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An outstanding Assamese motivational book
A motivational book in the Assamese language titled ‘Lakhya Ek Manushyatwa: Agradhikar aru Natun Abhyash Gathanere Safalyar Adamya Abhijan’ by Dr. Nirmala Devi is really a worthy piece of gem in the Assamese literature in terms of its objective ideals. What a wonderful book this is! I have never come across such a powerful motivating book as this before in Assamese. I am really elated and inspired. The ‘Book Man’ of Assam, Homen Borgohain, remarked on it as unprecedented and outstanding in his preface note of the book. He was correct in his views as a connoisseur of books. Dr. Devi has written it so meticulously and methodically that no reader, irrespective of any age group, can but get motivated and encouraged by going through it. The author divides the book into seven chapters, where there are altogether thirty-eight articles. Each article is pregnant with elevating thoughts. No article can be skipped. Once started, one cannot leave until it is finished.
As a teacher, I want to recommend this book for the students of the schools and colleges. This type of motivational book offers practical advice and encouragement to students or learners to set goals, overcome challenges, and find their path to success. By reading motivational books, they can evaluate themselves accordingly so that they know what their lacks and shortages are and not obstruct other factors in launching success in life. Dr. Nirmala Devi designs her book to inspire, empower, and encourage readers to take actions towards achieving their goals.
Kulendra Nath Deka
Dighirpar, Mangaldai
Challenges to open defecation
Despite tall claims of the authorities, open defecation continues to prevail in several parts of India, especially in rural areas. In Karnataka alone, reports have it that the Lokayukta has filed cases against relevant authorities in some districts for failing to contain open defecation. A 2022 World Bank report put the percentage of people defecating in the open in India at 11. More than four lakh diarrhoea-related deaths are directly attributed to poor and inadequate sanitation. A clean and exclusive toilet is the first safe sanitation requisite for a family. Second, human excreta should not be allowed to come in contact with others. Third, human waste should be safely disposed of without coming in contact with soil and water.
Syphoning off funds meant for toilets by the officers, inadequately and haphazardly constructed toilets, a primitive mindset with regard to keeping the house clean sans toilets inside, an acute dearth of awareness, and meagre penalties for defecating in the open are some challenges for an open defecation-free India. Elimination of open defecation, one of the stated aims of "Swachh Bharat Mission," launched on October 2, 2014, has had its hitches, but none can take away its visionary quotient.
Dr. Ganapathi Bhat,
(gbhat13@gmail.com)
Bhaimon Da: Redefining Assamese cinema
Recently, one Assamese movie came to our nearest theatres, which was ‘Bhaimon Da,’ which was basically the biopic of legendary film director Munin Baruah. That particular film is directed by Sasanka Samir and produced by Shyamantak Gautam. Now, the question is why this film is gaining more and more attention. It is because of nothing but the picturization of Assamese cinema from the 1960s to the 2000s. Though this cinema is clearly based on the life and struggle of Munin Baruah, it represents every detail of the Assamese film industry of the pre-Assam movement era and the post-Assam movement era. The way Shiva Prasad Thakur, Munin Baruah, and all the legendary names faced various challenges to establish the infrastructure of Assamese cinema can make all the audience cry.
This movie actually showed the changing pattern of Assamese cinema. The Munin Baruah-directed Hiya Diya Niya was the film that reshaped the trend of the entire Assamese cinema. In this movie, superstars of Assam Jatin Bora and Ravi Sharma got their deserving limelight. Hearthrob of Assam, Zubeen Garg, entered into cinematic music direction for the first time. In this movie, "Bhaimon Da," the presence of the "Zubeen Garg" character can make everyone enthusiastic.
Though some critics criticized the movie "Bhaimon da" for being Zubeen-centric, it can be said that this is not a Zubeen-centric movie. The whole movie is based on the life struggle of Munin Baruah. The movie is purely Munin-centric, and the Zubeen Garg character is given hardly twenty to twenty-five minutes.
This movie set an example of how a biopic should be made. The way the entire team collected minor details and perfectly executed them in the film is praiseworthy. The movie can be seen as a tribute to the Assamese cinema industry. We hope the Assamese film industry will touch the sky with its own talent and quality and will represent the voices of every Assamese citizen.
Sankalpajit Saikia
Nowgong College
(Autonomous)
Is anti-ageing medicine helpful?
The recent premature death of a popular film actress within a short span of life while using certain highly powerful and prohibited drugs to arrest ageing has made one thing crystal clear: anti-ageing medicines cause immense harm to one's potential and reduce lifespan, and they never improve one's overall health. Why do some educated people easily fall prey to certain so-called anti-ageing drugs and medicines, which were manufactured and marketed hiddenly by some companies across the globe without approval of government agencies? It is really a matter of serious thought. The 7 July editorial, ‘Anti-ageing medicine,’ has rightly said that one should be aware and try to avoid so-called anti-ageing medicines and treatments in clinical trials, whose claims are not only exaggerated, but also whose products contain unproven ingredients, especially injectable treatments and hormone therapies, which also cause unpredictable side effects to the patient.
By the time it is realised, it becomes too late. It mostly happens with a section of women who always run after various cosmetic procedures to remain young against their ethical concern about the fairness. What is needed for one is endorsing yoga as a way of life to enhance one’s health, youthfulness, and overall well-being.
Yoga empowers individuals to take control of their potential and prevent ageing, as it is a natural and holistic approach to reduce stress levels and to improve personality. So, let us adopt the ancient practice of yoga in our daily life, as it is a powerful tool to remain young, dynamic, and attractive as we age.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.