Cultural disconnect among modern youth
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to convey my heartfelt concern for the increasing divergence of youth today from their local languages and cultural backgrounds. With the increasing prevalence of English and other international cultures through media in the digital age, a large section of our younger generation is gradually moving away from their mother tongue, traditional practices, folk music, literature, and celebrations. Local languages are being perceived as old-fashioned or less 'cool', which is contributing to their declining usage in households, schools, and public life. This shift is not only weakening linguistic diversity but also destroying centuries-old traditions, values, and identity. Cultural heritage is not merely about the past; it is the basis of our pride and identity. Losing it means losing our sense of belonging. While it is necessary to learn global languages and adapt to modernity, it should not be at the expense of forgetting one's roots.
I sincerely urge educational institutions, parents, and policymakers to take steps to promote regional language education, support cultural activities, and integrate local history and heritage into the mainstream curriculum. Let us empower the youth to carry forward their heritage with pride.
Darshana Das,
Cotton University
Rising suicide cases in Guwahati
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention to a deeply concerning issue that is silently claiming lives across our city: the alarming rise in suicide cases in Guwahati. In recent months, we have witnessed several heartbreaking incidents involving individuals from various age groups and backgrounds ending their lives. These tragedies are not just statistics; they are the stories of broken dreams, silent struggles, and unattended cries for help. It is high time we acknowledged the pressing mental health crisis that lies beneath the surface in our society. Despite being one of the fastest-growing urban centres in Northeast India, Guwahati still lacks sufficient mental health infrastructure.
There is a glaring shortage of mental health professionals, counselling centres, and awareness initiatives. The stigma around depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions further discourages people from seeking help. We, as a society, must act before more lives are lost. Schools, colleges, workplaces, and communities need to integrate mental health education and support systems. The government and civil society must work together to ensure affordable and accessible counselling services. Moreover, the media must play a responsible role in raising awareness and breaking the taboo around mental health discussions. Let us remember: mental health is just as important as physical health. By opening up conversations, offering support, and creating safe spaces, we can prevent suicides and build a healthier, more compassionate Guwahati. I hope this letter finds space in your widely read publication and prompts collective action from all stakeholders.
Rimakshi Barman
(jimaxi129@gmail.com)
Tobacco-free state
It is heartening to learn that the land of the rising sun, Arunachal Pradesh, has recently won accolades for being the country's best-performing 'tobacco-free' state during the campaign 2.0 organized by the central ministry of health and family. The entire Northeast is proud of Arunachal Pradesh for getting this rare recognition at the national level. The editorial 'Anti-tobacco campaign' published in your esteemed daily on June 23 has rightly highlighted that there is a need for a sustained grassroots movement against tobacco, as consumption of tobacco has been reportedly significant among young people and students of the region. The high prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption in the form of gutka, camouflaged as various kinds of so-called paan masala, continues to remain a significant public health concern, as prevalence rates are reportedly as high as 44.71 per cent, which is double the national average. The situation is more alarming in Manipur and Assam among the seven Northeastern states. We need a long-term success against the scourge of tobacco consumption which, of late, is luring more and more young people, especially teenagers and even children, into its vicious trap.
We all have a moral responsibility to protect our children. We need school children to get sensitised to the hazards of tobacco consumption at an early age. While there is no denial of the huge health hazard in the growing tobacco addiction, our government has, over the years, been disinclined to crack the whip on the tobacco companies, ostensibly for the role of tobacco in revenue generation.
Needless to say, the health and social costs caused by tobacco consumption far outweigh the revenue it generates. Routine observance of World No Tobacco Days needs to be sustained with meaningful follow-up. It is, therefore, the collective responsibility of every stakeholder to drive home the message that tobacco consumption in any form can lead to various debilitating disorders, including cancer, heart illnesses, respiratory disorderse, etc. Striking at the roots of tobacco consumption is the need of the hour before the situation takes a turn for the worse.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.