Letter to THE EDITOR: Lack of hygienic public toilets

Lack of hygienic public toilets

I am writing to express my concern about the lack of hygienic public toilets in our city. In a bustling metropolis like ours, it is disheartening to observe the absence of proper facilities available for the residents. The few existing public toilets are in a deplorable state. Despite the presence of government workers assigned to clean and maintain these facilities, their negligence is evident. It is evident from the sorry state of these toilets that the assigned workers are not fulfilling their responsibilities. Merely passing by these establishments is enough to gauge the unhygienic conditions they are in. While many of us seldom rely on these public toilets, it is distressing to think about the predicament faced by those who have no other choice but to use them. Less privileged individuals who reside by the roadside often lack access to private washrooms and are forced to utilize these public facilities. However, instead of providing relief, these unhygienic conditions pose a greater risk to their health.

The absence of hygienic public toilets not only affects the well-being of our citizens but also has broader implications. As our city continues to grow and attract visitors, it is essential to present a positive image. However, the lack of clean and well-maintained public toilets sends a negative message to tourists and tarnishes the reputation of our city. I request that the concerned authorities take immediate action to address this pressing issue. It is crucial to allocate sufficient resources and manpower for the regular cleaning and upkeep of public toilets. Additionally, measures should be taken to ensure that the assigned workers carry out their duties diligently.

Public awareness campaigns can also play a significant role in promoting cleanliness and hygiene. By educating citizens about their responsibility to maintain public toilets and encouraging them to report any issues, we can foster a sense of ownership and accountability. Furthermore, exploring partnerships with private entities that specialize in sanitation and hygiene management could bring about a substantial improvement. Collaborating with such organizations would ensure access to expertise and resources that can aid in the maintenance and renovation of public toilets. In conclusion, the lack of hygienic public toilets in our city is a matter of great concern. It not only compromises the health and well-being of our residents but also negatively impacts our city’s image. I urge the authorities to address this issue promptly by allocating adequate resources, conducting awareness campaigns, and seeking partnerships to create clean and safe public toilets for all.

Sukriti Goswami,

Cotton University.

HBS stands for ‘Harvard Business School’

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I put my words of appreciation to Virender Kapoor, a noted writer and columnist, who has paid flowing tribute to the present dynamic Chief Minister of Assam in his article titled ‘Assam’s new chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma’, published in The Sentinel on May 17, 2023. I enjoyed the acronym; HBS stands for Harvard Business School. Kapoor has analyzed the various issues concerning the state and the proactive measures taken by the CM to overcome the problems. One feels proud at the skyrocketing popularity of our CM across the country.

Gautam Ganguly,

Guwahati.

Lonely woes

The wisest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself. When loneliness is dissected threadbare, a person understands that the word “loneliness” differs a lot from being “alone”. Being alone allows one to explore the beauty of life, but being lonely is different. Alone, one can achieve much, but loneliness harbours sadness. Also, standing alone can help one discover their inner being, whereas standing alone can smother a person’s creativity. The then British Prime Minister Theresa May made news when she appointed Tracey Crouch as the “Minister for Loneliness” in the UK government a few years ago. The move did not sound unconventional in a country where more than half of the above-75-year-old age group is said to lead a lonely life. Loneliness is a near-social alienation that depicts the danger zone the individual is in because such isolation can trigger serious psychosomatic diseases.

It breeds anxiety, dementia, and depression, among others. Anxiety disorders have made big news of late, with celebrities making no bones about their abnormalities. A broken relationship can lead to crippling loneliness, much more so than the loneliness triggered by being alone. Some studies have said loneliness is as dangerous as, in the long run, smoking 15 cigarettes a day and drinking more than six drinks of alcohol. Though “it’s all in the genes” applies to lonely people, the real roots of their sadness lie in the circumstances. Alcoholism and suicide are linked to loneliness, but some feel lonely hours are the best in life. They have the power to make them stronger, loners say. They are neither unwanted nor unpopular. While group therapies, drug therapy, and pet therapy have been advocated and tried to bring lonely individuals out of their shells, the critical role played by society to help them out cannot be stressed enough.

Dr. Ganapathi Bhat,

(gbhat13@gmail.com.)

Nine yards of grace

Living in modern times, many Indian women prefer western clothing for easy wearing. This includes jeans, trousers, T-shirts, and much more. But traditionally, Indian clothing is entirely and uniquely different from western culture, representing the country’s ancient civilization. With India’s cultural diversity, dynamic history, and rich heritage, there is little doubt that the saree is the most preferred and beautiful attire of Indian women. Sarees have been a traditional and extremely popular outfit for our women from ancient to modern times. A saree of six to nine yards in length, so popular as it is, is worn by women, irrespective of class in society. A saree goes well for all occasions, and it is an amazing attire for social events in particular. When a woman wears a saree for an occasion and walks amongst the party, her head is held high. It is her subliminal announcement of being calmly in control of herself, and often it tugs at the heartstrings of people around her. A saree is the epitome of grace and charm for Indian women and looks absolutely stunning on every occasion. The diverse patterns, fabrics, and colours of sarees represent people’s beliefs, values, and the region they come from. In fact, many international female celebrities like Madonna, Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, and Michelle Obama wore sarees. A saree has always been indispensable and integral to Indian culture, and wearing it is a statement of humility and modesty and a symbol of a deity. Needless to say, a saree is a wonderful craftsmanship that has been a legacy for centuries and is bestowed upon the Indian women of yesteryear, today, and tomorrow.

Ranganathan Sivakumar,

(siva19kumar@gmail.com.)

Stray dogs

Through an article in your newspaper, I would like to draw attention to the issue of stray dogs. My locality has recently noticed a surge in the number of stray dogs. These stray dogs are malnourished, poor beings who sometimes meet their end in a road accident. It is very hard to look at them and not feel an ounce of sympathy. They also suffer greatly from the extreme weather conditions of rainfall when they huddle in a corner. The animal welfare committee can help provide these stray dogs with loving homes. I hope that the columns of your newspaper will help this issue reach the concerned authorities so these poor animals can find proper homes.

Nayan Jyoti Nath,

Cotton University.

A Correction

The letter “Our rape laws are very weak” in today’s issue of ‘The Sentinel’ (May 17) has been written by Jubel D’Cruz and not by Ganapathi Bhat, as mentioned in the newspaper. The inadvertent error is regretted.

Executive Editor