Letters to the EDITOR: Concern over repeated question paper leaks

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Concern over repeated question paper leaks

I am writing to express my deep concern about the repeated incidents of question paper leaks during board exams. Every year, students work hard to prepare for their exams, hoping for a fair evaluation. However, the frequent leaks not only disrupt the examination process but also shake the trust of students and parents in our education system.

The responsibility of conducting fair exams lies with the education department. If question papers are leaked every year, it clearly shows a failure in maintaining security. The education minister must take strict action to prevent such incidents. Stronger measures, such as secure printing, better monitoring, and strict punishment for those involved, should be implemented immediately. I urge the authorities to take this issue seriously and ensure a fair examination system for the future of our students. I hope this letter brings attention to this critical problem.

Farzana Akhtar

Guwahati

Sorry state of affairs

Post independence India was blessed with a noble President, named Dr. Rajendra Prasad. A very rustic, pious, scholar who never stood second in his academic career, a very rare distinction for anyone. All throughout his brilliant tenure as a President of a new born nation he simply proved that simplicity can be an asset and he made the rest of the nation to look at his native state, Bihar with high esteem.

Next came Jai Prakash Narayan, popularly known as JP and honoured with the title Lok Nayak. Under his leadership India rose as one against the infamous Emergency imposed by the then PM of the nation and restored democracy undergoing severe torture. After restoring democracy, he never aspired to be the PM of the nation which he could have done easily.

Now if we turn to present state of affairs in Bihar, one would simply hang his or her head with shame. Immediately after emergency Bihar had two CMs who were even not matriculate and were charge sheeted with criminal offences and were behind the bars. Present opposition leader of the state belonging to the same family is also under 10th standard pass out thus bringing disgrace to the once fair name of Bihar.

The great souls named above must be turning in their graves.

Lanu Dutt Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

Comedy has no place in India

We live in a country where a certain kind of speech is freer than ever before. The worst kind of abuse and hatred are freely traded, not just on social media but also on television channels. Such hatred is hard to restrict because the Internet is designed to foil attempts to control it — but also because there is no political will to do so. At the other extreme, while hatred flourishes, there are areas where there is no free speech. Comedians are routinely criticised, attacked, or prevented from holding shows. Even people like Vir Das, whose success has made India proud, have to defy attempts to shut them up. Munawar Faruqui was jailed pre-emptively for a joke he didn’t even tell, based on the assumption that it would offend religious sentiments. Kunal Kamra faced legal trouble for jokes about the judiciary. Agrima Joshua received rape and death threats over a joke about the proposed Shivaji statue. Indian comedians have long courted controversy, typically for political, religious or “anti-national” remarks rather than vulgarity. Outrage in India is inextricably tied to political and religious sensitivities, often driven by faith and stoked by identity groups. Some of this intolerance comes from one side of the political divide. It is clear, for instance, that the reason the acclaimed writer Aatish Taseer is being denied a visa is that he has been critical of the government. But all parties are guilty, to varying degrees of suppressing free speech when it suits them. Non-BJP governments in states like Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Maharashtra have also used the police against their critics. It would be disastrous for us to fall into the trap of applauding action against 'India’s Got Latent', even if we were disgusted by the show. It is the principle, not the individuals or the jokes, that is important. And the true test of a person’s character is whether they are willing to stand up for the rights of someone who has said something they find deeply offensive. It’s easy to support free speech when you agree with what is being said. But it is more important is to fight for it even when you don’t agree.

Jubel D'Cruz,

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)

Elon Musk: The Unofficial President of the USA

In the ever-evolving landscape of global power dynamics, one individual stands tall as the most influential unelected figure in the world—Elon Musk. The billionaire entrepreneur, known for his ventures in space, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence, has subtly yet powerfully positioned himself as the unofficial President of the United States. His influence extends far beyond technology, shaping political discourse, controlling vast streams of information, and even affecting the nation's financial landscape.

Elon Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) has transformed the social media platform into the most crucial tool for political campaigning. No longer just a tech mogul, Musk has become the puppet master, pulling the strings behind political narratives. His control over X allows him to amplify voices, suppress unfavourable opinions, and drive trends that dictate public sentiment. While conventional media outlets scramble to keep up, Musk’s platform remains the go-to battleground for political ideologies, debates, and propaganda.

Former President Donald Trump, never one to shy away from bold declarations, recently coined a new term for Musk: “Enforcer-in-Chief.” This title is fitting, given Musk’s unrelenting push to challenge the status quo and influence political discourse. Whether it be his public spats with government officials, his ability to challenge mainstream narratives, or his subtle endorsements, Musk has proven that political influence does not necessarily require holding office.

Elon Musk’s reach is not limited to mere influence. With his extensive portfolio of companies—including X, SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink—Musk has access to an unprecedented amount of critical data. From private conversations on X to satellite imagery via Starlink, he holds a treasure trove of information that even intelligence agencies envy. His privileged access raises serious questions about national security and governance, as he operates beyond the checks and balances of a traditional political leader.

Musk’s ability to sway financial markets, particularly through Dogecoin (DOGE), is another testament to his unparalleled influence. His cryptic tweets alone can skyrocket or plummet the value of cryptocurrencies, making him a key player in the decentralized financial revolution. Moreover, his willingness to expose previous government dealings—especially those concealed under USAID and other bureaucratic entities—has made him a thorn in the side of the establishment. His revelations have unearthed hidden projects and financial flows that were previously shielded from public scrutiny.

In an era where traditional political leadership is marred by bureaucracy and partisanship, Musk operates with an agility that no elected official can match. His decisions impact not just America, but the entire world—whether through technological advancements, geopolitical manoeuvring, or financial disruptions. While he does not hold an official government position, Musk’s influence surpasses that of many world leaders. He is, without a doubt, the most powerful unelected individual on Earth.

Elon Musk’s rise to power is a testament to the shifting nature of influence in the modern world. In a digital era where information, technology, and finance dictate political and economic landscapes, Musk has effectively positioned himself as the ultimate kingmaker. Whether this serves the greater good or paves the way for an era of unchecked corporate dominance remains to be seen. One thing is clear—Elon Musk is no longer just a businessman. He is, in many ways, the unofficial President of the United States.

Rahul Chouhan,

Educator,

Narayana Group Of Educational Institutes