Letter to the Editor: Great incentive

Great incentive

Though a late riser, India has clearly understood the need to emerge as an alternative and trust-worthy market for critical industries like semiconductors. The announcement by Prime Minister Nar-endra Modi to provide fifty per cent financial help to technology firms for setting up semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the country deserves wholehearted appreciation from the nation. It is in-deed a wise move towards the next industrial revolution in a sector that is critical for the entire world’s future journey. India must not let this opportunity go to waste, for if it succeeds in becoming a semiconductor manufacturing hub for the world, then it can easily have the backing of a roaring economy to boost its rising international stature. Moreover, it can also provide the world with a via-ble alternative to China, which has been cornering the largest pie in the semiconductor industry. With a tech giant like Taiwan in the fold, India must make the most of its golden chance.

M J Azizi,

Guwahati.

Fed up

The Monsoon session of parliament is on. In each session of the parliament, we, the common people, expect healthy debate and discussion on vital issues so that a healthy and proper decision is reached, as we have seen in the past. Opposition leaders like Lt. Hem Barooah, Lt. Dinesh Gos-wami, Lt. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Lt. Somnath Chatterjee, to name a few, always debated and dis-cussed issues vital to the nation with the ruling bench maintaining the decorum of the house. But very sadly, the decorum of the house is thrown to the winds, causing frequent ruckus and leading to the adjournment, which costs the nation’s exchequer dearly. The present ruckus seen in both houses over issues like Rafael, Adani, etc. has led the opposition nowhere and in fact exposed their dubious game plan. Messages should go straight to both the ruling and opposition parties that we, the voters, are fed up with their dramas.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

Muharram: Mourning for Muslims

Muharram is one of the most significant and sacred festivals for Muslims all over the world, as it marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. It is the second holiest month after Ramadan but is not celebrated like other holy festivals; it is a festival of mourning and a period of self-reflection. It is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is significant in the Muslim community. This year, it starts on the evening of July 18 and ends at sundown on August 17. According to Ibrahim Al Jar-wan, President of the Emirates Astronomy Society (ESA), Muharram in 2023, or the new Hijri year 1445, is likely to be on Wednesday, July 19. The tenth day of Muharram, called the Day of Ashura, is of most significance for different Muslim factions for various reasons.

On the day of Muharram, Muslims all over the world set up langars where water and fruit juices are served free to all, no matter what caste or community the people belong to. The month of Mu-harram is observed with extreme grief and mourning due to the battle of Karbala that took place during this month. During the Battle of Karbala, the Last Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, Imam Hussain, was martyred mercilessly, and this is the reason that Muharram is related to grief, mourn-ing, and sadness and is critical to Muslims all over the world. The month of Muharram also has great importance among the followers of Islam. The month comes with deep grief, despair, and melan-choly in Muslims who cry and wail on the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the son of Hazrat Ali, in the Battle of Karbala. During the battle, Imam Hussain was mercilessly beheaded by the forces of Umayyad Caliph Yazid I. The event took place in 690 CE and has since been observed among Mus-lims every year as ‘Muharram,’ meaning prohibition.

During this entire month, Muslims abstain from any kind of joyous events and celebrations as a way to pay tribute and honour the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. During the first 10 days of Muhar-ram, Muslims belonging to the Shia community wear black outfits and go for street processions as a way to mourn the death of their beloved Imam Hussain and the pain inflicted on his family members. Muslims belonging to different Muslim communities observe Ashura in different ways; some keep fast, some observe abstinence, and some participate in religious gatherings.

In India, a glimpse of the Muharram procession can be seen on the roads. The Shia devotees even cut their bodies and walk barefoot on fire. This act of self-harm is very rigorous. Muslims con-sider it an act of mourning. Muharram is the occasion to set aside all your problems and offer your-self in the service and devotion of God. It is a festival that reminds us all to always embrace peace and happiness and spread the message of brotherhood and togetherness.

Jubel D’Cruz

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)