187 Poppy cultivated plots destroyed in Mariyang-
[ Onyok Pertin ]
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: A total of 187 Poppy cultivated plots were destroyed in Mariyang-
A total of 49 plots were destroyed in Sibuk, 11 in Millang, 17 in Dalbing and 99
in Damro-
The team faced few instances of resistance from the poppy cultivators including stone pelting.
The team headed by Mariyang ADC Ranpok Perme with 170 members of officials from the district administration, USWWS members, police personnel participated in the week long operation from Jan 9 to 15.
The teams were able to cover remote and far flung areas where poppy plants are usually cultivated.
Upper Siang DC Remo Kamki has commended the action taken by the operation team members for the successful conduct of event.
In September last, with the initiative of Upper Siang Women Welfare Society members
and under the supervision of the District Administration headed by Deputy Commissioner,
Remo Kamki, had unanimously taken the decision to destroy poppy plants under Mariyang-
The prolonged habituated practice of poppy cultivation entered into this region since the advent of British into Assam. The British supplied Opium to the local people to make them weak and timid.
The then EAC Mariyang, Oshong Ering along with CRPF, PIs and ALCs had destroyed several poppy plants of Damro area during 1977 and since then subsequent Deputy Commissioners, local administrative officers have been issuing notices to the Gaon Buras, Panchayat members time and again prohibiting the practice of poppy cultivation in the area.
No change has been observed despite making the villagers learn the demerits of Opium
cultivation since last 40 years. Still the local administration has been facing hardship
to tackle the problem and whereas the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is yet to take
serious action to stop this chronic problem. Cultivators of Poppy resist and claim
that it provides financial assistance to their school-
One arrested after forest personnel beaten, officials abused
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: One Kabom Karga has been arrested by police on charge of physically assaulting forest personnel on duty, informed Divisional Forest Officer of Dibang Forest Division, Roing.
Forest personnel Sagar Prasad, Boatman, was brutally beaten by Karga, allegedly involved in illegal timber operation, in presence of Oyem Mize, Deputy Forest Ranger and Sandip Shi, Forester after he failed to produce necessary papers for timber operation as demanded by the team of forest officials on January 16.
Before the incident, Boatman Sagar Prasad, after seeing a timber laden tractor crossing through the Shantipur Forest Check Gate, asked the driver of the vehicle to stop but the driver did not respond. Then, Sagar Prasad along with the Deputy Forest Ranger and the Forester followed the tractor to its location and asked the driver/owner of the vehicle to show papers.
The accused has not only beaten the forest personnel but also verbally abused the accompanying forest officers after he failed to produce the necessary papers, the DFO informed.
Sagar Prasad has been admitted in hospital for treatment.
An FIR was lodged at Shantipur Police Station and the miscreant was immediately arrested
by the Officer In-
The incident was immediately informed to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Lower Dibang Valley, the DFO said and informed that police has registered the case.
On further investigation, many more illegal timbers were seized from the possession of Kabom along with the tractor. A separate offence report was being initiated against the alleged accused under appropriate sections of Assam Forest Regulation,1891 (No.7 of 1891) (Amendment) Act, 2005.
While informing the Chief Conservator of Forests, Eastern Arunachal Circle, Tezu
about whole incident, the DFO Aduk Parom urged the CCF to take up the matter with
the competent authority to initiate proper action against such miscreants. Non-
Dialogue holds the key to good relations: Kiren
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju, while delivering the opening
remarks at a Symposium on ‘Shared Values and Democracy in Asia’ today in Tokyo underlined
that Samvad/dialogue holds the key to good relations and that for the 21st Century
to be the Asian century, democratic societies must work together to preserve and
promote non-
“ There is enough room for all countries of Asia to prosper together. At the same
time, a multitude of identities and interests have prevented us from achieving better
results. Today, when the world is witnessing increasing levels of polarization in
conflict situations, democratic societies’ must work together to preserve and promote
non-
He said that the 21st century will prove to be the Asian century. “The world is looking
up to Asia not only to provide the engines for global economic recovery but also
for ideas and leadership critical for harmonious global relations. Asia should be
capable of meeting global challenges emerging from conflict-
In a video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on common value system, across Asian civilizations, which could avoid conflicts among humans and between humans and nature. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also spoke at the event.
The symposium is a follow up to the Hindu Buddhist Global Initiative for Conflict
Avoidance and Environment Consciousness held in New Delhi on 3 September 2015 conceived
during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Japan in August-
Later Kiren met the Abe at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence.
He will also travel to Nara, as part of the Symposium, to visit the Todai-
PIOs not serious in implementation of RTI: IC
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Information Commissioner Abraham Kaya Techi expressed displeasure over way Public Information Officers (PIOs) & Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs) are not serious in implementing the powerful information laws of the country.
“Govt. authorities have developed casual attitudes in disseminating information to the information seekers. As a result, on many occasions, penalties have to be imposed to the defaulting officers”, he said.
He said this during the three days sensitization training programme on RTI Act 2005 which started today at ATI, Naharlagun.
He also informed that many of the information seekers are much better equipped with provisions of RTI Act and consequents of judgments passed in various other state information commissions and various court orders. Therefore concern authorities especially PIOs and APIOs should meticulously equip themselves with provisions of RTI Act. The RTI Act 2005 contains only 31 sections but our public authorities are too lazy to go through this small booklet of RTI, he added.
Information Commissioner Nanom Jamoh inaugurated the event.
Administrative Training Institute (ATI) Director Pate Marik said that government servant’s especially ministerial staffs are eyes, ears and heart of the govt. being the custodian of the official records. The systematic and timely records of government documents will help the public information officers (PIOs) to furnish authentic information to the information seekers on time and lessen the litigation in information commission. Therefore, every govt, servants should have basic knowledge on the provisions of RTI Act, Marik stated.
Mari Angu, Under Secretary, AR, and Course Director of the programme, Priscilla Tayeng Deputy Director ATI cum Course Coordinator and Nani Khambo Assistant Director ATI also spoke during the day.
EAC turns down interim study report on Lohit river basin
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects has rejected the interim study report on hydroelectric projects (HEPs) on the tributaries of Lohit River basin prepared by Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) as incomplete.
After going through the detailed presentation on HEPs in Lohit River valley in the 90th meeting of the EAC held at New Delhi on December 22 and 23 last, the EAC noted that the data collected is preliminary, for some projects data was not available and the hydrological data is incomplete. In the absence of such vital details, it may not be possible to examine the report, the EAC said and observed that “this cannot be treated as an interim report to appraise.” It suggested to incorporate all the details as was followed in the main Lohit Basin study.
Lohit River Basin study was initiated at the instance of MoEF & CC while according
environment clearance to Demwe Lower and Demwe Upper Hydroelectric Power Projects
of M/s Athena Demwe Power Limited. A total of 5 projects -
The committee was further informed that Kamlang wildlife sanctuary is located 1km away from the 21MW Kamlang project site. Therefore, it is proposed to be dropped.
The committee also extended the terms of reference for the 1,000MW Nabha hydro electric project on the Subansiri river near Badok village in Upper Subansiri district on request of project proponent. The committee extended the validity of the terms of reference till July 25, 2017.
All set for “Clean Arunachal Campaign”
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The Planning Department in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Secretary, Planning and IPR &P Sonam Chombay today reviewed action plan for “Clean Arunachal Campaign”.
The entire Capital Complex, including Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa has been divided into a total of 15 zones to be headed by a zonal commander in each zone during the 15 days cleanliness drive.
Itanagar alone has been divided into nine zones while Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa have been divided into six zones wherein all the ward councilors will participate in the campaign. Similarly, concern district administration will chalk out action plan for their respective district to make the campaign a success. On completion of the ‘Clean Arunachal Fortnight’, all the 15 zones will be inspected by the jury board members to be constituted by the state government, who will choose and declare the award for best zone. The best zones from the 15 zones will be awarded during the upcoming Statehood Day celebration.
The Clean Arunachal Fortnight with a motto of “My City, My pride! I’ll clean it” will be observed across state from February 1 to 13.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Secretary GA Ikar Dirchi, CEO cum ADM Talo Potom, Deputy Secretary Budget P. Aich, Director IPR C.M.Longphong, Director State Plan Pallab Dey and Deputy Director UD H.R.Singh. DIPRO
Miss Arunachal Winter Pageant 2016 by February
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Much to the delight of beauty pageant aspirants, Arunachal Students Federation (ASF) is organising Miss Arunachal Winter Pageant 2016 on February next, with an objectives to create better platform for the beauty pageant aspirants as well as fashion designers . The gala event will be held on 27th February 2016. This was informed by organising chairman Singcheng Miji in a press conference held here today.
Miji said that the beauty pageant would serve as a platform for model and fashion enthusiast under the age group of 17 to 25 to showcase and explore their talents, while promoting the cultural aspect of the state.
He further shared that winner will be given opportunity in the larger platform like NorthEast Diva. Preliminary auditions will be held at Tossum Hotel, Naharlagun on February 16, which will be followed by auditions on February 17 as well. Participants with height of 5.2” or above with minimum educational qualification of class XII may register themselves for the pageant.
The winner of the title will win a Hyundai eon, while the first and second runners’ up will each receive a scooty.
The organizers informed that they are in talks with regional and national level beauty pageants organizers and are optimistic that the winner will be granted direct entry into those competitions.
Counseling-
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Mishmi Students' Union (MSU), Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh with the support and guidance of Mishmi Welfare Society (MWS), Itanagar conducted three days counseling cum educational awareness programme at Govt. Hr. Secondary Schools, Tezu, Hawai and Hayuliang in the first week of this month.
Various educational, social and health related issues, role of students in politics, scopes in sports and other vocational courses were discussed elaborately during the programme in all those schools wherein students of class IX to XII attended.
During the visit, the team also observed the urgent need for posting of Principal at GHSS, Tezu and senior teachers (STs) in the subjetcs of Chemistry, Economics, Geography and Mathematics at GHSS, Hayuliang.
The GHSS, Hawai also needs new school building urgently as the old school building has been demolished for construction of new school building. The classes are now being held at Boys’ Hostel and boarders have been shifted to Community Hall. There is shortage of toilets for students and teachers, the students’ union informed.
Keeping these in view, the MSU (RGU) appealed to the authority concerned to redress the grievances of those schools at the earliest.
Shivamso Chikro, Asstt Professor (History), Don Bosco College, Jully Itanagar, Fames Linggi, Asstt. Professor (Economics), IGGC, Tezu and Sodyong Kri, Asstt. Professor (Commerce), JN College, Pasighat accompanied the team as resource persons.
Do not grant bail to culprits, APSCW
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women has requested the concerned authority not to grant bail to the culprits involved in torture of a small girl, who was forced into child labour in Mirsam village, Pasighat.
In a release, APSCW, chairperson, Mitali Thingkhatra stated that the commission has taken the decision due to the raising crime against women and children.
It also requested to expedite the trial of such heinous crime so that justice is delivered to the victim and their family.
APSCW member Oter Ering Tayeng had recently visited and enquired about the well being of the child labour victim who is still recuperating in General Hospital, Pasighat. Tayeng accompanied by members of Women Against Social Evil, an NGO met and interacted with the victim and her father. They also took the latest updates from OC Pasighat and informed that the Investigating Officer of the case has almost completed the charge sheet.
Later on, the APSCW member also met the rape victim of Siluk village.
Parents object to grant of bail to alleged paedophile
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Parents have strongly objected to granting of bail to one Ram Tagi,
Principal-
21 parents allege that their wards, studying in class IV and V were forced to watch pornographic movies and forced to engage in undesirable physical acts for the last three years adding that children were threatened of dire consequences if they inform their parents.
The parents said that they came know about the incident recently and filed an FIR on Jan 9 against the teacher at Sille Police Station. Though the teacher was booked under the POCSO Act but he was granted anticipatory bail by JMFC, Pasighat on Jan 12.
The Executive Magistrate, Sille Oyan Circle in an order issued on Jan 11 had directed the OC, Silie Oyan Police Station to seal the school till further orders from the competent authority and to arrest the accused. He further asked the government schools nearby to admit the children in the school so that they can sit for the annual examination.
ASBA AGM held
Cash incentives to meritorious sportspersons
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) was held at a city hotel here today.
Attending the meeting, Secretary (Sports) Dani Salu reiterated the government’s commitment for promotion and all round development of sports in the state. He said that Rs. 10 crore has already been placed for construction of an international standard badminton court having eight courts.
He informed that the cash incentives to meritorious sports persons of the state, who have won medals at regional, national and international level competitions, would be given away on January 25.
ASBA Secretary Bamang Tago highlighted the achievements of badminton in the state during his tenure since 14th June, 2014 till date. He informed that Badminton Association of India (BAI) has shouldered ASBA to conduct the Senior National Ranking Badminton Tournament during October/November this year to which Secretary (Sports) has assured all help and support from the government for conduction of the event smoothly.
Tago also informed that a coaching camp for U-
Techi Roto, the new president of ASBA, assured to try his level best for further development of badminton in the state.
“I assure that I will put in my all efforts and resources available for development
of Badminton in Arunachal Pradesh,” the ASBA President affirmed. He also said that
despite his busy schedule, he will be available round-
The meeting also adopted the annual event calendar of ASBA which included, DK Memorial
State Badminton Championship, CM’s Sub-
Earlier, the meeting felicitated ace shuttler Laa Talar, National Grade-
Talar was felicitated for his outstanding performance at national and international level competitions bringing laurels to the state and the country as a whole.
Onya, Yasap and Penya were felicitated for being qualified as National Grade-
Arunachal Olympic Association Secretary General cum Vice Chairman of Sports Authority of Arunachal Gechi Doke attended the AGM as official observer.
Director Sports cum Vice President ASBA Tadar Appa, executive member of ASBA, President/Secretary/ representatives from all the district badminton associations and clubs affiliated to ASBA attended the meeting.
Shito Ryu karatekas bag 9 medals in National Open Karate C’ship
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The karate players of Arunachal Shito Ryu Karate do Association (ASKA) have won nine medals, including three gold, two silver and four bronze, in the just concluded in the National level Open Karate Championship, 2016 at Kanteerava Indoor Stadium Bangalore, Karnataka.
Young and promising Karate player Lipin Ete won a Gold and Silver medal in individual
kata and individual kumite respectively in Sub-
Joseph Parang Londa won the second gold for the state in individual kumite in Sub Junior Boys. He also won a bronze medal in kata.
Neelam Haniya won the third gold for the state in individual kumite in Junior Boy
16-
Charu Aroti bagged a silver medal in individual kumite in senior female +68kg category.
Atta Tayung (Cadet Boys 14-
The senior men's team comprising M. Nikja (captain) N. Takap, S.Tape, C. Lamgu and N. Kaman also bagged a bronze medal in team kumite.
The team was led by Sensei Rechi Kagung as team coach and Marter Ete as manager.
Arunachalee karatekas shine in South Asian NSKF Karate Championship
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The Shoto-
Arunachal NSKF karatekas clinched the Men Open Kumite Champion, Men Open Kata Champion, Female Open Kata Champion and the Female Open Individual Kumite Runners Up titles in the mega event.
The title for Men's Individual Open Kumite was won by Samuel Dolo while Niktar Taja won the Men's Individual Open Kata.
Goda Asha became champion in Female Individual Open Kumite and Rajnita Rotom won the Female Individual Open Kata Runners Up title.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Karate Do Association members led by its president Shihan Likha Tara received the players on their return to the state and expressed their happiness on their outstanding performance.
HM refutes charges
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Home Minister Tanga Byaling today vehemently denied his role in protest dharna which was staged in front of Raj Bhawan on January 14 last.
Reacting to the news items published in a section of local dailies alleging his involvement in “unlawful activities’ in front of Raj Bhawan, the HM termed the allegations as baseless. Allegations are leveled based on mere speculations and he has nothing to do any such gathering or activities by the civil societies, Byaling said in a release.
Stating that civil movements such as peaceful dharna or gathering can not be denied or prevented in a democratic country until and unless there is a serious law and order poblems, the Minister, however, said that in the capacity of HM he had directed all concerned to maintain law and order as soon as he came to know about the ‘peaceful gathering’.
Byaling appealed the groups or organizations to refrain from making such baseless allegations.
Discussion on society’s development
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: During the two days general conference of Reri Welfare Society held recently at Lida, various programme including debate and discussion pertaining to the upliftment of the society was organized.
Members of the society including bureaucrats, technocrats, politicians and other public were present during conference.
While attending the conference Komkar Dulom, Deputy Commissioner, Upper Subansiri stated that creation of any organisation is to promote unity and encourage communal harmony in the society as a whole.
Rakak Dugi, senior citizen while unfurling the society flag urged the members to lead the society to right track for the betterment of society as a whole. During the conference, various cultural activities were also performed to showcase the traditional art and culture.
Vidya scheme not reaching the needy: AdiSU
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has claimed that the Vidya Schemes being implemented by the state education department has failed to reach its beneficiary.
To 50 percent of the students, Vidya Scheme is just a tale. They have heard of it but never got the benefits, it said in its report submitted to the education minister. The report is the finding during its extensive education tour of all the Adi inhabiting areas made from November 4 to December 18 last.
In the report, the union also informed about dissatisfaction of students on uniform supply, MDM and encroachment of school lands.
Hunting, fishing banned
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Mithun Farmers Club of Midpu, Lekha, Chiputa and Rose Panchayat in a meeting has unanimously decided to ban hunting, fishing, burning and felling of trees and unauthorized entry into the Mithun grazing/rearing areas from Midpu to 10th Mile under Doimukh circle. Violators would be taken action as per committee law.
IMC civic charges welcomed
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has welcomed the decision to collect civic charges for parking space by the Itanagar Municipal Council (IMC). In a press release, ACS stated that this step would gradually bring discipline among the motorists.
However, ACS appealed IMC to adopt policy of charging fees on per day basis instead of present per hour system. They also requested IMC to introduce monthly parking ticket system.
KVK Scientific Advisory Committee meeting held
TAWANG, Jan 19: A meeting of Scientific Advisory Committee of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tawang was conducted under the chairmanship of Dirang NRC Yak, Senior Scientist, Dr. Saurabh Deori here on Saturday.
During the meeting which was attended by HoDs and farmers, KVK Programme Coordinator,
Dr. DS Chonkar gave a presentation on annual progress report 2015-
GHSS Ykg wins district Subroto Mukerjee Football Tournament
YINGKIONG, Jan 19: GHSS Yingkiong beat GHSS Geku by 4-
Onit Moyong scored two goals and Tagom Epir and Gelat Jiji scored one goal each for GHSS Yingkiong in the final match, while the solitary goal for GHSS Geku was scored by Nong Tatung.
The best goalkeeper title was awarded to Tadum Jijing of GHSS Yingkiong, best player to Nong Tatung of GHSS Geku and highest scorer was awarded to Onit Moyong of GHSS Yingkiong. DIPRO
Appointment in PHE department sought
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The All Arunachal Pradesh Labour Union (AAPLU) has requested for
appointment of group C and D posts through advertisement/DPC in PHE & WS department
claiming that there are many casual employees who are serving in the department for
last 20-
In its letter written to the secretary, PHE & WS department, it stated that the appointments would help in regularization of the long serving casual employees.
APIC hearing cases re-
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: The hearing of cases no. APIC-
Complete road work before monsoon: NYA
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Claiming that 15km road work from Sangram to Parsi Parlo is yet to be completed causing much discomfort to the local people of the area, the Nyobia Youth Association (NYA) has demanded that the road work must be completed before the onset of monsoon. It has written a complaint letter to the executive engineer, Sangram PWD Division in this regard.
24830 children immunized under IPPI in Papum Pare
YUPIA, Jan 19: The first round of National Immunization Day (NID), IPPI was conducted on Jan 17 by the District Health Society, Yupia.
Deputy Commissioner, Tai Kaye administered polio vaccine drops to children in presence of Govt officials and general public at Anganwadi Centre Nyorch under the supervision of DRCHO, Dr. Jomya Ado.
DMO, Dr. S. Ronya, DANO, Dr. Tania Raju and DSO Dr. R. Ronya also administered polio drops to children.
The total target 0-
Upper Siang CM Trophy 2015-
YINGKIONG, Jan 19: The CM’s Trophy in Football and Volleyball for both men and women of Upper Siang district has concluded.
Upper Siang, Deputy Commissioner, Remo Kamki gave away the cash prize to all winners and runners up of various categories. The DC Kamki also wished the district team to achieve success by winning the championship in the state level tournament.
The district team will participate in the state level competition from Feb 9 next at SLSA Itanagar. DIPRO
AdiSU threatens agitation
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has threatened to go ahead with Upper Siang bandh on January 28 next if their demands are not met. AdiSU has been demanding immediate halt on ongoing construction of working women’s hostel which is being constructed on the premises of Govt Hr Sec School, Yingkiong by Urban Development and Housing Department, SIT probes on the works pertaining to motorable suspension bridge over Siang river at Gandhi, Yingkiong which is pending since 2005 alleging slow progress and distorted fund utilization, Likor to Paling road and JNV Geku.
January 20
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Editorial
Take care of National Highway
District Magistrate Capital Complex recently ordered residents of Capital Complex to maintain all existing dilapidated fencing, OBT houses, OBT structures around 50 mtrs along both sides of National Highway from Hollongi to Banderdewa. For this residents has been given time till 1st of the February. This order has been passed in view of "Clean Arunachal Campaign" which will be observed in the period between1st to 13th February 2016. If properly followed by the residents, the order will greatly help to beautify the capital region.
The step taken by DM is really appreciable. However cleanliness should be maintained
throughout the year and not for just few days. DM should especially ensure that people
living along national highway do not cause any damages to the road. It is being noticed
that due to reckless earth cutting along the Hollongi-
________________________________
Readers’ Forum
Women of menstruating age has human right to enter temples
Dear Editor,
It is really shocking to read various reports on ban on the entry of women of menstrual age at Lord Ayappa Temple in Sabarimala. The authorities concerned (Travancore Devaswam Board) claimed that this is as per custom. But are all these prohibitions are justified in 21st century?
Women also need to bear various dos and don’ts during her menses/ periods every month. A natural process is smeared with notions of purity and pollution. This is a biological process and above anything else, it is good for her health. Yet, the biasness that menstruation and menstruating women are associated with pollution has not gone. Rather the restrictions and prohibitions are transcultural in nature.
In the West, the debates are on the medicalisation of menstruation and hyperconsumerism. In India, the cultural practices have relegated it a taboo; a word of dirt and disgust, shame and silence both is private and public sphere. It is generally promoted in public sphere for commercial reasons and sometimes for welfare schemes like governmental measures for low cost sanitary napkins.
Anthropological researches inform that menstrual taboos were present even during primitive times. It may be present even in contemporary times in various countries. “The Vedic text actually gives mythological explanations on women came to acquire that position of being impure and thus, inferior”.
This inferiority recalls the stereotypes associated with women and her status. It is however good to know that the Supreme Court has questioned the concerned authorities regarding the prohibition. It is a person’s human right to pay obeisance to her/his deity without any prohibition. It is expected that a decision is taken valuing the constitutionally prescribed gender equality, and not challenging such equality in the name of custom.
Yours,
Priyanka Chakrbarty
Guwahati
Clean up the souls and engage in introspection
Dear Editor,
No kudos is enough for Mr.Salil Gewali for his brilliant letter titled “A New Year
for soul-
Right from the moment of commencement of a New Year, deafening crackers reverberate across the midnight sky rendering horror in the vulnerable hearts of infant, children, senior citizens, sick and the animal world. The party continues on the streets, bars, night clubs with utmost hooliganism. With the arrival of dawn, picnic parties start their journey towards various destinations playing music in decibels much more than permissible limit.
A “majestic” start of the New Year indeed! However this frenzied activity neither requires any concrete effort nor serves any real purpose. People with loads of money and time to waste can easily do it. Moreover do the New Year revellers ever wonder a bit about the feeling of the unfortunate souls who lose their near and dear ones on that date or have to attend any critical relative in Hospitals? Less said about the plight of the unprivileged hearts the better who have to deal with acute hunger and injustice year after year. The arrival of a New Year does not put any balm on their starved stomachs or uplift them from their utter helpless situation.
The revellers absolutely miss the actual relevance of a new calendar. This is the
right juncture to clean up their souls and engage themselves in a bit of introspection.
Barring few enlightened exceptional persons, lot of shortcomings and deficiencies
invade our characters. Moreover sky has no limit. So there lies lot of scope for
improvement to bring within our personalities. Instead of accusing others, why don’t
we stand in front of the mirror embedded in our conscience and make a comprehensive
list of our sins and wrong acts? We should make a resolution to lead our lives in
a healthy manner not only in terms of hygiene or official duties; but also in matters
concerning relations with family members, neighbours, colleagues and the society
as a whole? Is it too much a task? Yes, partying and shouting are no doubt easier,
but we can do it throughout the year! If we continue to engage ourselves in such
acts in New Year also, where will the special significance of the red-
Unless we refresh our souls and take sincere vow to bring a real change in our personalities and society, the New Year will never achieve its real significance.
Yours,
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
Some soul searching
Dear Editor,
The death of citizens of Palestine at the hand of Israeli forces is highly condemnable and should be criticized. However, is it also not the responsibility of Palestinian authorities to sit down and try and settle matters over negotiation table in a peaceful manner rather than opting paths of terrorism? For several decade Muslims in the subcontinent nations have extended their unconditional support for their Arabian brothers and what did they receive in return. Saudi Arabia, the icon of the Muslim world exported radical Islamism to the whole world, currently promoting sectarian divisions among Muslims and is also covertly joining Israel against Iran. Is this not ironical which none wants to speak about? While subcontinent Muslims get emotional while talking about their Arabian brothers, they are regarded less than human by their so called Arabian brethren. We need serious soul searching before always providing unconditional support to the Arabic world.
Yours,
Saikat Kumar Basu
Lethbridge AB
Canada