Articles and letters may be edited for clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all stakeholders. However, the content of these writings does not necessarily correspond to the opinions of the newspaper.
The reverse of democracy
Things may not be what they seem in the electoral world, where people choose their leaders. Think of a big show, like a fair, where the most important people are the powerful and the rich. They perform tricks like the stars of a show. They can change sides and planes as easily as acrobats swing from one bar to another. In this show, each political party has its own “jockey” and “backers”, like people who bet on horses in a race.
People in everyday life are like those who watch a horse race and hope that their favorite horse will win. But since they have more horses in the race, the elite always wins. People put their dreams on one horse, thinking it will improve their lot. But most of the time in this high-stakes game, they don’t win. Politicians make big promises and talk during elections, making them seem like a carnival. People are eager to see the show, but leaders often break their vows after the show is over and the winner is named. It’s like watching a funny or sad story come to life. People are like spectators of this political spectacle. They watch, applaud and wait for something to happen.
Democracy, in which the people choose their leaders, can sometimes seem like a dream. Whatever happens, the powerful behind the scenes ensure that they remain in charge. Even if a new boss takes over, the show goes on and people are still waiting for real change. It’s time for real political change in which everyone’s opinion counts. People want a government that works for them and their goals. It’s time for normal people to be the stars of the show instead of just watching. Let’s make voting a true celebration of freedom and let everyone have a say in how the country is run.
AMNA KHAN
Islamabad
The dilemma of the college teaching intern
The Government of Punjab – Department of Higher Education – hires College Teaching Interns (CTI) – in different colleges of Punjab – every year to fill the shortage of teaching staff. CTIs (College Teaching Interns) are hired for an entire academic session: 5 to 6 months. While this is a commendable step on the part of the Punjab government, some pertinent issues remain to be resolved.
First of all, the problem lies in the name: CTI (College Teaching Intern); which made the CTI a ridiculous character in society. As the criterion for getting a seat in a CTI post is a master’s degree in a relevant subject with no age limit. Therefore, graduates in various subjects apply for teaching.
They work as a lecturer in a relevant subject – in the absence of a permanent lecturer – but at the end of the session they obtain a certificate of acceptance from the CTI which, in any other institution, only depends luck or reference. Majority of graduates: 40 or 50 years old but still practicing the CTI profession.
Second, the question of remuneration: 45,000 per month; which are paid to the CTI at the end of the entire 5 to 6 month session. Consequently, CTIs remain unsuitable among all permanent staff. Because permanent staff receive their salaries on time – every month – while CTIs must remain at the mercy of the Creator throughout this period.
Third, there is no fixed timeline for hiring CTIs. Usually, they are hired in October or November each year. While the academic session begins in August – after the summer vacation. The irony is that during this two to three month period – until CTIs are hired each year – students remain at the mercy of the college management.
While the mathematics teacher teaches history, the English teacher teaches chemistry, the physics teacher often teaches Urdu and Pakistani studies, due to the shortage of teachers.
ASIF MEHMOOD
Attack
What’s in a name?
In an unprecedented twist, the name “India” has been replaced with “Bharat” on the exclusive official dinner invitations of the Indian government. The name “India” evokes a lot of respect globally and has an indelible “brand value” among the comity of nations. As far as Indians are concerned, India is Bharat and Bharat is India.
If we start changing our name, there will be no end to it. Just like the English language, the word “India” is deeply rooted in Indian society and culture. Every Indian identifies with it. If we start eliminating everything that has foreign roots, we will have to stop drinking tea, eating potatoes and chili peppers.
Can Indians live without tea, potatoes and chili peppers? In the same way, Indians cannot live without “India”. We have a 76-year history of internalizing the word “India” as a free, independent, diverse and multilingual nation. The word “India” is as foreign as the word “Hindu”. Both were invented by foreigners. Etymologically, both refer to the Indus River, or Sindhu, which is now mainly found in Pakistan. What’s so bad about being named after a river, especially if Indians today have an emotional and mythical attachment?
If we only had one name – India – we could even argue about changing it. But we already have both names. It is a tribute to our ability to live with multiple identities, even if they sometimes conflict.
The name “India” was mentioned in the Old Testament in the Book of Esther of the Holy Bible (Chapter 1, verse 1). The British government didn’t give it to us: “These events occurred during the time of King Xerxes, who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia…”. This book was written 20,000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. What does the Modi government have to say about this?
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
Inflation
I am writing this letter to make higher authorities aware of the suffering of the laity. The subject is known to everyone, it is the burning issue between the government and the people, it is inflation. Inflation is increasing day by day, prices are getting higher and higher but salaries are the same as before. The poor are getting poorer and poorer. The price of gasoline has increased in recent days. Middle class people face huge problems in shopping. Tuition fees have been increased and it is gradually becoming impossible for white-collar workers to send their children to school. People are unemployed, which becomes a source of suicide attempts. The children of the poor have become victims of an inferiority complex. Every common man is suffering from this continuous increase in prices of basic commodities. Car and taxi fares have risen due to rising gas prices, making it difficult for people to travel. It is now high time that the authorities assume certain responsibilities towards the poor, “their people need them”. This inflation must be controlled, otherwise it will destroy us or we will face a huge loss of some impulsive adults.
YUSRA.M.ASLAM
By email