Cementing force
Power is the big cementing force. It has been proven true repeatedly on many past occasions. Now, once again it is proving to be true in Assam before the upcoming Rajya Sabha election. A political coalition was formed before the last Assembly election which was named Mahagathbandhan comprising INC, AIUDF and CPI, even ex-CM Late Tarun Gogoi, once thundered 'Who is Badaruddin' openly. It is another matter that the coalition was handsomely rejected by the indigenous people although it made good gains in constituencies dominated by people of religious linguistic minorities. After that Congress under the new President, Bhupen Bora decided to part away from AIUDF. Now with the Rajya Sabha election knocking at the door both INC and AIUDF are contemplating forming yet another alliance to fight BJP, UPPL and AGP combine. We the electors, mainly the sons of the soil, are very much amused at this development. Now just for the sake of power Bhupen Bora is contemplating burying his principles as it is visible that Congress and AIUDF are again heading towards allying. This is the reason why sons/daughters of the soil are rejecting Congress.
Yes, power is a big cementing force.
Dr Ashim Chowdhury,
Guwahati.
Having dinner early
Having dinner early is one of the textbook good habits. Our Indian culture is no stranger to this habit but now this habit can be seen only in some small pockets of the country like northeastern India and in some hilly terrains of Northern India. The people from Northeastern India and the people of the high altitudes of Northern India are less affected by the pandemic owing to the good immune system. In the megacities and metropolises it is seen that only a headcount of people have dinner in their homes and the majority dines out and that too very late at night. This pandemic is like a red hot alarm for us to mend our ways before it is too late.
Noopur Baruah,
Tezpur
Eco-friendly picnic
The picnic season has arrived. A picnic is a meal taken outdoors as part of an excursion, especially in scenic surroundings, such as parks, lakeside or other places. Picnickers use plates and cups made of plastic to serve food, water, tea and so on. And also it is often seen in picnics that people play music very loudly. What can cause noise pollution? People should avoid playing music loudly and also clean their picnic area before they leave. There is no need to upset the ecosystem with a large amount of junk left over after a picnic. Also, bins should be used to dump garbage, instead of littering the picnic spots. People should avoid using paper cups, plates, plastic spoons, forks which are used only once and thrown away. These are harmful to the environment. One can carry reusable cloth napkins instead of paper towels and tissue. And enjoy an eco-friendly picnic without doing any harm to the environment.
Parilina Das,
Mirza.
Xenotransplantation
In what can be termed as a giant leap in the medical world and a boon in the life of humans, medical surgeons in the US have successfully implanted a heart from a genetically modified pig in a 57-year-old man, a 'marvellous medical' first that could shortly help solve the chronic shortage of organ donations. This scientific miracle and 'historic' medical experimentation took place at the University of Maryland Medical School.
Earlier a team of medical scientists in New York had successfully attached a kidney grown in a genetically altered pig to a human patient and found that the organ worked normally. The pig had been genetically engineered so that its organ was less likely to be rejected.
These experiments though just the beginning could be the turning point, a milestone in medical history to save the lives of patients and a big solution to organ shortage because of which thousands of patients lose their precious lives.
These phenomenal medical experiments can also be a game-changer in the field of Xenotransplantation. Though right from the time immemorial pigs have been domesticated for meat and leather, scientific researches and studies resulted in porcine valves used successfully in humans. The blood thinner herein is derived from pig intestines and pigskin grafts are used on burns. Chinese ophthalmic surgeons have used pig cornea to restore sight.
Further scientific researches regarding the longevity and safety of the porcine heart and kidney have to be made and once this clinical xenotransplantation becomes fully successful and available there will be no organ shortage.
At present patients have to wait for months and years for a cadaveric organ and this leads to unpleasant casualties. Xeno transplantations such as porcine kidneys, hearts and other vital organs once available can be performed instantly and death on the waiting list can be avoided to a large extent.
M Pradyu
Kannur