Editor,
They are really great who can inspire others. Usually, ordinary people look up to the influential and public figures for inspiration. Therefore, it is very good if public figures set good examples. The world is in chaos not because of ordinary people but because those in high places hardly care to show the right path. What big people do is blindly copied by the small people down the line.
Last week the people across the country have drawn much inspiration from none other than the IAS officers of our own state. The photo of Mr Ram Singh, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, had gone viral on the net. People soulfully appreciated his carrying vegetables and groceries in a typical Garo basket. The renowned journalist Patricia Mukhim as well writes a thought-provoking article titled satirically as – “Administrators with a difference: too few to bring the change” (ST, Sept 27, 2019). Many posted this inspiring picture of IAS Ram Singh with wife and their baby on their respective FB walls. It all goes to show how sincerely the public receives a good thing from those who wield power. Well, when the planet is going to get parched from the rising heat, the conscious gestures of conservationist administrators certainly stand outs and they all send out the healing message. Of course, it takes the strength of integrity and conviction to shed the garb of ostentation and luxuries. In spite of having a number of help maids at his command, Ram Singh and his wife have chosen to walk 10 km to bring home the weekly groceries and greens. Needless to say, this picture has made a significant impact on the general public.
Equally important and quoted by Patricia Mukhim is another bold IAS officer – Swapnil Tembe. This is another example of becoming a true human “first” to effectively deal with the public. Mr. Swapnil humbly requested his subordinate officers to be gentle in the tone and tenor of their voices. That means ones must be soft, kind, approachable. When we learn to speak in a gentle tone, our negative ego automatically shrinks back. So, those who speak humbly can hardly be unkind and uncaring. Kudos to Mr Swapnil Tembe for this inspiring move! Of course, through gentle and caring attitudes alone can our bureaucrats bring the people together to work together and get the piles of work done with ease. The “gentle tone” is a great lubricant indeed !
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Confusion on the term single use plastics
Editor,
Through the columns of your newspaper I want to get some clarification regarding the ban on plastic because till now the authorities concerned viz, KHADC & the MDA government have not specified on the type of plastics that have been banned. The Prime Minister had mentioned clearly about the ban on “single use plastics” only. Since there has been no clarification here in Shillong on this issue people are confused and are of the impression that all types of plastic are banned. Since there are so many daily use items made of plastics, eg – chairs, buckets, Sintex drums etc., I feel it necessary to write and to get a clarification on this issue. If I am not mistaken there is mention from some sources that the ban will be applicable only for plastics which do not conform to a particular thickness measured by the term “MICRONS”. It will be of help to the public if the authorities issue the necessary instruction/clarification in this regard.
Yours etc.,
Dr MMS Kharbudon,
Via email
Editor replies: It is rather mystifying that a doctor would not know what single use plastics are. Surely plastic buckets, chairs, Sintex drums are not discarded after a single use. The Prime Minister has listed out the single use plastic items to be banned beginning October 2. The good doctor might like to read up on what constitutes single use plastics. As a newspaper that is actively campaigning for cleaner rivers and a plastic free environment we believe that responsible citizenship demands that we reduce the use of all forms of plastic packaged goods and refuse plastic carry bags and use cloth bags.
Ban on e-cigarettes
Editor,
In his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked people to shun tobacco and stated that e-cigarettes were banned to prevent the youth from falling into the new way of intoxication. As modern technology continuously strives hard to make our living more comfortable and enjoyable, advanced technology also finds ways to entertain people more at the expense of their health.
There is an increasing use of e-cigarettes, vapes, vape pens and e-hookahs among the youth though the Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) was banned. The doctors have warned of serious consequences if the youth do not stop using these stuffs. Things have assumed enormous proportions to engulf the entire youth in the country. A myth doing the rounds among the youth is that e-cigarettes pose no danger. Like a conventional cigarette, it does not let out an odour as fragrant chemicals are added to it and these chemicals are harmful and pose a health hazard.
The youth are the assets of the nation and if they are not physically and mentally sound, they cannot lead themselves and later they cannot lead a family virtually when the responsibility of leading the family comes on them.
So, all are to be aware of the ill effects of the Electronic Nicotine Delivery System which has taken a heavy toll on the youth of this country. It is the responsibility of those who are aware of this to wean the youth off this health hazard.
Yours etc.,
TK Nandanan,
Via email