Actively seek to make peace
The escalating disruptions to religious harmony in our state demand the attention and introspection of each one of us. It is profoundly disheartening to witness the emergence of a toxic mentality that allows individuals to recklessly pass comments on others faith, unsettling the longstanding peace that has defined Goan society for ages.
The essence of a strong society lies in the unwavering respect we show to one another, irrespective of our diverse faiths, ideas, or beliefs. The dangerous consequence of succumbing to the deliberate and malicious ideas being injected into the collective mindset is the construction of false narratives, ultimately threatening the peace and harmony that our society has cherished.
Rather than aggravating these issues, it is crucial that we actively seek ways to promote peace-making activist activities and dismantle practices that only serve to breed hatred.
In a media landscape where negative events often dominate headlines, it becomes crucial to shine a light on the positive efforts dedicated in promoting peace.
To strengthen our society, unified efforts must be made, and stringent actions should be taken against those attempting to erode its collectiveness. Our interactions with others should be free from prejudice, necessitating a thorough revaluation of our own thoughts to challenge and rectify any corrupt beliefs we may harbour.
Let us collectively pledge to eliminate this harmful practice and contribute to making the world a better and more harmonious place to inhabit.
Simran Shaikh , Ponda
Improper backpacks can cause spinal problems
In the past, children used to carry school bags which were made either of aluminum or thick cloth. The school bags were light in weight as children did not have to carry many books. Now backpacks which are filled with heavy loads are the in-thing. While buying a backpack, kids may be focused on the way their backpack looks, but parents need to consider more than just colours, patterns and cartoon characters.
Choosing a backpack that fits one’s child properly is one way to prevent potential pain. Every child is unique and each backpack will fit them differently, so children should try them before they are bought. According to doctors , if a child has pain, numbness or tingling in their back, shoulders or neck, a heavy backpack is often to be blamed. Backpacks should be of the right size.
Having adjustable straps that are broad and distribute weight evenly between both shoulders is important. It is advisable for children to carry padded backpacks. They should also have adjustable straps that are broad and distribute weight evenly between both shoulders.
The waist strap needs to be secured. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can put too much pressure on the muscles on one side and should be avoided. If parents have concerns about the child’s spinal alignment, it would be advisable to talk to the doctor or a paediatric spine specialist.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Roads in Panjim are death traps
Driving on the roads of Panjim and other areas of Goa these days has become a hell for citizens. Though road accidents are increasing and recently a student falling in a giant pit in Panaji shows how grave the situation is.
Life is no longer safe on Goan roads. Recently, a 62-year-old person died because the ambulance could not reach his house at Sanguem as there was no proper road access.
Motorists throw caution to the winds and this leads to fatal accidents.
It confirms public fears that Goan roads have turned into death traps. Irresponsible drivers, corrupt RTO officials and traffic police are all to be blamed.
Licences are either issued to those with little driving skills and violators of the law are rarely pulled up.
The government should address the root problem – the abysmal condition of our roads. It is alleged that bribes from road contractors are an important source of funds for political parties. Thus politicians, officials and contractors cannot escape responsibility for road accidents becoming a public health hazard.
K G Vilop, Chorao
Kudos to Aayi Ammal, Madurai’s pathblazer
Aayi Ammal alias Pooranam from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, who has been honoured with Chief Minister’s Special Award on the Republic Day for donating her 1.52 acres of land for the upgradation of a school in Madurai in memory of her late daughter, deserves accolades for her benevolence. Living in the age of social media when people choose to ballyhoo even the slightest acts of generosity, the woman from Madurai quietly bequeathed her expansive area of land for the sake of education. There cannot be a better feeling and contentment than what you experience when you live for a purpose that profoundly contributes to the society, creating a positive impact on people’s lives.
Salutations to Aayi Ammal for her wonderful and admirable act.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Security Council must undergo reform
While the call for Security Council reform from permanent members like France and Japan is encouraging, the recent crises in Ukraine and Israel starkly highlighted the limitations of the current structure.
India, long an advocate for reform and the world’s most populous democracy, provided humanitarian aid in Ukraine and consistently seeks peaceful solutions. Yet, the Council’s permanent members remain divided, stalling progress. With war threats looming, a peace-loving nation like India deserves a permanent seat, while those destabilizing the world should be marginalized.
To tackle pressing issues like terrorism and ensure its relevance, the Security Council must urgently undergo reform.
N Ashraf, Mumbai
Revert to old ballot system like in the West
This has reference to the report ‘Two rallies in Goa next week to ban EVMs’ . The debate with regard to the EVMs seems to be heating up with the two rallies being planned in Goa by two Supreme Court lawyers. The EVMs were introduced to bring about transparency and speed up the electoral process.
However, in recent times, things do not seem to be working the way they should and the electoral process is being spread over a month. Now, with the two Supreme Court lawyers coming out to educate people on the risks and flaws in the EVMs, the authorities ought to take notice and instil some amount of confidence among the voters.
After all, every vote is sacred and must be respected. If need be, we should revert to the physical ballot boxes as is being done in the western countries.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
