Letters to the EDITOR: Assam’s young athletes need more support

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Assam’s young athletes need more support

Through your esteemed newspaper, I want to highlight the lack of opportunities for Assam’s young sporting talents. While we celebrate athletes like Lovlina Borgohain, Jamuna Boro, and Hima Das, many talented children across the state go unnoticed due to limited infrastructure, financial struggles, and lack of proper coaching. In villages and small towns, children train tirelessly with little support. Many are forced to give up, not because they lack talent, but because sports are not seen as a viable career. Schools prioritize academics, and the absence of scouting programs means promising athletes remain undiscovered. I am addressing this issue because Assam has immense potential, but without better training facilities, scholarships, and grassroots competitions, we are losing future champions. Schools and sports authorities must work together to provide young athletes the recognition and resources they deserve. If we truly want to see more of our own excel on national and international stages, we must invest in them now. I hope this concern reaches the right authorities and leads to real change.

Parismita Deori

Cotton University

Poppy cultivation in sars

The front page news item, 'Poppy cultivation in some sars,' published in your esteemed daily on January 30, has reminded us of those days of the Ahom rule in Assam when opium was a close preserve of the Ahom royal family. The habit was gradually acquired by the nobility and high court officials, and eventually, it became universal, and therefore, Assam was known as the 'black spot' of India because of heavy consumption of opium, both oral and smoking. Sadly, today, we have found several far-flung sar areas in the state's Goalpara and Darrang districts, more particularly Sonari sar where poppy (afim) cultivation is being undertaken in huge bighas of land, taking the advantage of the remoteness, even as the districts administrations  kept destroying them from time to time. The immediate need is to launch a massive crackdown on the racket that comes from outside the state and that shelters people specially for poppy farming there. The Brahmaputra basin, which has nearly 3,500 sars with 2,251 villages, needs an in-depth survey to detect all forms of illegal activities rampant in these infamous areas. The forest officials' frequent and surprised visits to such difficult terrain areas with adequate security personnel are an urgent need to detect all forms of illegalities, like timber smuggling, running sawmills, and browbeating, apart from the huge profit-earning poppy cultivation. All stakeholders, including every individual, must cooperate with the district administration to put an end to the information gap leading to the smuggling of contraband opium, as the success of the operation depends on the elimination of possible new recruits. Let us ensure that opium in Assam is a thing of the past before it is too long.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati

Rising dust pollution in Guwahati

I would like to bring light to the fact that the rising dust pollution in Guwahati has become a pressing issue, affecting both the environment and public health. With rapid urbanization, ongoing construction, and poorly maintained roads, the air is filled with fine dust particles, making everyday life increasingly difficult for residents. Pedestrians, commuters, and roadside vendors bear the brunt of this problem, constantly inhaling dust that leads to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health complications. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Unfortunately, the absence of proper measures—such as regular road cleaning and enforcing construction site regulations—has only worsened the situation. It is crucial for the authorities to take immediate action. Enforcing construction norms, regularly sprinkling water on roads, and increasing green cover can significantly help in controlling dust pollution. Public awareness campaigns can also encourage citizens and businesses to play their part in maintaining a cleaner environment. This issue cannot be ignored any longer. I sincerely urge the authorities to take proactive steps before dust pollution escalates into a more severe public health crisis.

Trinav Arandhara

(trinavarandhara736@gmail.com)

Crippling disorder

An increasing number of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) patients in Maharashtra's Pune has been reported. Since GBS is described as a "rare autoimmune" disorder, caused by bacteria and transmitted by virus, experts are puzzled. In plenty of patients, the exact cause cannot be documented. Respiratory and gastrointestinal infections may trigger the nervous system. Therefore, fever, abdominal pain, and loose motion are the early symptoms.  The significance of appropriate food, water, and personal hygiene cannot be lost on anyone. Weeks later, a person may develop weakness and numbness in the lower limbs, spreading to the arms, and leading to a possible paralysis.

Pricking, and pins and needles in the hands and feet, is a typical description of GBS. As everywhere, the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni is said to be responsible for the Pune cases of GBS, and norovirus seems to have facilitated the infection. A person's autoimmune system attacks its peripheral nerves, unable to differentiate the healthy nerves from the bacteria and virus. Imaging, nerve tests, and cerebrospinal fluid exams aid in clinching the condition. Generally, it is said that there is no cure for GBS. That said, timely plasma exchange, prompt intravenous immunoglobulin, and excellent physiotherapy are known to give succour to the patients. Vocational therapy and emotional support can go a long way. Patients need to be counselled that recovery will be sure though slow.

Dr. Ganapathi Bhat,

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

Misguided faith and the burden of unfulfilled promises

In today’s world, where people are caught in the web of faith, the presence of influential figures, glamour, and exaggerated claims of divine intervention often push ordinary individuals into the depths of confusion and despair. Many, already burdened with life’s hardships, turn to spirituality or religious institutions seeking solace, guidance, or solutions to their problems. Unfortunately, these expectations often go unmet.

For those who endure immense pressure and even abuse in their quest for spiritual peace, the results can be deeply disheartening. Despite unwavering faith, some find no merit, no inner peace, and certainly no resolution to their problems. The narrative becomes even more troubling when one considers the manipulation of goodwill by those who misuse faith as a tool for propaganda or personal gain. The question remains: What happens when promises of divine intervention not only fail to solve the problem but worsen it? While faith can bring temporary peace of mind, we must critically examine its efficacy in addressing the root causes of societal or personal issues. God, after all, cannot be blamed for the actions of humans. It is our responsibility to recognize and question those who exploit belief systems to serve their agendas. True faith should empower individuals, inspire kindness, and help find solutions rather than entrap them in a cycle of despair. It is high time that we, as a society, separated genuine spirituality from the distractions of glamour, VVIP culture, and shallow propaganda. Only then can faith fulfil its true purpose in uplifting humanity.

Mowsam Hazarika

Kumarpara, Guwahati

Cancer screening and early detection

World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4 every year. The importance of early testing for cancer in women cannot be overstated. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes. Women face unique challenges when it comes to cancer detection and treatment, with breast and cervical cancers being among the most common types affecting them.

Regular screenings and early testing can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. Promoting early testing for cancer in women through increased awareness, access to screening programs, and support for research initiatives is essential. Prioritising early detection can potentially save countless lives and minimise the impact of cancer on individuals and families.

Jubel D'Cruz,

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)