Letters to the EDITOR: Assam’s Golden Fibre

Assam’s Golden Fibre

It is really a matter of regret and surprise that, as the second-largest jute-producing state in the country after West Bengal, Assam still accounts for only 9 percent of the country's overall jute production. From the editorial 'Tapping Assam's Golden Fibre potential' published in your esteemed daily on January 24, we have come to learn that the central government continues its policy of making it mandatory to use 100 percent jute bags in food grains packaging and 20 percent in sugar packing under the Jute Packaging Materials Act (JPMA) 1987. But will this alone help to tap the state's Golden Fibre potential optimally for generating a livelihood and reducing the dependence of jute growers on MSP for sustainability? The answer is "NO'. Another question that is in the common man's mind is when it is known to everyone that plastic carry bags are non-biodegradable and have given rise to serious environmental problems on a daily basis, then why do the government and society not care to prioritize jute bags to replace plastic bags? Why don't we avail ourselves of the opportunity for large-scale commercial production of jute bags to replace plastic carry bags created after the ban on single-use plastic? It is so due to our lack of awareness and motivation at all levels. This type of lethargic tendency needs to be given up for the overall well-being of the society. We need successful implementation of the Improved Cultivation and Advanced Rating Exercise (ICARE) scheme for improving the quality and productivity of raw jute cultivation in the state and the country. Our jute growers actually need washing of jute in flowing water instead of blocked waters, if we want to compete with Bangladesh-imported  superior quality of raw jute. Unless there is an environment of assured irrigation and certainty of profitability of business ventures through a stronger policy push in collaboration with the central government, there is poor chance of the state's young entrepreneurs coming forward to invest in value-added diversified jute products including decorative fabrics which have great global demand, for our economic development and prosperity while generating new avenues of employment in the state.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Safety norms compromised in flyover construction

Viewing safety as a continuous process rather than a ritual makes all the difference. This mindset encourages people to stay vigilant and adapt to changing situations, which can prevent many mishaps. Keeping the above in view, I want to highlight some of the lapses in safety observed while carrying out some welding jobs in the flyover being constructed at Rukminigaon. While doing welding on elevated structures, the contractor is not taking any protective measures against falling hot welding slag on the busy road below.

There’s always a chance of hot welding slag entering into cars through windows and harming the occupants; it can fall on two-wheeler riders, gas cylinder-carrying trucks, gas cylinder-carrying tempos, etc. As such, through your esteemed daily, I want to ask the contractor to take all safety measures immediately to avoid any catastrophe in the city.

Prafulla Dowarah

Guwahati

Decline in male

Xattriya dancers

Being a professional dancer, I noticed a major pressing issue that is threatening Assam's rich cultural heritage, which is the decline in the number of male Sattriya dancers. Xattriya, one of the eight classical dance forms of India, is a profound reflection of Assam's spiritual and artistic traditions. Historically it was performed by male monks in Vaishnavite monasteries, but later we can see a sharp decrease in male participation, which raises concern about preserving its original essence and tradition. This is because many young men today are drawn towards mainstream career opportunities, sidelining the traditional art forms like Xattriya dance. Additionally, the inadequate financial support and limited avenues for professional growth discourage male dancers from pursuing this art as a full-time career. Also, with this, the lack of awareness about Sattriya's historical significance further exacerbates the issue. This decline is not merely a loss for the male community but a significant cultural loss for Assam and India as a whole. So, offering scholarships, organising awareness campaigns, and creating more performance platforms can inspire young men to engage with this art form.

Hritik Nath,

Cotton University.

‘Our words are

our actions’

Words are more than just a means of communication; they are powerful tools that shape our reality and define our character. They carry immense weight, influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Language is a reflection of our inner world, but it also has the ability to influence the external world. Words can inspire, heal, motivate, or destroy. Psychologists argue that verbal affirmations can shape a person's mindset, creating self-fulfilling prophecies. For instance, leaders who inspire their followers with empowering words often see those words manifest in collective action. Conversely, harmful speech such as bullying or hate speech leads to psychological harm and social discord. Ethics underscores the importance of using words responsibly. Words can either build trust or erode relationships. When someone commits to a promise, their words become a binding action. Failing to uphold those words diminishes credibility and trustworthiness. In contrast, thoughtful and kind communication fosters understanding and cooperation.

Research in neuroscience reveals that words can alter brain chemistry. Positive words stimulate the release of dopamine, enhancing motivation and happiness. Negative words, on the other hand, can activate the amygdala, the brain's fear centre, triggering stress responses.

This biological evidence reinforces the idea that words have a profound, action-like impact on individuals. Throughout history, powerful speeches and written words have catalysed significant societal changes. Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech, for example, not only inspired millions but also drove tangible action in the civil rights movement. These examples show how words, when aligned with purpose, can mobilize communities to create lasting change. Our words are not separate from our actions; they are the very foundation of them. They define who we are, influence how others perceive us, and shape the world around us. By choosing our words carefully, we can create positive ripples that extend far beyond the act of speaking. In essence, words are a form of action, and with this power comes the responsibility to use them wisely.

Chandan Kumar Nath

Sorbhog, Barpeta