Letters to the EDITOR: India vs. Japan: A Stark Contrast

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India vs. Japan: A stark contrast

India still has a long way to go in catching up with developed nations like Japan. Japan stands as a global leader in science, technology, and innovation. With a per capita income of approximately USD 53,000, it reflects the prosperity and efficiency of a mature, industrialized economy. In contrast, India is still classified as a developing country.

Our per capita income hovers around USD 2,300, a stark reminder of the economic gap. Regardless of how high India's overall GDP may rise, the individual share remains modest due to our massive population.

Technological innovation in India remains limited. Much of our progress is built on imported or adapted technologies rather than homegrown breakthroughs. While India has carved a niche as a service-based economy, even in that sector, consistent quality and global competitiveness remain challenges. The road to becoming a truly developed nation will likely take decades, and it will require deep structural changes, massive investment in education and R&D, and a shift in mindset. Until then, comparisons with countries like Japan serve as both a benchmark and a wake-up call.

Prafulla Dowarah

Guwahati

Kaziranga expansion a wise decision

It is heartening to learn that the state government has approved the expansion of the highly protected area of the World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park, by an additional 47,306.33 hectares, which is a much-desired step for safeguarding the ever-increasing wildlife population of various species in KNP. The government must be appreciated for the significant move, which aims to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts and protect their critical habitats following the growing population of one-horned rhinos, tigers, elephants, and other species inside the park. Providing sufficient breathing space to wildlife does not mean the end of government responsibility. At the same time, we need to adopt better technology to curb poaching activities, which is a serious threat to the wildlife conservation efforts. The May 26 editorial 'Kaziranga expansion' of your esteemed daily has said that the expansion of the national park should be followed by sufficient animal corridors, which will provide both carnivores and herbivores to move to different habitats and access new territories without any obstruction. What causes concern is the increased human activities in and around wildlife habitats. Land conversion by a section of senseless people for the establishment of resorts, hotels, dhabas, petrol pumps, garages, etc., must be prevented with an iron hand, as they create a great deal of obstacles to animals in their free movement and also increase the risk of human-animal conflict. Unless the government takes necessary groundbreaking steps to keep the entire wildlife territory free of any type of human obstruction, the very purpose of Kaziranga expansion will remain unfulfilled. The government and the Forest Department should work in close coordination to develop and maintain sufficient animal corridors for the well-being of wildlife populations. The flyover (elevated road) construction policy in and around the vicinity of the animal corridors will go a long way in keeping the animal corridors intact, especially during flood seasons and seasonal migration. Through creating mass awareness we can put Assam in the top position in wildlife conservation in the country in the near future.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

Precaution is protection

India is witnessing a steady rise in active COVID-19 cases, climbing from 257 to 1,009 within just one week. This sudden increase is a clear reminder that the virus still poses a threat, possibly due to new variants or reduced public caution. In such times, it is vital to act responsibly. Simple actions like wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and completing vaccinations can make a big difference. These are not just health guidelines - they are acts of care for ourselves, our families, and our society. Let us stay alert, follow precautions, and work together to prevent another wave of the COVID pandemic. Collective caution today ensures a safer tomorrow.

Asad Damrubar

(masad92135@gmail.com)