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The digital dilemma
The Digital Dilemma: leaves us in a quandary, it has many benefits on the other hand it also has some drawbacks. In today’s era the internet has been a powerful source it helps in many ways like, it connected the world, one of the biggest advantages is that if anybody has a problem so he can use internet to find the solution of that problem, it also helps in cooking, learning, students are getting extractive knowledge etc.
It also has some drawbacks like privacy hackers can hack the pass code of anybody’s personal information, it also creates unrealistic situations, Cyber bullying and online harassment, spreading of incorrect information is common.
If the internet is the source of finding a solution to your problem, it is harmful for us. Some use it for good purposes, some for bad. It is evolving day by day. I have a question for you: Nowadays we are using it, but in future will it be using us?
IBRAHIM YOUNAS
Islamabad
Unyielding resilience
This is the “real story” revolving around the unfathomable struggle, unique way of earning honest livelihood (in context of the fairer sex) and impeccable philosophical take on life of Tumpa Das, aged 29 – – in charge of burning dead bodies in a Greater Kolkata crematorium.
Following the untimely death of her father, then 20-year-old Das took up his crematorium duties so as to sustain her family consisting of mother and young school-going siblings. And for almost a decade, she remains engaged in the 8 am- 8 pm job and yes with a big smile in face! Despite considered “untouchable” and almost ostracised in the neighbourhood for her “sin” of rendering one of the most essential indispensable service under the sky without which the Hindu society would turn standstill; yet she continued to walk with head held high and ready to sacrifice even marriage interests as her prospective in-laws will not allow her to continue in the present job and surely she is shunning matrimonial proposals to continue her contribution to her vulnerable family!
And most importantly she says it with such a philosophical way without expressing any sort of frustration! What a unique respect to the job which provides her bread and butter along with impeccable sense of accountability towards her family! What a sharp contrast to the folks much privileged than her, always in a mode of complaining revolving around unending desires of money, fame, career and luxuries!
These “never to get satisfied” folks, immersed in all norms of consumerism, must learn the essence of life from the relentless daily honest struggle which souls like Tumpa Das have to undergo throughout life just to survive and sustain their families and that too by maintaining such a poise. By professionally negotiating with the dead, Das teaches us the meaning of life.
KAJAL CHATTERJEE
Kolkata, India
Act now for climate justice
The discussions at COP29 reveal the glaring disparity between the global north’s commitments and the urgent climate needs of vulnerable nations like Pakistan.
Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Pakistan suffers from devastating climate impacts such as catastrophic floods and extreme heat waves. It’s disheartening that prior pledges for climate finance remain largely unmet, with the new Loss and Damage Fund offering only a fraction of what’s necessary.
The call by Senator Sherry Rehman for binding financial commitments highlights the need for justice-driven policies. COP29 must go beyond diplomatic posturing and ensure actionable climate justice for frontline nations like Pakistan, making funds accessible and impactful. The time to act decisively is now, before the damage becomes irreversible.
TASNEEM YOUSUF
Karachi
