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.
Safety of Muslims
In the latest nightmare story, a school teacher in an Uttar Pradesh school harassed a seven-year-old Muslim student by asking his classmates to slap him and asking for him to be evicted due to his religion. The video that went viral last week showed the teacher encouraging other students to slap the Muslim child harder. This is another black spot on the so-called face of secular India. In India of today, no Muslim is really safe or secure in terms of his or her life or property.
That ‘Shining India’ is no more is a given; what is frightening is how easily Hindutva fascism has found takers across the country and abroad, specifically among non-resident Indians (NRIs). Pakistan has raised its voice as a neighbouring country against what is happening in India but it has received very little support from the rest of the world. In many ways, this simply exposes the hypocrisy of the West. How long can Muslim and other minority communities in India continue to live on in the fear that by just existing they may be offending a supremacist force that seems to have taken over the nation’s collective psyche?
When on the one hand you are landing on the moon while on the other your country’s children are being assaulted just for their faith, there is a sharp disconnect within. Those Indians not fascinated by Narendra Modi and mongers of nationalism need to rethink where their country is headed. The country is being distracted by the preachers of Hindutva from the secularist path chosen by leaders of the Independence Movement like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Negative influence
Drama is watched by many families, including children. Pakistani dramas in the past decade have contained inappropriate content that negatively affects children, wives, and daughters. These dramas spread misconceptions about real life and fictional characters, particularly affecting the female perspective in domestic life.
The Pakistani drama industry must take responsibility for the content they produce and ensure it is suitable for all age groups. The media has a duty to promote positive values and ethics in society.
FAHAD AHMAD
Peshawar
Healthy
eating lifestyle
In today’s fast-paced world, adopting a healthy eating lifestyle may seem like a daunting task. However, the significance of prioritizing our dietary habits cannot be underestimated. Beyond physical fitness, a balanced diet profoundly impacts our mental clarity, energy levels and overall quality of life.
Healthy eating isn’t synonymous with restriction; it’s about fostering a positive relationship with food. Incorporating a variety of fresh produce, lean proteins, whole grains and beneficial fats provide essential nutrients that boost immunity, support cognitive function and strengthen our hearts. This approach also reduces the risk of chronic ailments, contributing to long-lasting well-being. In the face of convenient but less nutritious options, it’s crucial to remember that our food choices affect not only personal health but also the environment. Opting for sustainably sourced foods and curbing food waste align our well-being with the planet.
Arming ourselves with nutritional knowledge empowers us to make wise decisions amidst a sea of information. By relishing home-cooked meals and savouring each bite consciously, we can cultivate a culture where wholesome eating is within everyone’s reach. As we invest in our present health, we lay the foundation for a healthier future.
ALI AMIR
Lahore
50% off on students travel
In recent years, the pursuit of education has become a journey of dedication and sacrifice for many students across Pakistan. The commendable endeavour to seek knowledge often involves traversing great distances, as students travel far and wide to access quality education. However, the looming spectre of growing inflation threatens to make this noble pursuit an insurmountable challenge. To safeguard the future of countless aspiring scholars, it is imperative for both the government and travel agencies to collaborate and offer substantial discounts of at least 50% on travel fares.
Education is the cornerstone of progress and ensuring its accessibility to all strata of society is not just a moral obligation but also a strategic imperative for a nation’s development. Students who undertake arduous journey to receive education should not be burdened further by exorbitant travel costs. By offering significant discounts on travel fares, the government and travel agencies can alleviate the financial strain on students and their families, making education a more attainable goal.
In a country where a considerable portion of the population lives below the poverty line, the impact of inflation on everyday expenses is profound. By stepping in to provide substantial travel discounts, the government can demonstrate its commitment to nurturing human capital, empowering youth and fostering a brighter future for Pakistan.
PEHLAJ KUMAR
Khairpur, Sindh
