Lessons from 9/11
Today September 11, marks the 20th anniversary of the ghastly terror attacks that shook America and the world. Twenty years have passed, and America which set out to reshape the world order in the aftermath of the attacks finds itself in a difficult position. The war on Taliban by the US which began well turned out to be hopeless and messy. We now have a situation where the Taliban is back.
So, what lessons have the world learnt from 9/11? Here are three lessons we cannot forget.
One, September 11 was the worst disaster experienced in centuries. It showed us that every country is vulnerable. The traumatic events of that day reverberated across the globe and found the world wanting. The events of 9/11 showed the people of the world that they are indeed under threat from terrorism. They still are. Perhaps, a responsive good system needs to be created for countries to deal with threats in future.
Two, the world community has understood the need for collaboration. This means that governments and law enforcement agencies work hand in hand to eliminate the threat of terrorism. The rise of sophisticated technology means that sharing of information has become much easier than before.
Three, the fight against terror continues. The fight against terrorism is far from over and this is the biggest lesson we draw from 9/11. A lot has been done and a lot needs to be done to eliminate the catastrophic threat of terrorism. No country can afford to ignore the threat of terrorism.
As we remember the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, we keep in mind the people we’ve lost to terrorism since the attacks. We only pray that the world becomes a better place in times to come.
Anish Esteves, Mumbai
Responsible worship
For the past six years a Ludhiana-based choclatier has been preparing Ganesha idols from Belgian chocolate weighing @ 200 kgs. After the celebrations are over the idol is immersed in milk and the chocolate milk thus generated is served to underprivileged kids from the slums as prasad; worship combined with caring for the have-nots while not harming the ecology, what could be a better example of veneration?
With environmental awareness increasing, artists are getting more innovative and creating figurines out of papier mache and a mix of other biodegradable material like lime powder, acacia resin and natural clay which is more durable than the traditional Plaster of Paris, also the colours used for painting are class 1 food grade dyes.
During immersion these idols dissolve immediately in water as against the months it takes for the POP versions which not only harm marine life but pollute the water. What could be better than paying obeisance to God while at the same time not causing damage to Mother Nature.
Rekha Sarin, Benaulim
Give student options for Science Class XI
In Goa, when a student opts for Science in Class XI, the compulsory subjects offered are Physics, Chemistry and Biology and Maths. He has to study whatever is offered. Even though many times, the student may not pursue one of the above subjects in the degree course of their interest. Most students are in fact unable to score well in PCB in Class XI, XII but they have to forcefully opt for it as it’s the main requirement for the degree course.
The system should be changed at least now. Though we heard of news that few optional subjects would be offered to students in Class X, this has not been implemented at least not for my child who studies in Class X. Students should not be judged by the marks they get in theoretical subjects which is mostly a result of learning by heart.
Those whose percentage is less miss out on the chance to a future of their choice and have to go out of State for the same.
Offer the student a wide range of options starting from the last year in school and some choices in our State at higher level, so that they get an idea what career pursue ahead.
Mikaila Rodrigues, Shiroda
Make seamen’s scheme permanent
We all Goan seamen thank all those involved in fighting for Goa seamen pension scheme (especially those MLAs who took up the issue and in particular the NRI commissioner and CM who resolved the long standing problem of the seafarer community).
We seamen of Goa, still hope and are positive that the pension scheme will be made permanent as per the assurance given by CM, and also to look into the arrears to be cleared from October 2019 (19 months arrears), or at least give us 12 months arrears, not 19 months. Awaiting for our CM’s fruitful reply.
Edgar Martins, Chinchinim
Daily drinking water a fundamental right
Despite getting a fair quota of monsoon rains Maharashtra could not provide water to everyone and the HC raps authorities for plight of villagers, who got water twice a month. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday said supply of regular drinking water was a fundamental right and it was unfortunate that people have to knock on the court’s doors to get water even after 75 years of independence.
Water has to be supplied daily for at least a few hours. This is their fundamental right. The observations were made by a Bench of Justices while hearing a petition by residents of Kambe village in Thane district, Maharashtra seeking supply of drinking water on daily basis. The demand for water has also increased since the last few years due to increase in population hence there is a requirement to upgrade system. Drinking water is fundamental right: Bombay High Court on water supply failure in Thane village. It is indeed a sorry state of affairs.
Chitra Krishna, Mumbai
