Letters to the Editor: Crisis of Responsibility in our Nation

Crisis of responsibility in our nation

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I wish to express my deep concern over the deteriorating sense of responsibility across various segments of our society, especially among certain sections of political leaders, cultural figures, event organizers, and the media. Today, it appears that many political leaders have all but abandoned their accountability to the common people. Instead of addressing pressing issues, they indulge in abstract rhetoric, often speaking of vague or irrelevant matters—what some sarcastically call “talking about fluids”. Their disconnect from ground realities is both troubling and dangerous.

Similarly, many who claim the mantle of “artist” seem to lack any real artistic consciousness. Their work neither reflects social truth nor bears any sense of responsibility toward the people. It has become more about spectacle than substance. Cultural events, once meant to enlighten and unite, are now being reduced to tools for self-promotion. Organizers often chase cheap popularity by creating hollow excitement, devoid of any meaningful or “liquid” consciousness. This misleads the public and further erodes our collective sensibilities.

The mass media, once the watchdog of democracy, has largely become a mouthpiece for the political class. Instead of fearless journalism, we now see curated news tailored to suit those in power. The cumulative result is a society engulfed in confusion, disillusionment, and depression. If we truly believe that a nation can survive under such circumstances, we are deluding ourselves. History has shown us time and again that when responsibility vanishes, a nation’s foundations begin to crumble. It is high time we, as citizens, awaken from our apathy and demand accountability, creativity with conscience, and leadership that serves rather than exploits.

Mowsam Hazarika

Kumarpara, Guwahati

Plight of Manas National Park

It is indeed a matter of great regret that the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Manas National Park, of late is in the grip of frequent poaching of elephants. The recent incident of elephant poaching inside the park and the Assam Police's recovery of tusks, arms and ammunition speak volumes of gaps in the anti-poaching measures in place in the national park, which not only has led to the alarming depletion of tourists to this iconic tourism destination but also reduced the status of the national park in the nineties. The editorial 'Deterrent anti-poaching measures for Manas', published in your esteemed daily on May 6, has said that long-term proactive and preventive measures such as adequate front-line staff, availability of modern gadgets and equipment for better surveillance and intelligence gathering, and establishment of more anti-poaching camps are essential to keep poachers at bay. Secondly, awareness among the local population in the fringe areas is necessary to motivate them to become the eyes and ears of frontline staff and forest guards to strengthen community surveillance against poaching or any other suspicious activities inside the park. Since the Manas landscape is transboundary in nature, with connected ecosystems across the India-Bhutan border, joint initiatives like intensified and coordinated patrolling in both Manas National Park and Royal Manas Park in Bhutan are necessary to prevent poaching in the landscape and conserve this biodiversity hotspot. We need strong panel provisions in the law which will act as a strong and deterrent action to curb poaching in the MNP. Unless the park authorities realise the serious consequences of ignoring poaching of elephants in and around the national park, the threat to the sustainability of the conservation of the park ecosystem and increasing its wildlife population, particularly rhinos, tigers and elephants, will remain unchanged in the Manas National Park.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Mediation for dispute resolution

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, at a recent conference, laid stress on mediation as a "wiser" form of adjudication as compared to courtroom judgements. The Chief Justice revealed that between 2016 and early 2025, more than seven and a half lakh cases were resolved through mediation. The learned judge hit the nail on the head because resolution of grievances via mediation can heal both the body and mind.

Egos of both parties stand to be satisfied, and no one is a loser in the justice process. Mediation, as opposed to laborious trials and lengthy verdicts, has the potential to go to the origin of the dispute. It goes to the basics, the human emotions. No judgement can broadly provide a holistic touch to a case. On the contrary, mediation can encompass the whole gamut of a dispute.

The art of communication has to be put to good use for a mediation exercise to reach its logical end. The Mediation Act, 2023, came into being on September 15, 2023. It encourages institutional mediation besides being considered final and binding, similar to court judgements. Of course, taking a huge load off the courts is also a plus.

However, the Act warrants the mediation procedure to be completed within 120 days from the first appearance before a mediator. All in all, the mindset to mediate is crucial for the latter to flourish as an alternative dispute resolution method.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

Tradition of Re 1 in gifts

Why do we add a one rupee coin to cash gifts -- like Rs 101 or Rs 1001? Tradition offers four reasons: (1) Zero means end, one symbolizes beginning. (2) Rs 101 is indivisible; wishes remain whole. (3) It signals continuity in relationships. (4) A coin, not a note, symbolizes Lakshmi’s blessing from Mother Earth. It’s also a seed for growth -- spiritually or materially. This small coin adds emotional value to the gift, showing care, tradition, and enduring goodwill.

Jubel D'Cruz,

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)

The ignored pain of Kashmiris

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to express my concerns regarding the current situation in Kashmir following the recent Pahalgam attack. While the nation is still mourning the loss of people and the state of terror post-attack in Kashmir, what often gets overshadowed is the state of the local Kashmiris and their sufferings. While the attention of the state and its media has shifted to the political speculation and cross-border dispute, there seems to be only a little space given to the voices of the people who have been affected the most. Even after years of terror, damage and suffering faced by the common Kashmiris, they have always tried to move further and restore peace to make Kashmir the Heaven on Earth that we have always read in our books.

Tourism is what drives their economy and feeds their home. It is the main source of income in Kashmir, which has taken a massive hit in the region. The regional tourism-related businesses are now in crisis at a time when they should have been flooded with tourists and happiness across the state. The local businesses have been shattered, facing loss which has led to financial hardships and suffering to live a normal life. Children, who should have been studying and growing up in peace, have lost faith in humanity and are growing up in constant fear and trauma. In the days followed by the incident, the Kashmiris are facing difficulties living a normal life in their own country. In a recent case, Kashmiri Muslim students were assaulted in cities like Chandigarh and elsewhere across India. Many among them were threatened and asked to vacate their hostels and rented accommodations. Muslim businessmen received threats to shut down their shops, and these were done by people with other religious ideologies. They are targeting Kashmiri-owned properties and businesses in Kashmir and other parts of India. In times like these, media plays a very crucial role. They must act responsibly, not as an agent of provocation but as a platform for truth and advocating humanity. Unfortunately, even in this time, some media houses are highlighting the blame, revenge and war instead of the real issues faced by these people and what they want. There is also speculation about India preparing for retaliation. I think it’s not the time to talk only about war because it gives sensationalism and TRPs as they desire. It is instead the time to talk about peace, support, and safety for Kashmiris in their own motherland. I urge the national and regional media to move beyond sensationalism and offer a platform to the Kashmiris – to their pain, hopes and perspective. And the people should also understand that these Kashmiri people, be they Hindu or Muslim, are much a part of India as we are. They deserve to live a normal and steady life as we do. It's time we listened to the Kashmiris!

Bhavna Kakoti,

Dibrugarh University.