Editor,
Apart from promoting knowledge and understanding on the different dimensions of science that correlate man to his surroundings, educational institutions also serve as a repository of human, social, cultural, ethical and spiritual values, where a person after gaining such values, exhibits them in the form of developed and refined behaviour. This is what makes our educational institutions highly distinctive in earning immense respect and honour among other institutions in the society. Our very own Shillong too is fortunate to have highly promising institutions like St. Anthony’s college, which has, for decades, been a source of knowledge, advocating positive ideas and transforming societies. The college has benchmarked itself as an institution with highly principled values and reputable recognition not only in Shillong but throughout the North-eastern region. A common man like myself unambiguously believes that the premier institute operates with high morale and deploys best practices always.
However, it is shocking and disheartening to learn that recently, the custodian of the college failed to uphold the integrity of the institution and its cherished values. In the recent recruitment for the post of Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics of the college, I too had applied as a candidate for the post. After fulfilling all the criteria and submitting the relevant documents on time, I was astounded when on March 26, 2019 at around 12 noon, I got a call from a lady identifying herself as the staff of the college. She informed me that the college authorities have decided to conduct the written examination for the post on the very next day that is on March 27, 2019 at 9 am sharp. I was further instructed to come and collect the call letter from the college on that same day when I received the call. I could not believe that such a renowned college would be so unprofessional and take matters so casually as to put an applicant at a grave disadvantage. Someone’s career was put at stake and this apparently points to the fact that the college is not serious about the aspiring applicants. How in the world, would it be possible for them to come for the examination within 24 hours time and that too, when some are staying thousands of kilometers away from Shillong? This is totally unacceptable and unethical and an attempt to deliberately obstruct someone’s right to free and fair selection. If such practices continue, the fabric of the historical glory that educational institutions hold will be demolished. As an educational institution that is the torch bearer of society, it is equally important for it to develop a set of judicious policies and best practices that will stand scrutiny and which are for the common good of all.
Yours etc.,
Donald R Mawkhlieng
Mumbai
India an unhappy nation
Editor,
The United Nations’ seventh annual World Happiness Report was released on this year’s World Happiness Day (March 20). The report has measured six variables ~ income, freedom, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity and absence of corruption as they support the well-being of the people. Unfortunately, the World Happiness Reports over the last four years have showcased India’s downfall by as many as 23 ranks from 117 out of 158 countries in 2015 to 140 out of 156 countries in 2019. Indeed, we have been sliding down from 117 in 2015 to 118 in 2016 (down 1 rank) to 122 in 2017 (down 4) to 133 in 2018 (down 11) and now to 140 in 2019 (down 7) in the World Happiness Index.
Growing unemployment which is now at a 45-year high, growing farmer’s distress, growing intolerance and growing inequality in our society have undoubtedly contributed to our growing unhappiness. Now, our position is only better than Afghanistan (at 154th rank) among our neighbouring countries. All other neighbouring countries namely Pakistan (at 67th rank), China (93th), Bhutan (95th), Nepal (100th), Bangladesh (125th), Sri Lanka (130th) and Myanmar (131st) have outscored us in happiness indices.
Nordic countries are known for their welfare economics. They give top priority to the well-being of their citizens including health and education. Naturally, they are as usual at the top of the index. The five Nordic countries got their places among the first ten countries with Finland at the top, Denmark second, Norway third, Iceland fourth and Sweden taking the seventh position.
Sometimes, we blame it on overpopulation for our not doing well for the welfare of the people. But we must not fail to notice that the Netherlands with a much higher population density (488 per square kilometre) than India’s (382 per square kilometre) has achieved 5th rank in the World Happiness Index and 10th rank in the Human Development Index whereas we have relegated to 140th and 130th rank respectively in these two indices.
Growth can be counterproductive if it is unequal. Unequal growth is bound to cause rift and unhappiness in a society. According to the 2018 Oxfam report, the top 1 per cent of India’s richest people have increased their wealth by 39 per cent as compared to just 3 per cent increase in wealth among the bottom half of the population.
Things have come to such a pass in our country that while the top one per cent have got 51.53 per cent of the national wealth, the bottom 60 per cent have only 4.8 per cent of it! The Oxfam International Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said, “If this obscene inequality between the top 1 per cent and the rest of India continues, it will lead to a complete collapse of the social and democratic structure of this country.” To add insult to injury, a section of political and media players are trying to vitiate the atmosphere with hatred and distrust. We need immediate policy review to arrest jobless and unequal growth by ensuring social security and employment and drive away hatred and distrust from the political and media narrative.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Via email