Editor,
The government and citizenry have been distracted in the last few weeks with dramatic events in Meghalaya. Even Covid has been relegated to the backburner. Children are all but forgotten. Several states all over the country have opened or will soon be opening educational institutions, including Tripura from August 23 and Assam from September 1. But Meghalaya, who knows when?
The first few years of a child’s life are critical for their cognitive development. Insufficient mental stimulation during this formative stage will handicap a child for life. Covid has had a direct effect because of closure of schools, nurseries, and playgrounds depriving young brains of the social and psychological development that is so important for success in later life.
A recent study from the US shows that children affected by the pandemic have significantly reduced verbal and coordination skills, and overall lower intelligence. Apart from missing out on the learning at school, the home environment not only provides insufficient stimulation but there is also heightened stress because of the pandemic. Children in well-off families who have learning devices and internet connectivity may not lose much. It is children in poor families that will severely lag behind in their development. In the study conducted by Brown University, a top Ivy League institution, the IQ of young children tumbled from 100 to 78, with children from lower socio-economic groups showing the greatest fall.
An open letter from IIT professors, pediatricians, public health specialists, lawyers and economists to the chief ministers of three states: Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra, was published in many newspapers and news magazines. The letter urged the opening of schools and included the following quote: “Scientific evidence indicates that reopening with safeguards is possible. Schools are open in 170 countries. In July 2021, UNICEF and UNESCO stated that schools should be the last to close and the first to open. There is evidence that pre-primary and primary schools are at the lowest risk and should be prioritised before schools for older age groups.” The eminent virologist, Dr Gagandeep Kang of CMC, Vellore declared in an interview with India Today, that it is time to open schools.
I am happy that our education minister has advised the opening of educational institutions. But decision-making in Meghalaya is slow as usual.
Yours etc.,
Glenn C. Kharkongor,
Via email
On easing COVID restrictions
Editor,
This time we know about life more clearly than ever before. Death is just one step away from healthy respiration. If our lungs and hearts cannot inhale the fresh air from outside, we are gone! What we must understand is that our life on earth is vulnerable to various external forces over and above the internal biology. Sickness itself is “impermanent.” COVID 19 has emerged to ram home this very point.
True, the Wuhan virus has virtually broken the back of the global economy. It has also given a big jolt to civilization. Not just that, it has virtually deflated our egos; it has shrunken our arrogance! Have our modern technologies not completely failed to save our beloved relatives and friends during this pandemic? Of course, the government left no stone unturned to keep each citizen as safe and healthy as possible. It consistently reminds us through phone messages that we must follow all COVID protocols with maximum alertness, though many of us don’t heed these warnings.
At times I feel these diktats are only for the common people. Don’t we see some state governments holding public events every now and again. Some public leaders are moving around without masks. How do we describe this? Those who make the laws should not be the first to break them.
One wonders why it is so “very essential” to celebrate Independence Day, as we are most likely to get infected with the virulent virus. Our achieved freedom cannot now be taken away by the British. But if I may say so the “social gatherings” are more dangerous. Why don’t we put off all kinds of gatherings, social festivities, and celebrations until we are fully able to defeat the virus? The ways people went around on Independence Days in some states sends a chill down the spine. Thank God, in Meghalaya, we had a very subdued Independence Day celebration. More lockdown relaxation means more vulnerability to the virus variants. So extra caution must be taken even if we have taken the both COVID vaccine doses.
Of course, we can no longer ignore the essential business activities —- particularly that involve the weaker sections of people. The Government has taken the right decision by easing restrictions in the city. The continuous lockdowns have caused tremendous hardship to underprivileged communities. For them, the government needs to lift the restriction/lockdown but not for the celebration of festivals or social and religious events. God will continue to shower His blessings even if we abstain from participating in religious gatherings. God may not help those who sing hollow prayers by risking their lives. What has come down now may go up again if we do not learn from our past mistakes.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Army becomes gender-sensitive
Editor,
The Indian Army recently approved the promotion of five women officers to the rank of colonel. The decision to grant permanent commission to women officers from different branches of the Indian Army expounds the Indian Army’s approach towards a gender-neutral army. The Indian Army was compelled to consider a permanent commission for women officers in the military. It had to increase the gender inclusivity of the armed forces as well. As a result,147 more women were granted permanent commission this year. Earlier, another 277 had been selected .
Efforts to increase the representation of women in the armed forces of India have been ongoing for a long time. This development heralds a change in the Indian Army’s views on women’s capability for doing tasks in the armed forces. India is a nation with 1.3 million active troops and another 960,000 reserve troops in the armed forces. However, there are only 1672 women officers in the armed forces. It must be noted that none of these women officers were given commission in any combat corps. It is a fact that women are not allowed any combat roles in the Indian Army. Combat roles and command positions are denied to women on the grounds that women and society are not ready for such a development. Further, women’s body structure, male soldiers’ objection to women officers in command positions, challenges of motherhood and childcare are some arguments against allowing women officers combat roles.
We must get rid of our misconceptions and deep-rooted stereotypes about the capabilities and expertise of women, especially women officers in the army. The Indian Army must acknowledge the need to give women more representation. Women must be accepted as women and they must never be expected to behave like men. Although they have their own limitations, they have their own capabilities and skills. Women can demonstrate their competence in doing different tasks in the armed forces. On the other hand, they cannot control and lead men. Societal attitudes, in particular, the army’s attitude to women must change.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Kollam