Footwear for students
The recent decision on the use of canvas shoes with rubber soles as part of school uniforms deserves thoughtful attention. While uniformity in dress code fosters discipline, the choice of footwear should prioritise the health and comfort of students, especially in our region’s hot climate. Canvas shoes with rubber soles, often standard in many schools, come with significant drawbacks. On hot asphalted roads, these shoes can trap heat, causing discomfort, headaches and even health issues. Prolonged use also leads to foul odour, further emphasising the need for change. Parents, educators and the education department must collaborate to identify healthier alternatives. Breathable and heat-resistant materials such as natural fabrics or mesh can offer relief. Ergonomic designs with proper ventilation could mitigate these issues while maintaining affordability. The feasibility of any proposed solution should align with the economic realities of all families. Partnerships with local manufacturers could keep costs manageable while ensuring high-quality alternatives. Furthermore, pilot programmes in selected schools, along with feedback mechanisms, can provide valuable insights before rolling out changes on a larger scale. Students’ well-being must remain the priority. As this discussion progresses, it is essential to involve stakeholders and consider diverse perspectives to make well-informed decisions that cater to the region’s specific climatic and social needs.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Occult practices
A tragic and shocking incident unfolded in Tisk, Usgao after a childless couple allegedly murdered a five-year-old girl from their neighbourhood as they, reportedly on the advice of an alleged witch doctor, believed that the sacrifice of the girl would grant the wife the ability to conceive. If it indeed is an example of occult practice then it comes as a surprise that in a country that is taking giant strides in information technology (IT), digital world, space science etc, there still exist people who believe in black magic. The term ‘black magic’ typically refers to the use of supernatural powers or magic often involving rituals, spells or the invocation of spirits. While many cultures have beliefs and practices surrounding magic, there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of supernatural forces. Black magic ‘works’ only on mentally weak people, not because it actually works but because it affects their psychology. The recent suspected case of human sacrifices in Kerala has brought into focus the severity of crimes related to witchcraft and occult practices and the prevalence of superstitious beliefs, black magic and sorcery in a progressive state like Kerala. In India, practising black magic is punishable with up to seven years in prison and a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000. Goa does not have a specific anti-superstition law, but it does have laws that can be used to deal with superstitious practices. To a large extent, there may not be instances of occult practices in the state. It is people from other states who could be engaged in sorcery in Goa, as the childless couple was reportedly from Karnataka. Nevertheless the police need to keep a watch on such occult practices.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Thwarting drug trade
Smuggling of drugs across the India-Pakistan border is quite rampant. Punjab shares approximately 553 kilometres of the border between the two nations. As is known, narco-terrorism and arms influx have driven the youth of Punjab into a state into despair and something needs to be done to eliminate or control the dual evil. Evidently, the use of technology is quite crucial in preventing the influx of drugs and arms. The Punjab government is said to be keen on utilising the anti-drone technology. Although the Border Security Force (NSG) is totally engaged in thwarting the nefarious designs of the unscrupulous elements from Pakistan, a coordinated effort is the need of the hour. Anti-drone techniques like radars, cameras and jammers are a few globally used methods. Radio frequency technique and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jammers are highly acclaimed anti-drone technologies that are currently employed by a host of nations.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Telangana rescue
It is highly unfortunate that the media is giving little to zero space to the rescue operation that is going on to find the eight workers, who have been trapped after a portion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel in Telangana collapsed on February 22 whereas the Champions Trophy cricket tournament has been covered as though it is a question of someone’s life and death. Even a trapped elephant gets more media coverage and public attention than trapped labourers. I love animals but I hate a cavalier attitude towards poor labourers, who build our homes and our roads, bridges and tunnels. There is no quarrel between the love for the workers and the love for animals. However, the latter cannot justify the absence of the former.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Gold smuggling
Thirty two-year-old Kannada actress Ranya Rao (acted in a handful of Kannada and Tamil films, including Maanikya, Pataki and Wagah) was arrested at Bengaluru airport for allegedly smuggling 14 kg of gold bars hidden in a belt strapped to her body, along with 800 grams of gold ornaments from Dubai. Under surveillance for her frequent Gulf trips, she used protocol loopholes meant for senior bureaucrats to evade checks. Her father DGP (Police Housing Corporation) K Ramachandra Rao says he is not involved in her daughter’s activities and not in touch. If so, then how is it possible for her to receive VIP treatment and be accompanied by a senior police officer without the support or knowledge of her father? Does it not show that the father is telling lies and definitely involved in all her activities? The government should look into this issue seriously and consider the continuity of the officer concerned in the prime post. This seems a well stage-managed crime and seems to have evaded all stages of scrutiny. If Ranya Rao is not the daughter of DGP K Ramachandra Rao, then why the protocol here for an ordinary person? If Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru has failed to detect this organised crime, where is the security lapse? Actually, for all the fuss being made in frisking ordinary mortals, big sharks seem to be going scot-free and not once. The only way to stop these is to frisk everyone irrespective of the protocol and that should include the Union ministers (barring the President and the Prime Minister).
Bidyut Chatterjee, Faridabad
