Unfriendly workplace
Women must work to reclaim freedom. Even after 79 years of independence and liberation from British rule, women’s freedom remains elusive. The best parts of the country, especially the North and East, have become hotbeds of crime. This will pose problems for women across the country. State governments must act with purpose to curb such heinous acts against women. It is sad but true that the workplace can be a problem for young working women. Though most places are safe, there are exceptions—especially if the woman is in need of work and the remuneration is good. She may feel compelled to suffer sexual harassment in silence, without complaining. However, she should draw a line and raise her voice. In 2023, companies reported 1,160 sexual harassment complaints—the highest number in the past decade. There could be many more unreported cases.
Jayanthy Subramaniam, Mumbai
Uphold workers’ rights
‘Strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities’ is a robust theme for World Humanitarian Day on August 19. Humanitarian workers who were killed or injured in their noble mission of serving mankind are remembered on this day. All aid and health workers are also paid tribute. The utmost sacrifice and selfless work of humanitarian workers are often overlooked, and this must change. Conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics, and crises cannot be tackled without humanitarian workers. Particular focus is always on the homeless and refugees. Impartiality, neutrality, and independence are the hallmarks of humanitarians, who brave adverse safety and security conditions. Providing food, water, medicines, healthcare, and vaccinations are their topmost priorities. About 300 million people—or 1 in 27—needed humanitarian assistance and protection in 2024, as per the Global Humanitarian Overview of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Help alleviate dog menace
Stray dogs need to be taken off the roads. A dog may be man’s best friend, but that applies to those who keep them as pets. The stray dog situation, as it has emerged in recent years, is a menace to society. Across India, people—from toddlers to the elderly—have been killed by stray dogs. Dog lovers should take more responsibility in helping alleviate this problem. Often, they speak without taking responsibility or understanding the gravity of the issue. Only when they or someone close to them is bitten by a stray dog do they realise the seriousness. The compassion they demand for animals should first be extended to humans—especially the destitute, elderly, infirm, and sick. Organisations proposing a Rs 100 crore plan in favour of stray dogs, should shift their focus to the millions of needy children and vulnerable people in India. Their efforts would be better spent improving human lives rather than prioritising stray dogs.
S Kamat, Mysuru
Provide platform for Tiatrs
Konkani tiatr is a popular form of musical theatre in Goa, known for its entertainment value and cultural significance. It uniquely combines theatrical acts with songs and dances, often addressing social issues and current events. Tiatr shows staged at venues like Ravindra Bhavan, Kala Academy (Panaji), and Gomant Vidya Niketan (GVN, Margao) often draw large crowds and run houseful. However, at Ravindra Bhavan in Baina, Vasco, tiatr shows have become rare. This is surprising, given the strong base of tiatr lovers in the port town—any show here runs houseful. For reasons unknown, tiatr directors appear reluctant to stage shows in Baina. As a result, only one to three shows are staged monthly. Vascoites are thus deprived of this popular entertainment and are forced to travel to Panaji or Margao. GVN, being a smaller venue than Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, often sells out, requiring advance booking. Hopefully, this anomaly will be addressed, and Konkani tiatr performances will resume more frequently at Ravindra Bhavan in Baina. The Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) should take note of this issue.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
50 years of Rajinikanth
The one and only ‘Style Mannan’ (style king) and ‘Thalaivar’ (leader) of the Tamil film industry and Indian cinema—Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, alias Superstar Rajinikanth—celebrates fifty years in cinema this week. Making his debut in 1975 under the eminent director K Balachander in ‘Apoorva Raagangal’ (released on August 18, 1975), the living legend is truly a story to be read, inspired by, and emulated. His life’s ups and downs, his superstardom, spiritualism, simplicity, humility, and his ability to rise like a phoenix during difficult times make him nothing short of a motivational book from which countless lessons can be drawn. His stellar performances and unique acting style, his mesmerising screen presence, iconic voice and dialogues, deep bond with fans, and his unmatched charisma on screen make him the ‘Super Style Star’ of Indian cinema.
M Pradyu, Kannur
