Shocking is the report of a girl committing suicide fearing failure even before the results were published. She had actually passed the examination. A girl of 15 hanging herself to death fearing failure in 10th examination prompts us to look into the causes of such heart-rending deaths of children. As a 76-year-old woman, I cannot but think of my days when failing in examinations was not blown out of proportions by anybody. The students who failed did not undergo such psychological frustrations. I think the whole picture started to change to the detriment of students only after commercialisation of education. The concept of ‘do-or-die’ competition for amassing wealth by vested interests in the field of education instils unhealthy anxiety and fear in the minds of parents and children. A lot of pressure is exerted by schools, especially private institutions, to kindle and expedite the sinful rat race purely for fame and money. Educationists should ponder over this deterioration in the course of four or five decades and find ways to stabilise and strengthen the tender minds. They should be weaned away from the commercially motivated competition. The role of parents and teachers is significant in this mission of protecting the individuality of every child.

Nehru Nagar

The official Facebook page of Madurai Collector leaves much to be desired as the visitors’ posts ventilating their grievances remain unanswered for weeks together. This was not the case a couple of years ago when a designated person positively responded. The Collector will do well to arrange to answer complaints from the public and take remedial action within a time frame.

Narayanapuram

Roads and streets of Karpaga Nagar and K. Pudur are in a very bad condition, with big potholes. It is very difficult to ride vehicles on these roads. I request the Madurai Corporation authorities to take up repair work on these roads immediately.

K. Pudur

Recently, while travelling in Pandiyan Express, my mobile phone was stolen somewhere between Tambaram and Tiruchi railway stations. On realising about the loss, I immediately informed the Madurai Railway Police and also registered an online complaint. In three days, Railway Police Tiruchi/Madurai/Chennai traced my phone. I was informed about the recovery by DSP, Railway Police, Tiruchi. The Egmore Railway Police handed over the phone to me in good condition. I wish to place my appreciation of the Railway Police for promptly recovering my phone and handing it over without much difficulty. In the days of criticism of the police, this recovery stands out. I sincerely thank the police officers and others involved in recovering my mobile phone.

I also caution the travelling public against keeping their phone in the open while charging and making it vulnerable to theft.