A voice for the voiceless
I am writing to express my concern over the lack of attention to the safety of stray dogs. Some organisations and kind-hearted people make a sincere effort to save and care for these animals, but others show utter indifference to their welfare, which is apparently disgusting even by human standards. A recent incident that took place at Lachit Nagar in Guwahati is an example of such an unsettling pattern. Some robbers, without any sort of fear of the consequences that their actions could bring, brutally slaughtered a mother dog. Since criminals who commit cruelty often believe they can get away with it, they not only show a lack of mercy but also violate basic human laws.
I urge the authorities to take strict measures against these people so that similar incidents may be avoided, and, more importantly, it sends out a message of cruelty against animals. Further public awareness programmes on empathy and responsibility towards stray animals should be organized within our societies.
The safety of stray dogs reflects the values of our society. It is time we take collective responsibility to ensure their protection and uphold the principles of kindness and justice of the voiceless.
Darshana Das
(darshanadas2907@gmail.com)
Republic Day: A day to remember
Republic Day is celebrated every year on January 26 to honour the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in the year 1950. This year marks the 76th Republic Day. The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January, 1950.
The tricolour instills in you a sense of great pride, no matter what the platform, and the confidence level takes you to the skies on Republic Day. India is my country, and all Indians are my brothers and sisters—ringing in my mind throughout the day and the year around. Born in the year 1950, I feel proud to be an Indian. But generally speaking, I felt that these occasions are worth celebrating if we do not obey the right guidelines. We see people hoisting the flag as per their own convenience, and again in the evening the flag is not brought down as per the guidelines, and people forget to follow this. This is not in good taste. Also, we find flags thrown on the street after the celebrations get over. The Constitution urges all the people to honour the national flag. People pin national flags upside down as well.
Jubel D’Cruz,
(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)
Seasonal disease outbreaks
I am writing to express my concern over the increasing number of seasonal diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and viral fevers, that seem to spread every year during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in Assam. These diseases not only cause suffering to families but also place a huge burden on our healthcare system. With the heavy rains, stagnant water in open drains and puddles becomes the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, resulting in a surge of dengue and malaria cases. In many parts of the state, hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, and local healthcare services are stretched thin. I have personally witnessed the anxiety and fear that families go through as they struggle to get treatment for their loved ones. While the government has taken some measures to control the spread of these diseases, there’s still a lot that needs to be done. Many areas still lack proper waste management, and standing water around homes and in public spaces is not being addressed effectively. Moreover, many people remain unaware of the simple steps they can take to prevent mosquito breeding, such as clearing stagnant water from their surroundings. It’s essential that we all come together to tackle this issue. Local authorities must ensure better sanitation, cleaning of drains, and waste disposal. At the same time, we need widespread awareness campaigns to educate people about how to protect themselves and their families. Small efforts, like using mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, and removing water sources for mosquitoes, can make a big difference. If we all take responsibility, we can control the spread of these seasonal diseases and create healthier, safer communities.
Abhilasha Mohan
Cotton University
Republic Day
Republic Day, celebrated on January 26 each year in India, holds great significance in the nation’s history. It commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, marking the day when India became a republic, having gained independence in 1947. This day symbolizes the establishment of a democratic framework that enshrines the principles of justice, equality, and freedom, shaping India’s identity as a sovereign nation. The importance of Republic Day has only grown in today’s world, as it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters to secure India’s independence. It is a celebration of the democratic ideals that guide the country, where the people, through their elected representatives, have the power to shape the future. This day also highlights the commitment to a secular, inclusive society, where diversity is celebrated, and every citizen has the opportunity to contribute.
In the context of global politics, Republic Day is a powerful symbol of India’s evolving role as a major democratic power. As the world faces numerous challenges, including political instability, social inequality, and environmental concerns, the values upheld by the Indian Constitution remain relevant. Republic Day reminds citizens of their collective responsibility to uphold these values, promoting unity, peace, and progress. Moreover, the grand celebrations held on this day, including the iconic Republic Day parade in New Delhi, showcase India’s rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and military strength. This serves as a source of national pride and inspires citizens, especially the youth, to contribute to their country’s growth. In today’s interconnected world, Republic Day fosters a sense of national identity, unity, and pride, reminding all Indians of the importance of preserving the democratic ideals that define our nation.
Chandan Kumar Nath
Sorbhog, Barpeta
Stricter traffic enforcement
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to highlight the need for stricter traffic enforcement in Guwahati. We have seemingly witnessed the rise of traffic in Guwahati due to the increasing number of automobiles along with recent flyover constructions. This surge, paired up with a lack of awareness and disregard for traffic rules, is a significant concern to be focused on. Lane discipline, proper implementation of zebra crossings, obvious disregard for traffic signals, rash driving, overtaking on blind curves, and using a phone while driving are several practices that are commonly observed. This is highly concerning as it not only endangers the driver but also the pedestrians and other people using the road. Thus, I urge the authorities to implement more stern rules and regulations and spread more awareness regarding the traffic safety guidelines to tackle such instances. I also urge the common people to become more responsible while driving and prioritize safety.
Sanchari Pandit
(sancharipandit6@gmail.com)