Letters to the EDITOR: The Power of Gratitude

The power of gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform our lives in profound ways. By focusing on what we are thankful for, we can shift our perspective, cultivate a more positive mindset, and improve our overall well-being. When we practice gratitude, we begin to notice the good things in our lives, no matter how small they may seem. This helps us to develop a more optimistic outlook and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. Some of the benefits of gratitude include improved mental health, better sleep, and stronger relationships. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we begin to release negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, and depression. This helps us to feel more calm, centred, and at peace. Additionally, practicing gratitude can help us to develop stronger relationships with others. When we express gratitude towards others, it helps to build trust, strengthen bonds, and foster a sense of community. Incorporating gratitude into our daily lives is easier than we think. One simple way to start practicing gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few minutes to write down three things you are thankful for. This could be something as simple as a good cup of coffee, a beautiful sunset, or a supportive friend. Sharing gratitude with others is also a powerful way to cultivate gratitude. Take a moment each day to express appreciation to someone you are thankful for. This could be a kind word, a text message, or a small gift. Finally, practicing mindfulness is another way to cultivate gratitude. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, notice your surroundings, and reflect on the things you are thankful for. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform our lives in profound ways. By incorporating gratitude into our daily lives, we can improve our mental and physical health, strengthen our relationships, and cultivate a more positive mindset. Remember, gratitude is a practice that takes time and effort to develop, but the benefits are well worth it. With consistent practice, we can develop a more grateful heart, a more positive outlook, and a more fulfilling life.

By making gratitude a part of our daily lives, we can experience a profound shift in our perspective and our well-being. We can move from a place of scarcity and lack to a place of abundance and gratitude. We can cultivate stronger relationships, improve our mental and physical health, and live a more fulfilling life. So, take the first step today and start practicing gratitude. Your life will never be the same.

Heramba Nath

(herambanath2222@gmail.com)

Two star cricketers are past their prime

Two of India's star cricketers—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—no longer play good cricket of merit in the overseas games as they played in the yesteryears. With the fourth test being played at MCG with the result 1-1 in the ongoing bilateral series in Australia, their batting performance is miserably poor. The series is hanging in the balance with the last and fifth test yet to be played. In the five innings that Rohit has played, his highest score was only 13; in the rest, scores were one '0' and in a single digit. Equally, his captaincy is also not inspiring. Jasprit Bumrah has the quality to captain the team, as he has already proved his mettle by convincingly winning the first test in the absence of Rohit Sharma. On the other hand, Kohli is now apt to involve himself in the unpleasant behaviour in the field, as seen in the face-off with the 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas in the ongoing fourth test at MCG, in which he has been fined 20%, than showing his hunger for runs that once he was known for. Except for scoring a century in the first test when the team was in the comfort zone with more than 300 for two wickets on his arrival for batting, he failed badly in the later innings. We have capable young replacements in the company of KL Rahul, Rishav Pant and others who can bring glory for India. As the batting in their slot plays a crucial role in the team's success, the Indian cricket team can ill afford to continue with these two underperforming veterans, who are past their prime, in the coming years from 2025 onwards. This needs to be pondered.

Pannalal Dey

Guwahati

High prices in NE

I am writing to draw attention to the perennial issue of exorbitant prices in the North-East region of India. Despite the numerous strides in connectivity and infrastructure over the past decade, the region continues to grapple with disproportionately high costs for essential goods and services. The root cause lies in inadequate transportation infrastructure. While railways remain the most economical mode of transport, their limited reach in the North-East forces reliance on road transport, which is significantly costlier. The dominance of the truck lobby has, over the years, hindered the development of critical road-cum-rail bridges such as the Brahmaputra bridge between Kaliabor and Tezpur. This situation exacerbates costs for residents, leaving them to pay a premium for no fault of theirs.

Additionally, frequent bandhs and natural calamities disrupt the supply chain, further inflating prices of commodities like LPG cylinders, fuel, and food products. This is compounded by the region’s status as a consuming rather than a producing hub, as highlighted in the Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs' recent report. Such dependence on imports makes the North-East particularly vulnerable to transportation and logistics costs.

While the government has undertaken commendable steps to bridge the connectivity gap, more needs to be done. It is imperative that the issue of high transportation costs is addressed at the highest levels of policymaking. Special emphasis should be placed on enhancing rail connectivity and reducing road transport dependency. Furthermore, the government must promote local production and self-sustainability in the region to alleviate the burden of high prices. It is high time that policymakers prioritize this issue in alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of recognizing the North-East as the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ of India. The region’s vast potential must not be overshadowed by its logistical challenges.

Sabina Ahmed

Tarun Nagar, Guwahati

Bail is a right

The country's constitution has strong laws that assure citizens of their personal liberty. Freedom is not a privilege; it is the right of a human being. In criminal cases, the land's top court has said mere registration of an offence is not a ground for arrest. However, India's hierarchical judiciary has been inconsistent in ensuring personal freedom for those awaiting trials. Bail is a matter of right in some crimes. Though, by definition, it is a temporary privilege, the nonuniformity in its interpretation has led to chaos. Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) defines bailable offences and the underlying principle behind the granting of bails by courts.

Freedom and personal liberty are fundamental rights of a citizen as laid down by Article 21 of the Constitution that says, "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." Liberty does not merely mean freedom from bodily restraint; it also envisages essential liberty for every free individual to pursue happiness. Every person is entitled to bail himself out of criminal cases when the punishable offence is three years or less. In 2018, the Supreme Court had directed the lower courts to make bail a rule and jail an exception. Quite understandable because 'humane attitude' should be the cornerstone of criminal jurisprudence. Courts are guided by the philosophy "no person is guilty unless proven otherwise."

Dr Ganapathi  Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)