Road ahead for Nepal’s new PM
The ascent of Balendra Shah to the chair of Nepal's Prime Minister is not just an outcome of a popular choice but an outburst of rage seething for a long time inside the populace against the forces that impeded developmental goals and obliterated their aspirations. It was the feeling of marginalisation, suppression, and the effects of corruption that culminated in the Gen Z revolution and toppled K. P. Sharma Oli's government last year. But victory achieved through sudden uproar lacks affirmation and stability. When an enraged public extends their support to a single political party, it puts immense pressure on the latter to fulfil the expectations since a long-term disappointment could serve as a reason for ousting. And Nepal, where several governments changed after the monarchy was abolished in 2008, shows that people's tolerance for the government's autocratic attitude is significantly less. Here, mostly the young generation of Nepal, who have always felt sidelined by traditional politics and deprived of opportunities, have placed their trust in Shah and his party. He came into power when the country was mired in problems galore. Unemployment and economic inequality have already taken a toll on the people. And having formed just a couple of years ago, the Rastriya Swatantra Party will have to work very diligently to uplift the economically beleaguered nation, where remittance contributes 26% to its GDP. Shah will have to navigate through a path filled with uncertainty, as the country lacks adequate resources and infrastructure facilities for accelerating the growth engine and generating employment immediately. The rapper-turned-politician will have to understand that personal charisma may work well in political theatre, but when it comes to statecraft and state welfare, only persistence, hard work, and positive results are rewarded.
Kabir Ahmed Saikia
Rajabari, Jorhat
Fading tradition
of reading books during travel
Recently, I went to Dibrugarh by train. It was a rainy day, and the environment was calm and peaceful. I sat comfortably beside the window and enjoyed the beautiful view outside. As a book lover, I always carry one or two books during journeys. Since the environment was perfect, I took out a book from my bag and started reading with great interest. The sound of the rain and the view outside made the moment even more beautiful. However, after reading for some time, I noticed that other passengers in the coach were looking at me strangely. It felt as if reading a book on a train was something unusual. A college girl sitting behind me even whispered to her friend, calling me a “so-called book lover.". For a moment, I felt very uncomfortable, and the whole situation almost stopped me from reading. But soon, I continued reading without any hesitation.
This incident made me think deeply. When did this change happen? Once upon a time, trains and buses in Assam were full of readers. People used to spend their journey time reading books. If I am not wrong, the popularity of literature in India was closely connected with this habit, especially thriller literature. I have read that railway stations were once important centres for books and newspapers. But unfortunately, in my twenty years of life, I have seen such a vendor on a train only once. This clearly shows how much the situation has changed. Today, people are more attracted to mobile phones and social media. They have time for scrolling through videos and photos on Facebook and Instagram, and for chatting on WhatsApp, but not for reading a book during their journey. The tradition of reading books during travel is slowly disappearing. I imagine how beautiful it would be if people once again held books in their hands instead of scrolling on their phones. But alas, we do not know how much life is left in this fading tradition in today’s world.
Akashpratim Sensua,
Sivasagar University
Infrastructure for better education
Recently, the state government has upgraded many colleges into universities. This step looks positive and shows an intention to improve higher education. However, in reality, many of these new universities still do not have strong infrastructure. Buildings, classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and hostels are not properly developed in several institutions.
Because of these issues, students are not getting the quality education they deserve. Teachers also face difficulties in providing proper teaching without basic facilities, such as adequate classrooms, teaching materials, and access to technology. A university is not only about its name or status but also about the quality of the learning environment it provides. If the government truly wants to implement the New Education Policy successfully, it must focus on developing infrastructure first. Digital facilities, modern classrooms, and research support are crucial. Upgrading colleges is a good step, but without proper infrastructure, it cannot bring real change in education.
Dipankar Gogoi,
Gauhati University.
Dispelling
epilepsy myths
Certain diseases can be extremely distressing for patients. Relatives, too, are scared out of their wits. That is precisely why dispelling myths and raising awareness among the mass become so important for the medical personnel. Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain and is seen in almost all age groups, is quite common across the globe. A lot of stigma is attached to the condition despite advances in the medical field and newer drugs to tackle the condition. Causes are identifiable; first aid can conveniently be given in seizures; medications are commonly available and prescribed under expert supervision; and patients can live a full life.
Families should know that not all seizures are convulsions. Patient's anxiety and fear of loss of memory have to be allayed. There absolutely is no need to socially isolate a patient with epilepsy. Patients themselves should shed inhibition and mingle freely with others. Seizures often come with warnings, so there's no need to panic. The role of partners in mitigating the "fear factor" in patients cannot be reiterated. "Purple Day" is observed on March 26 to display solidarity with the patients of epilepsy; purple stands for solitude or being alone.
Dr Ganapathi Bhat
(gbhat13@gmail.com)