Letters to the EDITOR: Initiative on Rupkonwar’s works

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Initiative on Rupkonwar’s works

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to express my admiration and support for the recent initiative taken by Gauhati University to preserve and digitize the invaluable works of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala. This was discussed in a special meeting held at the office of the Vice-Chancellor, and the decision to house these digitized works in the prestigious Krishnakanta Handiqui Library is commendable.

Jyotiprasad Agarwala, an iconic figure in Assam's cultural history, is a symbol of creativity and social reform. His contributions to literature, drama, and music are unparalleled, and preserving his legacy is crucial for future generations to understand the cultural and historical evolution of Assam. Digitization will not only protect these works from the ravages of time but will also make them accessible to a wider audience, both nationally and globally. This initiative also highlights the increasing importance of preserving our heritage using modern technology. It is essential that such endeavours receive adequate support from academic institutions, the government, and the general public.

I urge Gauhati University to collaborate with other institutions and scholars to ensure comprehensive documentation of Agarwala's works. Additionally, it would be beneficial to host exhibitions and seminars to promote awareness about his contributions. Such steps will inspire the younger generation to appreciate and take pride in our rich cultural heritage. Let us all work together to safeguard the legacy of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala for posterity.

Samujwal Dutta

Gauhati University

Murderous attempt

One is shell shocked to learn about the murderous attack on the life of actor Saif Ali Khan in the wee hours in his flat on the 12th floor of a building in Mumbai. This is not the first time celebrities and renowned actors are attacked in the BJP-ruled Maharashtra state. In the scuffle with the intruders, besides Saif Ali Khan, their housemaid has also received serious injuries. Though the police have said that it was only a burglary attempt, a thorough investigation should be conducted to eke out the real intention of the intruders and bring to light everything connected to the murderous attempt. This is more so when such murderous attempts are made mainly on the lives of celebrities and actors belonging to a particular community.

The deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra state is quite sickening, and it has reached an alarming stage, to say the least.

Tharcius S.Fernando

(tharci@yahoo.com)

Tradition and decorum

Jallikattu, the annual bull-taming event in Tamil Nadu that takes place to mark the festival of "Pongal," has again claimed precious lives: 7 people, 6 of them being spectators, were killed and more than 400 injured in different parts of the state on January 16. The event has always raised heckles among right-thinking people, although the "sport" has found unflinching support among the traditionalists. While the correct way to participate in the event is to hold a bull's hump to take it to the finishing line, the unwritten rule is often violated, and the players, swayed by the frenzied crowd thronging the venues, often hold the animals by their neck or horns, violently pulling them around, putting their as well as the lives of the bulls at stake.

Of course, as has happened time and again, the agitated bulls are prone to running into the stands, jeopardising the lives of the viewers as well. It goes without saying that measures to ensure the safety of the animal and human beings should preoccupy the minds of the authorities while striking a fine balance between tradition and decorum. The Supreme Court had succinctly said that the courts cannot intervene in matters of cultural heritage borne out of texts and evidence while allowing the ancient sport of Jallikattu to take place unhindered in Tamil Nadu while upholding the Tamil pride and heritage. The Union Environment Ministry had to take the ordinance route in 2017 to keep the sport alive following a sea of protests that erupted in Chennai.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

Household safety during earthquakes

When we hear of the occurrence of major earthquakes anywhere in the world, fear looms large in our hearts. Now this fear gets intensified after warnings issued by experts about the possibility of a large earthquake striking the Northeast region in the near future. The biggest question now arises: can we ignore it, as there is no technological breakthrough as yet to predict its occurrence in advance? The answer is 'NO. Frequent occurrences of minor quakes are also considered as a forewarning of a major one to strike in the foreseeable future. The editorial, 'Household safety audit for earthquake,' published in your esteemed daily on January 17, has rightly said that people often forget their own role in earthquake preparedness while keeping themselves busy scrutinising the preparedness of government agencies. The state Disaster Response Force should play a pivotal role in undertaking innovative and interactive digital campaign materials on household basic safety audits. A special checklist for young child members can go a long way in building awareness on the importance of preparedness and the role of everyone in minimizing disaster damage.

The editorial has rightly pointed out that increasing the frequency of disaster preparedness drills is essential to break the monotony in the community response and increase the level of confidence among the public. The challenges, therefore, put the spotlight on raising volunteer groups in the community who can be the first responders and engage themselves in basic search and rescue operations while making the communities in the disaster-prone region resilient by staying alert all the time. Training to turn the willingness among the people to help others in a disaster will not only strengthen the preparedness but also make the region more resilient to large earthquakes. The need for more transparency about the preparedness of official agencies cannot be ruled out.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

 Impact of digital arrests

I am writing to highlight an issue that demands immediate attention: the psychological impact of digital arrests on individuals and the lack of comprehensive awareness initiatives by the government. Online arrests, often executed through digital surveillance, have become increasingly common. While they may be justified in some cases, their sudden and often public nature can have devastating effects on an individual's mental health. The trauma of being arrested based on online activity, combined with the public scrutiny that follows, often leads to anxiety, depression, and, in severe cases, social ostracism. The problem is compounded by the lack of clarity around digital laws and rights. Many citizens are unaware of the actions that could lead to legal consequences online. While the government has made attempts to spread awareness through caller tunes and other limited measures, these efforts are insufficient. Citizens need clear, accessible, and detailed information about online behaviour, privacy laws, and their digital rights. It is high time for the government to adopt a more proactive approach. Comprehensive public awareness campaigns through multiple platforms—such as social media, educational programs, and community outreach—should be implemented. Moreover, mental health support systems must be established for those affected by online arrests to help them cope with the emotional aftermath. By addressing this issue, we can create a safer and more informed digital environment while ensuring that justice is served without compromising mental well-being. I urge your esteemed publication to bring this issue to the forefront and advocate for stronger government initiatives in this regard. Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.

Rimakshi Barman

Cotton University

Chinese domination

Tennis, badminton, squash, and table tennis are the four main racquet games that are widely popular throughout the world. Out of these four games, domination of China in badminton and table tennis is total. Of late, the Chinese are coming in a big way to dominate the world of tennis, as seen by their recent performances in the WTA and ATP circuits.

What is the secret of their success? Sadly, the same cannot be said about India, even though we do not lack infrastructural facilities.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati