Unity in diversity, our unique essence
India is known worldwide for its rich heritage and varied culture. Unity in diversity is our unique essence, which is not there in any other country. We all celebrate its varied secular heritage happily and participate in each other’s festivals. Article 25 guarantees the freedom of conscience, the freedom to profess, practise, and propagate religion to all citizens. It further states that these freedoms are subject to public order, health, and morality. I wonder how these rights are being snatched away from the Indian Muslim girls. For the Muslim girls, Hijab is not just attire. It is a mark of modesty. What’s wrong if they feel secure and confident in practising Hijab?
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If a Sikh’s turban doesn’t affect the protocol of uniform and is absolutely allowed without any controversy, then why should there be a ban on hijab only? Is it a kind of suppression being created to restrict the young Indian Muslim girls from getting empowered through education?
Kausar Rikarty, Fatorda
Comprehensive study to rein in diseases
A comprehensive and calibrated compilation of data available should be conducted as a consequence of the experiences due to Covid-19 pandemic so as to provide guidelines for treatment of diseases in a specialised manner that will lead to a quantum jump in not only treatment of various diseases but also prevention of contracting diseases, which could form a framework for people across the world to not only build immunity but also to curb infections of various types.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with Health Services of the various countries in the world as well as inputs from certain organisations such as in particular the Johns Hopkins University should catalogue exhaustive date available worldwide and set up an encyclopaedic specialised framework that can be utilised worldwide to curb diseases making use of the data available from the actual experiences of the Covid-19 in various countries of the world, especially those that have been able to tackle the pandemic better than the others.
Lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic can be utilised to provide high-end medical facilities that lead to a world where diseases can be curbed and wherein everyone globally can lead healthier lives. Compilations of such an in-depth study could be the building blocks of how mankind could prevent the occurrences of such pandemics in the world in future.
Expert physicians and researchers should co-operate to achieve the best possible road map for the benefit of mankind. Ideally, pure medicine should be utilised for all practical purposes.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Basking in reflected glory of NRIs
Whenever an NRI, PIO or an Indian born and bred abroad is appointed in high posts in their adopted country or achieve something remarkable, why do we need to get elated and go overboard in celebrating their achievements? Those persons may be in the political, science, business, literature or in some other fields and in various capacities but we feel so proud even if those persons have cut off all connections with India or just visit here as tourists. Some neighbours, teachers, classmates et al. would fondly recollect the humble beginning and nature of these high achievers. And once these persons return to their countries, we forget about them.
On the other hand, we become antagonistic if a foreigner, even if married to an Indian or becomes an Indian citizen enters the political, social or other arena. We are also against foreigners to head an Indian company or institution. We want Indians to shine throughout the world and tend to bask in their reflected glory; but desist others to come to India and make a name for themselves. Why these double standards?
Sridhar D’Iyer, Caranzalem
Confusing vaccine age for children
Just want to get my fear and doubt clear regarding Vaccine for children in schools.
As a father I am confused to give consent to vaccinate my 14 years 5 months daughter who is studying in our village school in Divar and the reason is simple. Few days back there was Press conference given by Dr Rajendra Borkar health officer for Goa on media as well as news published on paper as well as a form distributed by teacher on their WhatsApp which clearly mentioned that jab Covaxine should be given from 15 to 18 years children only and born on or before January 2007 and not later date (correct me if I am wrong as I have the copy from health dept Corlim Tiswadi which was sent to the school) and now again I saw and heard from officer Dr Rajendra Borkar on a one of the local channels 3 days back that the Covax should be given only to children from 12 to 14 years and should not be given to children who have crossed 14 years and above.
Since sometimes there could be errors and as a parent I don’t want to take risk unless the health dept comes clear of children’s age and which jab to be given specially like in the age of my daughter as both the times when age was declared my daughter age is stuck in between both vaccines.
Hoping the Dept will read my letter and clarify the same for few parents whose children age is not coming in both the jabs.
Jerry L D’Souza, Divar
Hijab controversy needs a solution
There is a Karnataka effect on the Muslim children in other States who were not wearing Hijab when the secondary and Higher Secondary schools started previously but now it is seen that there are few students of the secondary schools and higher secondary schools are coming with Hijab. I think the controversy of Hijab has been put to rest by the judgement of Karnataka High Court concerned whether Hijab should be allowed or not in the school premises but this judgment is challenged in the Supreme Court of India who will give the final decision on the Hijab controversy if we go on with the controversy then there will be conflicts between the two communities as there are other religions like Sikhs who are allowed to wear turbans in the institution may be it is religious symbol but what about wearing Hijab?
The answer should come from Muslim religious heads who should have a dialogue with the authorities and amicably solve the issue to bring to a logical conclusion. There should not be favouritism to one religion only as all religions are allowed to function as per the Constitution of India framed by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Diomedes Pereira, Corlim
Prediction of Covid 4th Wave
World is witnessing the 4th Covid surge. A modelling study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur have predicted that the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India may start around June 2022 and peak from mid to late August. However, the researchers noted that there is always a fair chance that a possible new variant of coronavirus may have an intense impact on the whole analysis.
Even officials at the WHO warned that Omicron may not be the last Covid variant and the next strain could be more contagious. Another surge also may test the public’s appetite for returning to widespread mask-wearing.
Coronavirus has once again started wreaking havoc in China. Most of the countries have already faced three waves of corona and this virus may increase the chances of fourth wave. Those who take Corona lightly should now understand that its danger is not over yet. And the best way to control the virus is through the public health tools.
K G Vilop, Chorao
