Drugs destroy lives!
I am writing to you with a heavy heart, deeply concerned about the alarming increase in drug abuse among the youth in Assam. The possession of drugs by the younger generation is reaching a crisis point, and it is imperative that we, as a society, take immediate steps to combat this menace. The availability and accessibility of drugs in Assam have created a toxic environment for our youth. There are currently more than 3,00,000 drug addicts in Assam. Although the government has taken steps to solve this problem, we must admit that the problem is far from being solved as the supply of drugs is increasing instead of decreasing. Drug traffickers are finding new ways to undermine our communities, and more young lives are being ruined as a result.
It is time we recognised the urgency of this issue and the need for a comprehensive response. Local authorities need to intensify their efforts to restrict the availability of drugs while arranging awareness meetings in schools, colleges, villages, and towns, and parents should focus on educating and preventing the harm of drugs to their children.
Dipankar Deka
Gauhati University
Strength of Team India
Rohit Sharma has consistently captained the Indian cricket team excellently. Under his leadership, the entire team reached the pinnacle of success. Rohit scored 442 runs in eight matches. It is still difficult to defeat India. The morale of all Indian cricketers is high. Thanks to the hard work of the coach, the team achieved wonders by performing better in every match. With the best team performance, the Indian cricket team reached the semi-finals. Indian bowling was excellent. All the Sri Lankan players were stunned by the Shami-Siraj duo. India's bowling was aggressive too. India played a strong innings throughout the tournament and is now a strong contender to win the Cricket World Cup in 2023. India's victory at home is a certainty. Virat Kohli equaled Sachin Tendulkar's record by scoring a stunning 49th century in the match against Africa.
Nawaz Ashraf
Guwahati
Providing eggs to schoolchildren is praiseworthy
The Maharashtra government's decision to introduce eggs in the mid-day meal provided to class 1 to class 8 students in government schools is prudent and in line with the existing system in 14 states and union territories. This move stands to benefit the students as well as the poultry farmers. India has the highest number of undernourished children in the world, and it is vital to offer the children wholesome, healthy, nutritious, and tasty food. In this regard, providing eggs to children should be the right and reasonable way to go because they offer essential amino acids, protein, and vitamins, including the all-important vitamin A and vitamin D in the right mix, apart from minerals like iron and calcium.
Strict vegetarians will get bananas or seasonal fruit, though one has to remember that vitamin D is missing in the former. No doubt, milk is also a good option, but it is always prone to being diluted and contaminated before it reaches the children. Also, given the choice, most children would plump for eggs. Besides, the Maharashtra government has decided to continue with the already existing khichdi, or millets, served at lunch time. All said and done, it is crucial to strike the right balance of calories and protein in schoolchildren, as recommended by various expert committees, and give a go-by to religious considerations.
Dr. Ganapathi Bhat
Akola