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Hans India
5 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 14th Aug 2025
Releasing timely pension best gift for freedom fighters This is in response to the article headlined 'Bandi Sanjay orders swift action on freedom fighters' pensions and enemy properties' (THI, August 13). I strongly commend this decision, as it assures justice for our freedom fighters besides ensuring responsible management of national assets. Considering that over 26,000 pension cases are pending, the August 31 deadline to clear all of them is not just administrative efficiency but also a moral duty and a thanksgiving gesture to those who gave us our freedom. The parallel action on enemy properties is equally commendable. Swift pensions and transparent property management together reflect a governance that respects history while securing the nation's future, which is a step every citizen should support. Nooreen Fatima, St Francis College for Women, Hyderabad Organ donation must be encouraged The statistics that emerged on the International Organ Donation Day (August 13) make for dismal news in the Indian context. It is startling that there are only 0.65 donors for every 10-lakh people, whereas it is an overwhelming 30 in Spain and Croatia. Even more tragically alarming is that 15 persons die for want of organs every day. This is a sorry state-of-affairs when we consider the significant strides India is making in the field of medicine and organ transplantation. According to one estimation, approximately two lakh people are waiting for kidney transplantation, and 50k each for liver and heart transplantation. Transplantation among women is very poor vis-à-vis organ donations. A brain-dead person can give life to eight persons if his/her organs are transplanted to those battling for life. There is a need to spread awareness about this humanitarian act, as a measure to curtail organ harvesting rackets. Pratapa Reddy Yaramala, Tiruvuru (AP) Spread awareness about organ donations This has reference to the article 'Raising awareness about importance of organ donation'. Every August 13 is a reminder to one and all about the need for organ donation. It is a gift that offers hope to patients and their family. It is an astounding fact that over three lakh patients in India are looking for Good Samaritan organ donors. I feel medical authorities must educate masses on how to donate organs and thereby save lives, which would be a praiseworthy noble act. G Murali Mohan Rao, Secunderabad-11 Lending a humane touch to World Elephant Day I sincerely appreciate the great initiative undertaken by the Nehru Zoological Park. (Nehru zoo celebrates World Elephant Day with spl. feasts for jumbo inmates-THI). It was heart-touching to read about the special care and attention given to four elephants-Vanaja, Asha, Sita and Vijay. Specially prepared cakes, a 'jumbo feast' and a refreshing three-km walk around the premises epitomise the staff's dedication and genuine concern for animals. By providing a safe environment for their inmates, the zoo serves as a powerful educational platform. These actions help to foster a sense of responsibility and empathy for animals, which in the long-term will be very helpful. Suraiyya Asad, St Francis College for Women, Hyderabad
Hans India
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 11th August 2025
Nothing can match soulful old musical numbers Referringto Dr Mohan Kanda's most relevant and realistic essay on 'Recalling the gold old 'musical days' makes for joyful moments' (THI August 7), I wish to state that I and my husband relish listening to songs by Mohd Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. Though we are not well versed with Hindi, their melodious numbers drive us to tranquillity. As for Telugu songs, the space is insufficient to narrate but, in a nutshell, I can say that the most melodious, mellifluous, and timeless musical hits were from the 1950s to the 1970s. Interlaced with absorbing lyrics and breathtaking music, they are assured of a permanent shelf life. The musical genius of Ghantasala, Saluri, Pendyala, Leela, Suseela, Jikki and Janaki and Karnataka musicians like Mangalampalli, Nudunuri, Nukala remain etched in the hearts of music lovers. Moreover, music has successfully been used during therapy sessions to help the physically and mentally ill to recover fast. N Ramalakshmi,Secunderabad Give Adivasis their due Apropos 'The unseen faith…' it is great to see some space given to the Adivasi community in The Hans India', otherwise they are just regarded as a vote bank by the politicians. The percentage of Hindus to the total population would be drastically reduced, if Adivasis are not counted as Hindus. The Adivasis have been traditionally the most exploited people in the nation. Under the guise of development, their lands have been taken over by the state for a pittance and those living on lands with mineral resources are made to sign off their rights for almost nothing. Activists fighting for their rights were dubbed 'naxals' and hunted down by the state. Fearing conversion by Christian missionaries, the RSS has been doing some work among the Adivasis and would like them to be counted as Hindus, even though they follow no Hindu deities and practices. We like to think of ourselves as more civilized and advanced than the Hindus and go ahead and decimate their forests and poison their wellsprings, while they worship trees and animals in the firm belief that there exists a connection between humans, animals and trees. Had we been able to adopt their religion, the world would have been a better place than it is, as of now! Anthony Henriques,Mumbai Empowering tribal communities through education ProfSathupati Prasanna Sree's work in preserving tribal languages and promoting education is truly inspiring. Her creation of scripts for 19 endangered languages and proficiency in 22 languages is a testament to her dedication. As Vice-Chancellor of Adikavi Nannaya University, she has taken significant initiatives to improve infrastructure, promote inclusivity, and provide skill development opportunities to the community. I wholeheartedly agree with her that education is the key to uplift tribals and preserving their unique cultural legacy. Her work is a shining example of how education can empower communities and preserve their heritage. Rayudu Vijayalakshmivia email Hobbies promote overall wellness Hobbies are known to boost productivity and wellness. Our day to day lives have become so hectic that we are hardly finding any time to pursue hobbies or interests. Hobbies can vary from person to person. Investing time in our simple hobbies, at least one hour every week can make one happy and cheerful. Hobbies can be anything-writing a short story, a beautiful poem, painting, drawing, singing or strumming your favourite musical instrument. Getting involved in our hobbies are known to take our minds away from deadlines and targets, while they can foster creativity and enhance our mental well-being. A redeeming feature is that we need not boast about them and try for validation from others. It is something very deeply satisfying and keeps us going in this highly competitive world. One should make time for seeking solitude and take to gardening or playing your favourite sport. We are all so weighed down by our work pressures. Pursuing the hobby can make a world of difference to us. Parimala Tadas,Hyderabad-50
Hans India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 26th July 2025
Rahul certification is no Oscar or Nobel, Mr Revanth Reddy This is in reference to 'Revanth pushes for 42% BC quota'(THI, July 25). I am intrigued by the Catch-22 situation that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy finds himself in as regards proving 42 per cent reservation for BCs in education, employment and local body elections. Honouring this has become inevitable for his government as it is a promise made by Rahul Gandhi at the Kamareddy public meeting held in September 2023, in the run-up to the Assembly elections. However, it is not easy to get approval for 42 percent reservation for BCs, as the onus is on the NDA-led central government. If Revanth Reddy fails to accomplish it, then he, his 'mentor' and the Congress party will lose the trust of the BCs. This apart, Reddy has coined an acronym RaRe (Rahul and Revanth) and an abbreviation SEEEPC (Social, Education, Employment, Economic, Political, Caste) for his survey. He gave a power point presentation to the party functionaries in Delhi, for which he was given a letter of appreciation. He feels as if it is equivalent to an Oscar or the Nobel Prize. To me it looks like narcissism and sycophancy. Being a junior, one must be loyal but not stoop too low as flattery could lead the system towards destruction. The 42 per cent reservation for BCs will an acid test for Revanth Reddy, who is stranded between the devil and the deep sea. Dr. Venkat Yadav Avula State spokesperson MASS India-UK FTA is welcome news It is with reference to the news 'India, UK ink historic FTA' (THI July 25). While the US-India trade relationship faces significant challenges with tariffs and market access, India's Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with the UK is a well-timed move. The free trade agreement will primarily reduce import duties, potentially making certain British goods are affordable for India's consumers and businesses. While some sectors like automobiles are seeing reduced tariffs, there are also concerns about potential impacts on domestic industries and job losses due to increased competition. The agreement may bring huge benefits to both countries and in the process boost wages and raise the living standards. Beyond reducing tariffs, it facilitates smoother customs processes, enhances mobility and creates new opportunities in government procurement and digital trade. Careful monitoring and proper implementing of the agreement is crucial to ensure that the benefits are maximised. P. Victor Selvaraj, Tirunelveli-627002 FTA is a major boost for Indian industry As India and U.K. ink a comprehensive Free Trade Pact (FTA) that promises to reshape trade, talent exchange and industrial collaboration between the two nations is historic because it will give big fillip to bilateral trade that would accrue a substantial revenue to us annually. At a time, when global economies are recalibrating trade agreements, this pact will provide strategic advantage to both nations besides coming as a boon to Indian manufactures and exporters. By and large, granting zero duty access of tariff to virtually the entire trade value, it is certain to go a long way in giving a boost to MSME enterprises, the backbone of rural and semi-urban economies. Additionally, exempting Indian workers and employers from social security contributions in U.K. for three years will help to play big in global trade and goes to show that the pact opens the doors for Indian professionals to access one of the world's most advanced service economies. K R Srinivasan, Secunderabad-3 India stands to gain from FTA with UK the bilateral trade between India and the United Kingdo is set to get a more than $34 billion annual boost over the long-term following their free trade agreement, with leaders from the two countries calling it a 'historic' deal. Both sides had finalised the trade pact in May after three years of intense negotiations — marked by thorny issues such as visas, tariff reduction and tax breaks. The talks gained momentum, and the two governments accelerated the pace to seal the deal when U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats sent the world in disarray. India has secured market access in key job-creating sectors such as textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery and marine products — where the UK is set to eliminate duties by up to 20 per cent and eliminating duties for almost 99.7 per cent of tariff lines in India's food sector. New Delhi extracted enhanced market access in export-oriented sectors such as marine and animal products, including seafood, dairy, and meat products, with tariffs reduced to zero from up to 20 per cent. Mani Ramani Jayanthy, Mumbai
Hans India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 11th July 2025
MNS MLA must be punished This refers to the editorial 'Politicians wreaking havoc should be duly punished' (THI July 10). Sadly, Maharashtra is witnessing political highhandedness of Shiv Sena and MNS workers, who are indulging in needless violence either in the name of 'Marathi' language or in the process of intimidating innocent people from other states. The over-focus by the MNS to teach Marathi to others is unnecessary and unwarranted. Its MLA slapping and punching a non-local in the MLA canteen over the quality of 'dal' served there, has brought the reputation of the Shiv Sena and MNS combine several notches down in the public eye. The wanton vandalism of the toll booth showed the rowdy and uncouth behaviour of the opposition in Maharashtra in dismal light; and the government must take to task these lawbreakers so that they would not dare to repeat such acts again. K V Raghuram, Wayanad Publicly humiliate all law-breaking leaders Politicians displaying a troubling disregard for constitutional norms and democratic principles is not only condemnable but is also indicative of a larger political conspiracy due to its inability to reconcile with failures. Recently, the way MNS members are resorting to violence in the name of linguistic pride in an increasingly polarised and identity-driven political climate is deplorable. Similarly, politicians taking law into their lands at the drop of a hat and going on a rampage on a false notion is dangerous. It is time to draw a line and unequivocally warn people triggering mob frenzy. Strict action should include arrests, fast-track trials and publicly damning the perpetrators. The courts, police and civil society must unite in ensuring this does not spiral into another round of violence. Only then, can hate violence and mob violence on one pretext or the other can be put to an end K R Srinivasan, Secunderabad-3 Mandate semi-circular layout of classrooms It is commendable that some schools in Kerala have given up the traditional row-based seating arrangement in favour of a semi-circular layout in classrooms inspired by Vinesh Viswanath's debut Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan. The film portrays school life in a rural setting in Kerala. The time has indeed come to actualise the idea of semi-circular configuration of classrooms to foster friendship and fellowship among students. This innovative adaptation would de-congest the classroom, create a more congenial atmosphere for interaction and learning and enable schools to do without pigeonholing students as 'frontbenchers', 'middle benchers' and 'backbenchers' and students to imbibe the spirit of equality and companionship and camaraderie and value cooperation more than competition. Further, it would do away with getting seats depending on height or supposed brilliance or based on names in alphabetical order. In the new classroom configuration, all students get the teacher's attention in equal measure and no student feels neglected. From now onwards, the governments and private school managements would do well to design and build new schools, keeping in mind creation of enough space for the semi-circular layout of classrooms. G. David Milton, Maruthancode (TN) Identify Nipah cases on urgent basis Patients recovering from Nipah infection, which has become endemic in north Kerala, have been disease-free and without post-infection sequelae thus far. However, two persons continue to be bed-bound in a vegetative state, as an aftermath of Nipah encephalitis. This has cast a gloom on Nipah survivors and is worrying healthcare providers. The unfavourable long-term effect of the infection renders the identification of the source of the dreaded viral infection even more crucial. Dr. George Jacob, Kochi No way to treat history-making women cricketers India's women's cricket team has just made history by winning their first T20 series in England. Alas, what has been the nation's reaction? A passing cheer. Had it been the men's team, headlines would scream the achievement and there would be celebrations on the streets. Why must women work twice as hard for half the recognition? This win isn't just about cricket—it's about respect, equality, and breaking old patterns. The question is: will sponsors and fans now stand behind them—or simply scroll past? If victory abroad doesn't earn lasting support at home, what will? Let's not just clap today. Let's commit to change. Because real progress isn't in trophies—it's in the way we value them. Hasnain Rabbani, Mumbai
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 7th July 2025
Punish all ganja peddlers It is unfortunate that kirana stores are selling ganja chocolates quite openly (THI July 6) 0liberally. This adds to the woes as similar drugs are also available in the market. There is no denying that because of such open availability, there has been an alarming rise in users of banned substances, most of whom turn addicts. The solution is to catch the suppliers, distributors and the sellers, which can be done by the police force. All such criminals should be duly punished immediately on being caught. This will deter many criminals from indulging in the racket. G Murali Mohan Rao,Secunderabad-11 Reunion of Thackerays spells disaster Two extremely sectarian political outfits coming together does not portend well for Mumbai or Maharashtra, for that matter India as a whole. They have consistently demonstrated their extreme views and violated all constitutional norms, just for the sake of gaining political power, irrespective of the means. One should remember that Mumbai has developed into a global city due to the combined efforts of people from all over the country, and not just by the Marathi-speaking locals. It is an undeniable fact. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will now impose parochial policies using coercion and violence. If every non-Hindi speaking State's political leadership adopts this kind of narrow-minded attitude purely on a one language issue, the time would not be far off when the country might get divided on language issues. Already the nation is caught in a divisive spree with Hindutva taking centre stage. If regionalism takes over, then the immediate fallout will be economic chaos, political instability, violence and disintegration of the nation. It would be anarchy in India, if these politicians continue with their policies of political expediency with adoption of absolute regionalism as a weapon to grab power. Govardhana Myneedu,Vijayawada Cut in Onam ration is highly condemnable The news about the Central Government's decision to stop providing Kerala with additional rice and wheat during Onam has expectedly sparked strong protests. This move, particularly discontinuation of the 'tide over' allocation of wheat for non-priority ration cardholders, has put the state and its people in a difficult position. This action evidences Centre's discrimination against states ruled by non-BJP parties. Central assistance is crucial to control price increases during the Onam festival. In a federal system, the Union Government also has the responsibility to ensure a prosperous Onam celebration in Kerala. Evading this responsibility by citing norms and financial reasons should be viewed as neglect towards the people of Kerala. Political leaders, cutting across party lines, must come forward to meet the Prime Minister and explain the gravity of the issue. There needs to be a strong public protest to ensure Kerala receives its rightful share of ration. The discrimination shown by the food department in allocating food grains must end. Padmanabha Suryanarayana,Kochi Telling tale of two words Proponents of Hindutva have turned strident in their demand for the removal of 'socialism' and 'secularism' from the Preamble of the Constitution, in an espousal of the primacy and pre-eminence of one religion and rejection of the notion of equality of religions and repudiation of the socialist ideal of equitable sharing of the country's wealth by all citizens. But then, India is a land of disparate religions, races, languages and cultures and the equation of Hindu nationalism with Indian nationalism does not mirror the country's famed diversity. Ideological heirs of M.S. Golwalkar should clarify if they still share his assessment that the Constitution is 'flawed because it contains nothing of Manusmriti in it' and if they are in favour of restoring or reintroducing hereditary hierarchy. It is a matter of national pride that we have the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble. G David Milton,Maruthancode (TN)
