (VT, Aug5).Rape is a heinous crime that can shatter a woman.There are many pending trials involving rape in Bangalore. When it comes to delivering judgement,what matters is fairness.

Gender has nothing to do with delivering justice. Judges are supposed to be impartial. It is wrong to bring up the gender issue in this regard.A woman judge will pass an equivalent judgement on the rapist. As far as the mental state of a rape victim is concerned, she might find it difficult to state each and every fact to a male judge.In such an event, a woman judge seems to be a better choice.

Monalisa Biswas, Bangalore

Friends forever (City Express) The New Indian Express

Friendship is in the air and everyone is set to celebrate it in grandeur.Friendship is a source of joy and satisfaction to all. August 6 is World Friendship Day --the day meant to celebrate friendship. Visit any card shop and you will come across a bunch of gift items specially meant for Friendship Day--cards, friendship bands, soft toys and the like.
Youngsters are found thronging card galleries, selecting the best friendship card and the cutest gift for their friends. Says Sakshi, a call centre employee, "I have a big surprise for my best friend this Friendship Day." Sowmya Rao, a student who was seen buying a giant sized teddy-bear asserts, "My friend makes me feel so special throughout the year, so I want to make friendship day special for her."
Other than gifts, trendy friendship bands have also caught the fancy of youngsters. Simi Hegde, who was choosing friendship bands for her friend opines, "I think friendship bands make the best gift because every time your eyes fall on your wrist, it reminds you of your friend.
For those with long-distance friends, e-cards are the way to go. Rahul Banerjee, a software engineer says, "I have friends in every nook and corner of the world and I am going to wish them through e-cards.
PUC students Geetha, Shubha, Amrutha, Somesh and John are planning grand celebration. "We are going to a grand party at a restaurant with all our friends on this friendship day,"they said. Akash Kumar, a student, also has similar plans."We have decided to go for a long drive and dine in a good restaurant," he said.
While many are having a tough time selecting gifts for their friends, there are some who feel that friendship needs no celebration. Says Harish, a businessman,"Each day spent with friends is a kind of celebration. So we do not need a special day to celebrate it." Uma P, a home maker agrees,"My friend is special to me and I don't need to buy her a gift to express to her that we are best friends," says she.
A senior citizen, Prakash G, says, "During our times,there was no special day meant for celebrating friendship.This trend is a new one and it is good to see friends getting together to celebrate friendship once every year."
Even in today's fast paced life, where many people do not get time for their kith and kin, it is good to see people taking time off to celebrate friendship.
So even if you weren't planning an elaborate party for your friends, simply by picking up that phone and give them a call.They will appreciate it.

Monalisa Biswas,
Bangalore

Welcome Move, Letters The New Indian Express, August 5, 2006

Sir, The Central Government has banned child labour in houses, hostels, restaurants, spas and other recreational centres. This is a welcome move by the Central Government, but merely passing a law will not be enough. It should take stringent measures to wipe out evil from society. Those who emply children as servants should be punished severely. Only then will there be no child labour.
Monalisa Biswas
Bangalore