Chemical ripening, a scourge
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) is reported to have recently destroyed two tonne of the popular variety of Velchi bananas chemically ripened by the use of the banned chemical ethephon. This is a serious violation of food laws. Cases are not rare where other fruits, like mangoes, have also been similarly ripened by banned chemicals. Such methods of ripening fruits were unheard of in the past. Fruits were always ripened in hay, which ensured safety and taste. Chemical ripening of fruits is now done by fruit dealers for quick ripening and quick profits, no matter what harm it causes to people. The police should investigate the source of supply of these banned chemicals to the fruit dealers. Further, what is disturbing is that these incidents happen very frequently and brazenly, defying the laws with impunity. The FDA deserves to be complimented for carrying out the raids and seizing such fruits. But what is more important is what action is taken against the culprits and what punishment is given. Just imposing petty fines is hardly a remedy for the problem. Poisoning the fruits chemically is injurious to the health and life of innocent consumers. It is a very serious offence, and the authorities should not only cancel the trade licences of the culprits but also imprison them. If the present laws lack genuine force or effectiveness, they should be changed by the government to stricter and more exemplary ones that will achieve the intended purpose.
Rodney de Souza, Assagao
Irreparable loss
Pope Francis was an embodiment of compassion, love, and humility. He was an adored religious leader and a most loved human being, par excellence. He served as an ambassador for the poor and needy. Though he was the uncrowned monarch of the Vatican City, we never found him exhibiting power at any time or enjoying a luxurious life. His frequent visits to the slums to serve the poor, jails to comfort the prisoners, and fight for the rights of the underprivileged, along with his continuous efforts to stop the wars, marked his Papacy. His compassionate gestures have served as great solace to those who became victims of the ongoing wars, and the recommendations he made to other rich nations to give asylum to them proved beyond doubt that he was indeed a true disciple of Lord Jesus and a strict follower of his teachings. In short, Pope Francis led the life of a real saint, and his loss is irreparable, not only to the Catholic community but to humanity in its entirety. It is unfortunate that we have lost Pope Francis at a time when the world needs him the most. May his noble soul rest in peace.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
On habitable earth
The most precious treasure people have in common is the earth. Human beings are living on earth as if they have another one to go to in times of crisis. Natural resources like air, water, wind, energy, paper, and fuel have to be used with prudence. The earth is not there to be conquered; it is there to be loved and respected for peaceful coexistence with humankind. A study has shown that the pressure exerted on the planet has doubled in the last fifty years, while the rich natural resources have declined by more than thirty percent. Adding to the earth’s burden are deforestation, wildlife destruction, air pollution, and chemical waste. And people are paying a heavy price. Man has polluted the earth and nature; it is his own duty to work towards its rectification. Waste recycling, water treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and water recycling are steps in the right direction. Some trouble taken, some sacrifices made today shall hold future generations in good stead. After all, it is “our power, our planet.”
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Disrespect for Hindi
Hindi, being an official language, ought to hold the highest position in the educational structure across the country. Yet, it is extremely perplexing that Maharashtra has decided to introduce Hindi in English-Marathi medium schools merely as a third language. If it truly possesses official status, why isn’t it the primary language throughout India? Introducing Hindi after seventy-seven years of independence is a silent admission that Hindi has still been overlooked. Moreover, if Hindi is an official language, why is it being made mandatory only from classes 1 to 5? Why should it not be taught at all levels, including primary, secondary, and higher education? This decision is, in fact, not a promotion of Hindi. It merely grants it delayed formal recognition, which highlights flaws and contradictions in the policy.
Qeyamuddin Ansari, Mumbai
