Where is Riyan?
Recently BCCI announced the names of 34 players to be included in the central contract list in a grade-wise manner, like Grade A1+, Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C, on the basis of the performances at the domestic and international levels. All these players named in the list will receive a handsome remuneration in cash and kind from BCCI annually. It is no doubt a good gesture. But sadly, I, as a regular follower of the ongoing IPL, was rather shell-shocked to find our own boy Riyan Parag’s name missing from the list, as he in the meantime has proven his mettle by his astute captaincy, batting and fielding, which are the hallmarks of a good young cricketer. BCCI, please take note.
Dr Ashim Chowdhury
Guwahati.
A boost to Assam-Bhutan friendship
The recent royal visit of the king of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, to Assam has assumed greater significance in the scheme of things, considering that the country has an international boundary both with China (477 km) and India (699 km). The editorial 'Global message from Bhutan king's visit to Assam' published in your esteemed daily on April 22 has rightly highlighted the importance of unlocking huge economic potential in this Asian sub-region following Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's recent comment to project India's northeast region as landlocked in his economic pitch to China. Needless to say, a good neighbour is always a priceless treasure. Therefore, a little help among neighbours is worth more than riches in the wilderness. Assam shares around 267 km of its borders with Bhutan. Both share an endurable bond, a relationship that has been nurtured through cultural, historical and economic exchanges.
Assam is presumed to be one of the biggest trading partners of Bhutan. There are seven trading routes between Assam and Bhutan – four road routes and three riverine routes – to boost the trade infrastructure at the border while formalising additional routes for trading as per the demand of the Bhutanese traders. The historic cross-border rail link, connecting Kokrajhar to Gelephu, which is nearing completion, will definitely deepen cross-border connectivity. It is a fact that Assam's economy is on a positive growth trajectory. With vibrancy in infrastructure, investment, technology and startups, both Assam and Bhutan can forge bilateral and multilateral partnerships and leverage the state's strength in sectors of interest to Bhutan to reap dividends from what appears to be a mutually beneficial proposition for both Assam and Bhutan under India’s ‘Act East and Neighbourhood First’ foreign policy initiatives under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Pope Francis’ legacy
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to become Pope. He was elected as the pope on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned. He became known for focusing on humility, helping those in need, and fairness.
He earned the nickname ‘the pope of the slums’ for his deep commitment to the poor and the marginalised. Throughout his ministry, he regularly visited impoverished communities, advocating for social justice and the Church’s role as a refuge for the overlooked and oppressed.
During his tenure as pope, he made various changes within the Vatican to improve financial transparency and address clerical abuse issues.
He inherited a Church that was under attack over a child sex abuse scandal and torn by infighting in the Vatican bureaucracy and was elected with a clear mandate to restore order.
He is best known for his humility, his strong emphasis on God’s mercy, his global visibility, and his commitment to social justice and interreligious dialogue. He is also recognised for his advocacy for the poor, his openness, and his simplified approach to the papacy, choosing to live in a guesthouse rather than at the papal residence.
He chose the name ‘Francis’ in honour of St Francis of Assisi, a figure known for his love of the poor and of nature.
His death on April 21 due to prolonged illness is a loss to the Catholic Church the world over.
In his 12 years of papacy, he suffered various ailments and underwent respiratory therapy many times. He also changed the Catholic Church’s teaching in areas such as the death penalty and nuclear weapons, upheld it in others such as abortion, and made inroads with Muslims and believers who long felt marginalised. He is a global figure who is admired and respected by people of all faiths and backgrounds. He has a significant influence on the world stage, particularly in diplomatic and cultural matters. His leadership has fostered a renewed sense of purpose and service within the Catholic Church, especially among the younger generation.
He will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a very young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Jesus Christ. He diligently served the poor and the downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. His passing away marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, and preparations for the next conclave are expected to begin soon.
Jubel D'Cruz
(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)