I'M writing to you at Dawn because I'm disturbed to hear that Dr Bernadette Dean, who was appointed Principal of Kinnaird College, Lahore, about a year back, is being vilified in the Karachi and Lahore press.

I met Dr Dean several times in Lahore last year, and I thought she was like a breath of fresh air in a somewhat stultified atmosphere a person sorely needed by Kinnaird College.

From what I can gather she has tried only to improve the academic programme, which certainly needs to be updated, and also make suitable changes in the administration, so that they are in line with HEC directives and international standards.

It appears that a small group of faculty are determinedly opposing the improvements she has initiated and wish to maintain the status quo.

My heart goes out to Dr Dean, who has dedicated her life to the cause of education; I fear that Kinnaird College, my alma mater, will lose not only a remarkable administrator and teacher but also a rare role model for the girls.

Lahore, my beloved city, deserves better.

BAPSI SIDHWA
Lahore

(II)

APROPOS of protests held in Kinnaird College ( Jan 4), one can highlight certain facts that were conveniently excluded in a letter (Jan 19) that sought to 'bring to light certain events'.

First, it is a fact that students, anywhere in the world, have a right to voice their opinion. Indeed strikes are unpleasant but they are used as a last resort when rightful claims are denied.

Secondly, TV channels were not 'invited' to film the protest. Offices of C-42 are opposite Kinnaird College. Around 200 students chanting slogans and raising placards are slightly hard to miss.

Moreover, one wonders why nobody spoke against certain people filming and photographing teachers and students as they protested.

These people were backed by the administration and disguised beneath a shawl. Is it decent for the administrative staff to manhandle students who dare to protest? Are these practices of a civilised culture?

These are questions that surely can be answered by a regime so bent on bringing about a positive change. It is ironic how the writer has made a parallel between the administrative setup in the country and that in Kinnaird.

Sacking somebody over a non-issue and then refusing to acknowledge one's mistake reminds one of an undemocratic situation.

Speaking out against injustice is not an idle protest. It is backed by conscience, not hidden agendas.

The writer also asserts that the teachers who had been sacked should have sought employment elsewhere, since they had 'illustrious resumes.'

Why cannot students from Kinnaird College benefit from their expertise? Why must they be robbed of such teachers?

The presence of a fictional suicide bomber adds further humour to the letter.

So the next time any citizen of the state has grievances, they must stay deaf and dumb and cover beneath those whose agenda is to instil fear.

AN OLD STUDENT
Lahore