Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Ragging
After seeing off our 18-year-old son at the railway station, as we enter our home, a huge vacuum seems to engulf us! Though engaged in official or domestic work, still the subsequent 3-4 days get spent in a state of numbness as if nothing exists in the world; though we know that our son is well and safe and we would again meet after 3-4 months!
In contrast Swapnadeep would never ever return to the laps of his hapless parents! Neither natural causes of cancer nor a stroke of thunderbolt which are almost unavoidable; rather the 18-year-old Swapnadeep has met absolute artificial man-made death, rather turned victim of a cold-blooded murder (compelling somebody to take suicidal steps is also nothing but murder in every practical sense)!
Did the parents of Swapnadeep raise their child with a lot of love and sacrifice to send him to “gallows” i.e. hostel of “ELITE” institution where his dream and flame of life can be extinguished brutally by the sponsors of ragging! Today as the father of an 18-year-old son, I can understand what a razing storm is blowing through the devastated hearts of the parents of Swapnadeep!
The self-appointed guardians of “acclimatising the juniors with college culture” should be awarded exemplary punishment so that they think twice before indulging in cowardice called ragging. Senior students indulging in ragging their juniors should not only be put behind bars, they should be expelled from the institute concerned and also barred from enrolling in any other educational institution in the country.
The rise in incidents of ragging has exposed the flaws in the education system which might be successful in churning out academically brilliant students, but has failed to inculcate the right values in them. Educationists and policy-makers should now think of providing stress on value-based, instead of career-based education.
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
Tech infused learning
In the realm of education, technology stands as a guiding light, illuminating new pathways to learning. Today, technology is more than just a tool; it’s a dynamic force that’s shaping how we acquire knowledge.
Modern classrooms have been transformed by the integration of technology. Computers, tablets, and smart-boards have become essential companions for both students and teachers. They enable interactive lessons, making learning engaging and participatory. Digital resources provide a treasure trove of information, accessible at the click of a button, enhancing research and exploration.
E-earning platforms have brought education beyond the classroom walls. Online courses allow learners to acquire new skills and knowledge from anywhere, fitting into busy schedules and accommodating diverse learning styles. Virtual classrooms connect students and teachers across the globe, fostering a global community of learners.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) lend a personalized touch to education. AI-driven algorithms analyze individual learning patterns, adapting lessons to suit each student’s pace and style.
This fosters a more effective and customized learning experience, enhancing comprehension and retention. While technology has revolutionized education, it also raises considerations. Balancing screen time with physical activity, addressing potential distractions and ensuring equal access to technology are crucial aspects that educators and policymakers navigate.
The landscape of education continues to evolve, driven by the continuous advancement of technology. As we step into this bright future, harnessing the potential of tech-infused education can open doors to endless possibilities, preparing learners for a world that thrives on knowledge and innovation.
M ARSAL NAEEM
Rawalpindi
Independence tragedy
The jubilant atmosphere of Independence Eve celebrations was shattered by a horrifying incident that left two individuals dead and 85 others injured due to reckless aerial firing. The joyful occasion quickly turned into a nightmare as bullets rained down, claiming the lives of two innocent individuals. Authorities confirmed that the victims were struck by stray bullets from the irresponsible aerial firing. An asleep man and a passerby woman got killed. Who is responsible for these killings?
The tragic event raises urgent concerns about the safety measures in place during public gatherings. It is excruciating to acknowledge that such incidents have become an annual occurrence, shedding a grim light on the lack of proper safety measures and regulatory oversight. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this grave issue and prevent any further loss of life and injuries during future celebrations.
The loss of lives and injuries that occurred during this Independence Eve celebration is a stark reminder that urgent action is required. We cannot allow such incidents to become routine and acceptable. I implore all the relevant authorities to take comprehensive steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of citizens who gather to commemorate our nation’s independence.
PEHLAJ KUMAR
Khairpur, Sindh
Box letter
Dengue threat alarm
According to recent entomological reports, an alarming increase in the population of dengue larvae during the monsoon season, urgent measures are required to prevent the situation from worsening significantly. The warm and humid climate, which is only getting more severe each year, provides a conducive environment for the proliferation of both the mosquito population and the dengue virus. Therefore, it is essential to adapt and take holistic measures at the government, collective and individual level to ensure dengue prevention and control. A consistent increase is to be witnessed in the coming weeks if immediate and proactive measures are not employed. It is imperative that there be regular inspection of surroundings for potential mosquito breeding sites, elimination of standing water and stagnant containers where Aedes mosquitoes may lay their eggs. Strict measures should be taken to identify and clearance of potential breeding sites on an urgent basis. Elimination of potential breeding spots must be the focus in order to disrupt the mosquito life cycle, and given that this is a yearly occurrence, there really should not be any excuses on part of authorities to tackle this issue.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
