sentinelgroup@gmail.com
Students’ mental well-being
Mental well-being is totally thrown into a black hole due to the competitive pressure of a city like Guwahati, which had already swept the nation with its burgeoning education hubs and higher academic ambitions. It is no wonder that students face anxiety, stress, and even depression from competitive examinations such as JEE, NEET, and CA; parental pressures, peer groups, and even the influence of social media. Although there is a growing realization across the world regarding the presence of mental illnesses, such stigmas still hold strong in the city of Guwahati, where parents hesitate to reveal such things to their children or even speak about this matter in public. Most schools, which otherwise are considered to be the homes away from home for students, do not provide any infrastructure that contributes to the development of mental well-being among their students. Frequent workshops to train the schools in stress management and all other conducive environments that would make students feel like discussing his or her problem easily with someone. However, along with the school, parents also need to discuss the expectations of their children and make it more realistic, putting more emphasis on emotional health over academic success. Besides, local NGOs and community groups, along with the government, must come together to make accessible counselling services, awareness campaigns, and helplines targeting everyone.
The future of Guwahati is in the hands of its youth—and their mental well-being is key to this success. That is how we can create an environment for students to succeed, not only academically but also in developing emotional resilience. It's high time that Guwahati shed its stigma and became ready for open dialogues concerning mental health and the assurance that every student will feel supported.
Himashree Ghosh
Cotton University
Vulture conservation
Recently your esteemed daily published a very important news item, 'Kamrup DC visited Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at Rani,' which has drawn our attention. We quite often read news of recurring mass fatalities of vultures, which really saddened us, as we all know that Nature's great cleaner has a very critical role in the ecosystem. The plight of vultures is actually due to thoughtless human action, and it is more distressing because the scavenger bird has been well into its path of extinction for the past two decades. Fortunately, the situation has improved following the breeding of two species of vultures, viz., the slender-billed vulture and the white-rumped vulture, at the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) at Rani, near Guwahati. It is heartening to learn that the vultures have bred successfully and given birth to more than 80 young vultures at the centre. Now, what is needed is a reintroduction program for these birds to the wild. As part of a proactive program, a vulture restaurant would be opened. The livestock carcasses and road accident cases of animals could be put at designated locations for feeding the vultures. The initiative is indeed praiseworthy as it would ensure safe food for vultures and at the same time prevent the villagers from mass poisoning of vultures through pesticide-laced carcasses.The role of vultures, which were once ubiquitous across the state's rural as well as urban landscape, helps in keeping the environment pollution-free and hardly needs any reiteration. The vulture populations of three major species in the entire country have dwindled as much as 99.9 percent. Scientists attribute the plummeting number of vultures to the widespread use of diclofenac, a veterinary drug to cure ailments in cattle. Activities from the forest department and NGOs involving major stakeholders, including children, students, youth, and teachers, in terms of awareness generation and sensitisation, need to be undertaken on a priority basis from this New Year. Let's pledge to protect and conserve vultures, as they are effective against any health hazard triggered by rotten carcasses.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Teenagers going astray
India is witnessing a dangerous spurt in juvenile crimes—more and more teenagers below the age of 18 are resorting to violence and murder. Newspapers are flooded with reports vividly describing crimes perpetrated by youngsters. There are several reasons for teens straying from their normal life course. Crimes are being made to appear routine or normal by social media, and this has enthused young and inquisitive minds. A fragile criminal justice system, especially the judiciary, has emboldened and buoyed the youngsters. Unfortunately, today's education has miserably failed to tune their mindset with sanity and decency. Families, too, are not doing much to buffer the young minds. Many crumbling families are heaping problems upon their young inmates.
Socioeconomic disorganization has taken a heavy toll on young minds. Peer pressure can be a source of immense stress to an unsuspecting and trusting youngster. Domestic violence has been a documented factor that can have a vicious influence on children, thereby depriving them of the all-important support system. Words and tools to address the motive behind teenagers going astray should be balanced and trustworthy. Punitive measures, without the touch of sane words and advice of elders, can be counterproductive for the youth in the long run. India's criminal justice system has to be tightened for good with an eagle's eye on juvenile crimes.
Dr Ganapathi Bhat
(gbhat13@gmail.com)
Happy New Year
We all look forward to beginning the New Year with great fun and excitement and wish that the year ahead brings us good luck.
A day before the New Year could start, we begin our preparations. We clean our houses, get things in order, and buy crackers to burst them at the dot of midnight. Although different cultures have different calendars, the English calendar’s New Year is what is celebrated all around the world.
Different cultures also have their own New Year. For example, the Chinese celebrate their New Year in February, while many Hindus in India celebrate it towards the end of March or the beginning of April. The dates may vary across different cultures, but the theme of New Year remains the same, which is renewal.
As the year ends, many people make resolutions for the coming year. However, my resolution is the same every year and is easy to follow. It has become a part of my routine lifestyle. By the grace of God, I have never had to go to a gym or follow a diet regime. I resolve to ensure my family’s physical, mental, and emotional stability. However, I always remember to take care of myself, as my good health is essential for the well-being of my family. Instead of making resolutions meant to be broken, I choose a healthy and manageable lifestyle for myself and my family members.
Nowadays, people are much more aware that mental health is as important as physical health. Also, helping less fortunate people can give them immense happiness in life. Financial planning and time management can keep us away from worries and help us achieve mental stability. Listening to inspirational speakers can also be motivating. My resolution every year is to do aerobic exercise for 30 to 40 minutes twice or thrice a week. For grocery shopping or visiting nearby relatives, I prefer walking to get fresh air and save money. So, I plan my eating habits in such a way that I can enjoy all the tastes and flavours while also keeping my weight almost stable. I take time for my hobbies, which gives me inner satisfaction and keeps me going.
Jubel D'Cruz,
(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)
Hopes for the new year
As the clock strikes midnight, ushering in a brand-new year, people around the world welcome the fresh start with hope and optimism. The new year brings with it a sense of possibility and promise, and individuals are filled with expectations for personal growth, improved relationships, and positive change. Many expect to adopt healthier habits, pursue new hobbies, and nurture meaningful relationships. Others hope to advance in their careers, achieve financial stability, and make a positive impact in their communities. On a global scale, people expect increased cooperation and diplomacy among nations, leading to greater peace and security. They also hope for significant advancements in science, technology, and innovation. As we embark on this new journey, let us hold onto hope and work towards creating a brighter, more compassionate world for all.
Heramba Nath,
Hindumaizali, Kamrup.
Keep kids hydrated during winter
Winter may not bring the same intense heat as summer, but the need to keep kids hydrated during the cold season is just as important. Kids may not feel as thirsty when temperatures drop, but their bodies still need enough water to maintain energy levels, support their immune systems, and ensure overall health. Dehydration is a common concern during winter, which is often overlooked because sweating is less visible. To help parents ensure their kids stay hydrated and healthy, here are some practical and creative strategies for winter hydration. Why Hydration Is Important for Kids During Winter Proper hydration is essential for maintaining bodily functions such as regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, and boosting immunity. During winter, cold air can cause dry skin and respiratory dryness, making hydration even more important. In addition, kids are often less inclined to drink water during cold weather, increasing the risk of dehydration. Parents need to encourage healthy hydration habits to keep their kids healthy during the cold months.
Give warm beverages such as warm water, herbal tea (child-safe options such as chamomile), or diluted warm fruit juice, which are great alternatives to cold water. These beverages not only hydrate but also provide warmth and comfort. Fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as oranges, cucumbers, watermelon, and tomatoes, are great for keeping children hydrated. Add these to their meals or snacks for an extra boost.
Soups and broths are winter favourites and a great way to keep kids hydrated. Opt for homemade vegetable or chicken soups to ensure they are both nutritious and hydrating.
Encourage children to drink water at regular intervals, even if they don't feel thirsty. Use colourful water bottles or fun timers to make the process interesting for them. Snacks like yoghurt, smoothies, or popsicles made from fresh fruit juice can be hydrating and fun for kids. These options provide hydration as well as essential nutrients. Sweetened sodas or caffeinated beverages can contribute to dehydration. Opt for natural hydration sources like coconut water or freshly squeezed juices without added sugar. Keep water bottles or cups within easy reach of your children. The availability of water reminds them to drink water frequently.
Children are often active, even in winter. Make sure they stay hydrated before, during, and after outdoor activities or sports to replace lost fluids.
Telling children why it is important to stay hydrated can motivate them to drink water voluntarily. Use simple, fun explanations or stories to make the lesson interesting. Look for common signs of dehydration in kids, such as dry lips, fatigue, or less urination. These are signs that your child is not drinking fluids and needs extra hydration. Hydration is a year-round necessity, and winter is no exception. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can ensure that your kids stay hydrated and healthy during the cold season. A little creativity and consistency can make hydration fun and easy, helping your kids maintain their energy levels and overall health. After all, staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective steps toward winter health.
Dr. Satyawan Saurabh
(kavitaniketan333@gmail.com)
Appropriate renaming
Renaming centuries-old landmarks (railway stations, bridges, roads, universities, and whatnot), countries, provinces, and cities has been a very favourite game throughout India and the world, and in the overwhelming majority of the cases, these steps are taken to simply play to the gallery, either to pander to petty parochial sentiments or to promote the memory of somebody of "own camp" by erasing that of "bete noire," and that "camps" can range from political to religious to "nationalist"!
But the decision of renaming the iconic 'Star Theatre' of Kolkata as 'Binodini Theatre' (after the 19th-century legendary Bengali stage actress 'Nati' Binodini) is not only totally appropriate and heartwarming but speaks of a very progressive mindset too. In this age of moral destruction and erosion of values all around the country and most parts of the globe, it is nice to see the initiation of such a humanitarian step, which even in the times of the glorious Bengal Renaissance scandalously failed to contemplate!
When the "Bhadraloks" of the 19th century (except perhaps the epitome of humanity, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who blessed her profusely after witnessing a play in the Star Theatre and getting overwhelmed by her portrayal of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) had treated the celebrity actress Binodini as nothing more than a "Baiji" with roots in the red-light district (and so opposed the name of her from getting associated with a theatre that itself got established thanks to her initiative in 1883), the 21st century has succeeded in viewing the great artist and human being within her and at last awarded the due which was entitled to her nearly 150 years ago! A historical wrong has been set right, and entitled justice to her memory has been at last done. And this mindset of treating human beings as human beings and appreciating their quality, by transcending all norms of class and roots, is called Progression.
Kajal Chatterjee
(kajal.chatterjee21@gmail.com)