Suicides—a major blow to society
Unfortunately, another incident of suicidal death came to the fore. Infact, suicidal deaths are increasing in leaps and bounds across the globe. Aimed at nurturing a sense of hopelessness, suicide has turned out into a trend wherein the victim is deceived into thinking that there’s no way out from the current mess of his/her life.
Henceforth, they get deceived into committing suicide. However there are ways out of the mess in which one is trapped and one of them is to trust Almighty God, the creator who has blessed us with this wonderful life. Sadly, the victim forgets that this drastic act can erupt psychological impact upon friends, family members, neighbours and even the society as a whole.
Having concerns over mood swings, depression or suicidal tendency issues, the individual need to seek professional help/guidance/counselling or share it with their near and dear ones or family members. It provides an insight into the gravity of the matter. Henceforth, prompt action can be initiated and the victim can be saved just in the nick of time.
Subsequently, no doubt about it that life is full of stress/responsibilities, but one should make time for prayer, meditation upon holy scriptures, go for vacation by spending some quality time in nature, fellowship with valuable friends, take a break and enjoy decent entertainment/hobbies etc.
Life is full of ample opportunities, but wise discernment is a significant move. However, by God’s grace life can be revived.
Eventually, the government also ought to remain steadfast in its commitment to this issue by providing counselling centres wherein round-the-clock counselling services are provided for those overwhelmed with suicidal thoughts/tendencies.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Rajasthan
Vector borne diseases on the rise in State
The threat of vector borne diseases like malaria, dengue, filariasis and chikungunya loom large in the coming days. They contribute to 17 per cent of all infectious diseases in the world and more than one billion cases of vector borne diseases (VBD) are annually reported.
Environmental milieu, social changes, improper urban planning and climate change —all have contributed their mite.
In India, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme is in place to manage VBDs. Symptoms like high fever, headache, joint pains need special focus, while avoiding “self medication”.
Since mosquito is the most common vector, breeding sites need to be addressed. Governments elsewhere can take cue from the Delhi government’s initiative to deploy the “ Domestic Breeding Checkers”, who visit homes to personally check the mosquito breeding sites, to control VBD. Fogging and spraying should be undertaken on a large scale by the authorities.
Governments should stress on elimination of stagnant water accumulation on grounds around human dwelling to control the malaria causing mosquitoes that breed in rainwater. Whereas, the dengue– causing mosquitoes are generally container breeders and the mosquitoes rest indoors.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Panjimites could face health issues
It must be said that Panaji city is facing problems of gargantuan proportions. It is probably the biggest mess in Goa’s civic history. After the officially proclaimed May 31 deadline ended without any sign of completion of the Smart City work, yet another deadline of June 10 was declared. Whether the work will be completed by the deadline is anyone’s guess. As of now footpaths, drains and laying of service lines are all in mess. Mud is piled up at the door steps of shops and residential complexes including government quarters. Trenches have been dug at St Inez and other places. The big question is whether it is possible to carry out the remaining work during the rainy season or whether there will be a break till the South West monsoon recedes.
Panjimites could (God forbid) be facing health issues during the rains. The dug up trenches will be filled with rain water. There will be several puddles across the city. When the rains take a break it could be an appropriate condition for mosquito breeding which could lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases. With sewage pipelines being laid, sewage water could seep into the water pipeline leading to disease like diarrhoea and dysentery. The question that arises is whether Panaji city is sitting on a ticking health time-bomb? Hopefully Panjimites will remain safe during the monsoon season.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Grow more trees during monsoon
Trees play a very vital role in maintaining the balance of our eco system. As we all know, that in the name of development, thousands of trees are cut off by the government of Goa for various reasons but the authorities have failed to plant any after the wanton destruction.
Elders had grown many trees and now our generations are enjoying various types of fruits at the cost of our ancestors.
We have to take advantage of the God sent rain and plant trees between June and mid August as the soil is conducive for planting and growth. Trees provide us with oxygen and filter the water we drink besides providing shade and shelter to man, birds and animals. Medicinal trees are nature’s pharmacies too.
We all know the value of a Tree so let’s grow more trees and make our environment greener and, beautiful by planting trees and save mother earth.
Ronnie D’Souza, Chandor
New coalition of must echo India’s best interests
Media reports suggest that the INDIA alliance will take appropriate decision at the right time. While this has not been spelt out, it is not difficult to imagine what that should be.
Much as this election has been described as the electorate voting for the Opposition and it’s time for the Congress to build its grassroot base, look for new members and encourage new blood from various sections of society including women and OBCs. Why not people who are associated with start-ups, climate activists and social workers, the physically challenged and also tribals?
It’s time for the Congress under Kharge/Gandhi to build a new sort of coalition that represents India’s best interests. It is sad that youth in India have a 40 percent unemployment rate. This isn’t a good sign for the country going forward. The INDIA alliance should now build on the mandate it has just received and build a strong foundation to truly achieve a Viksit Bharat. That starts with education, health and empowerment of all sections of society. Let’s keep in mind that almost 800 people depend on free rations to survive. That must be tackled on a war footing for things to change for the better in our country.
Brian de Souza, Margao
Hard days in store for the BJP ahead
In his third term as Prime Minister, where he needs a coalition to govern the country, Modi has to adapt himself to a style of governance he has little experience with.
This is, both a major setback and an unknown territory for Modi, who never needed any coalition partners to run the office in his last two terms as PM. There is little doubt that the election results have left Modi petered out of his persona of absolute invincibility.
The gap between the high expectations Modi and his colleagues set for the BJP, and its actual performance, has left the victors look like losers and the defeated feel victorious. Going forward, Modi’s agenda and his ability to push through policies could face fiercer challenges, especially from a resurgent Opposition. Difficult and harder days are ahead for the BJP.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
