sentinelgroup@gmail.com
A Good Samaritan
We learn with a sense of great relief and satisfaction that the compassion and kindness and the timely help of Bhajan Singh, an auto driver, have saved the life of actor Saif Ali Khan, who was attacked by an intruder in his apartment. When in the wee hours of the day, Bhajan Singh saw Saif's domestic aid Hari signalling him to stop his auto and he saw a man with him profusely bleeding, he didn't go away, fearing unnecessary problems but stopped the vehicle and helped the injured into his vehicle and rushed him to the hospital.
He himself confirmed later that, at that point in time, his only thought was to take a shortcut road and reach the hospital at the earliest so that the life of the injured person whose identity was unknown to him could be saved. His kindness has been at the top when he has not asked for his auto fare as well after dropping them in the hospital.
Much later only, to his great surprise, he has come to know that the one whose life he has saved is none other than Saif Ali Khan, the celebrated Bollywood actor. It is heartening to note from the adorable gesture of the poor auto driver that humanism has not been totally lost in our society, which is sadly becoming self-centred and non-sensitive to such headgoing issues. What a difference it would make to the entire world if only people started emulating Bhajan Singh! May his tribe increase!
Tharcius S.Fernando
(tharci@yahoo.com)
Waste management in Guwahati
Through your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to an issue that affects all of us living in Guwahati—the state of waste management and cleanliness in our city. Despite its position as a gateway to the Northeast and its rapid urban development, Guwahati is grappling with a growing waste crisis that cannot be ignored any longer. Walking through our streets, it is disheartening to see garbage piling up in corners and drains clogged with waste. Even areas with designated bins often remain littered due to irregular collection and public apathy. This not only tarnishes the city’s image but also poses serious health risks, especially during the monsoon when stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for diseases. However, the blame cannot be placed solely on the authorities. Many of us are guilty of treating public spaces with less care than we do our homes. Throwing waste out of moving vehicles or neglecting basic segregation practices reflects a lack of collective responsibility. To address this, I believe we need more than just rules and penalties—we need a change in mindset. Awareness campaigns, especially in schools, can instil the importance of cleanliness in the younger generation. The municipality must also invest in modern waste management infrastructure, such as proper segregation and recycling units, while ensuring regular waste collection services. Citizens, too, must take ownership by disposing of waste responsibly and participating in community clean-up drives. Guwahati has the potential to become a model city for the Northeast, but only if we work together to keep it clean and green. After all, a cleaner city is not just the government’s responsibility—it’s a reflection of its people.
Dristi Buragohain
Cotton University
Donald Trump’s return
Donald Trump's second term as the President of the US will represent a pivotal time in American history, a new period beyond the world order created by the United States and its allies post-World War II. It also presents hope for the future of a country returning to conservative social values and prioritizing the economic well-being of American citizens. But for millions of others on the left, his return is the dawning of a dark era—one more nativist, inward-looking, and mean-spirited that could leave the marginalized more vulnerable than ever.
Jubel D'Cruz,
jubeldcruz@yahoo.com
Robust tea exports
Amidst global concerns about increasing food contamination, the Indian tea industry export has registered a significant increase during 2024. Today, tea is the most consumed non-alcoholic beverage and has generated increased popularity as a health product. Safe tea is a must for all consumers worldwide to keep the drink popular, as the global consumption of tea, which amounted to 7.3 billion kg during 2023, is estimated to reach 8.3 billion kg by 2029. The editorial, 'Tea news, good news,' published in your esteemed daily on January 19, has made the readers extremely happy with the good news that India had exported 209.14 million kg of tea from January to October 2024, which is an increase of 24.68 million kg over the export quantity of the corresponding period of 2023. At the same time, Assam has more reasons to rejoice as it produces more than 50 percent of tea in the country. The state needs an increase in tea exports, but the problem is with the small tea growers who have been at the receiving end all along due to a lack of transparency in the private sales. It has failed to ensure better green leaf prices as the prices are determined by the auction sales. Generally, good tea is sold through private sales, and the balance comes to the auction system. The system ensures the remunerative prices for the small tea growers, and compliance is facing headwind. So, the matter needs to be sorted out amicably. Only then will Assam tea gain in terms of a wider market and retention of world-famous quality of the beverage while keeping the tea industry viable.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Successful mission
India's successful SpaDeX docking mission has unequivocally underlined its tremendous space capabilities. Two satellites already sent to space on December 30 were united or connected to explore exciting opportunities. Docking, or joining, or connecting two satellites by bringing them to the same orbit like a single object, has thus become achievable, thanks to the redoubtable Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Multiple space launches with a common aim are now easier for India. This successful experiment will hold scientists in good stead when they prepare for India's upcoming space missions, including Chandrayaan-4, a manned mission to space and the moon, and the building of space stations.
That the complex docking procedure was undertaken over a fortnight of unwavering hard work and missionary zeal by the ISRO scientists, in the third attempt, is a tribute to their never-say-never attitude. Rubbing shoulders with Russia, the US, and China in space has now become a routine for the Indian space scientists. After the Chandrayaan-2 setback, ISRO has recouped admirably well, and after the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3, it seems "sky is not the limit" for the country's proud space organisation. It is pertinent to mention that the Centre has announced the creation of India's own "Bharatiya Antriksh Station" by 2035. The next couple of years should see the ISRO at its zenith in terms of space excellence.
Dr Ganapathi Bhat
(gbhat13@gmail.com)