Letters to the Editor: Self-control: A non-cognitive skill

Patience and self-control are important non-cognitive skills that are associated with favourable educational, economic and social outcomes. Self-control is the ability to control impulses and reactions and is another name for self-discipline. It is the ability to say 'no' to yourself and abstain from harmful extremes of behaviour. It is not some kind of negative and limiting behaviour as some people might think. Rather when we use self-control wisely and with common sense, it becomes one of the best tools for self-improvement and for achieving success. Self-control is an aspect of inhibitory control, which is the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviour in the face of temptations and impulses. Self-control or the ability to subdue one's impulses, emotions and behaviour to achieve longer-term goals- is what separates people from the animal kingdom.

The ability to exert self-control is typically called willpower. Willpower is what allows people to direct their attention and it underlies all kinds of achievement, from school to the workplace. Self-control includes being able to stay on task and interrupt any undesired impulsive reaction by refraining from acting on them. Building self-control can be more challenging, however, it is possible to create change in your life and manage impulsivity. Feeling more in control of yourself and your actions can lead to feeling more in control of life, feeling more empowered about who you are, and helping boost your feelings of self-esteem.

Self-control has three vital parts:

1. Monitoring involves keeping track of your thoughts, feelings and actions.

2. Standards are guidelines that steer us toward desirable responses.

3. Strength refers to the energy we need, to control our impulses.

Effective self-control hinges on all three ingredients working together. Without monitoring, you know what you need to do and have the energy to do it, but you struggle to accomplish much because you do not keep track of your progress. A world without standards is a recipe for chaos. And, chronically depleted self-control strength can leave people with the knowledge of what they should do without giving them the energy to do it. Being high in controlling our desires and important in achieving the goals we set for ourselves.

Anisha Choudhury,

Cotton University, Guwahati

Safety of women

The premature death of Nandita Saikia has greatly perturbed the nation and most importantly the students' community. There has been a wave of shock among the students and as the recent events unfolded it is evident that a young girl had to lose her life merely on the rejection of a love proposal.

The reactions of the culprit after the commission of such a heinous crime are even more disturbing. As it could be seen from the videos surfaced on social media, the perpetrator did not have even the tiniest of guilt and realization of the ghastly act committed by him. However, it is surprising how such a gruesome act could be executed among dozens of spectators in the broad daylight.

Nandita was a student of Moridhal College of Dhemaji and belonged to a very downtrodden family. The pain that her parents are going through can hardly be consoled through any words, spoken or written.

It is a shame that even in the 21st Century where we see technology advancing in leaps and bounds, there are some corners of the world where women have to battle big fights for basic security and freedom.

In the light of the above facts, we can only hope for fair justice and pray that the culprit gets adequate punishment. I have full faith in the Judiciary that the matter will get appropriate attention and be put up in the fast-track court. Only then will the parents of the bereaved get some solace.

Before I pen down, I just have an appeal before the administrative machinery and the Police Authorities that necessary steps be taken for ensuring the safety of women in society.

Subhash Chandra Biswas,

Tezpur

Lessons from

Afghanistan

There are two lessons that we as Indians need to learn and learn hard. Taliban success is the outcome of poor leadership and a weak military. The USA did not assist the then government of Afghanistan to build a strong army. This resulted in the easy capitulation of the nation once US troops were withdrawn. A nation without a strong army is no good. In this context, we are grateful that our government under PM Modi is giving maximum impetus to building strong armed forces. The second lesson is that when the country is headed by a weak leader like in the case of Afghanistan it is bound to fall apart like a pack of cards. We are fortunate that people like Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Lalu Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav are kept at bay by the citizens of the country. India would have faced a similar fate as that of the Afghan people. There is no dearth of traitors across the length and breadth of the country.

Julie Bhuyan,

Gaurisagar.

False information

It is said that understanding languages and other cultures builds bridges. But are people aware of Assam? Currently, a video of India's best government and competitive exam preparation site, Grade up invited attention. In the video, the teacher was seen asking the question- Of which Indian state is "Gamucha" a cultural symbol and everything was okay. Until a student asked what "Gamucha" is to which the teacher replied that Gamucha is a cultural emblem of Assam and an "animal". Hearing this every Assamese or an active citizen would be awestruck. But whom can we blame? As even a few days back on Super Dancer- Chapter 4, a dance reality show aired on Sony TV showed the wrong description of "Xattriya Nritya" and the judges seemed okay with it. These things are a complete shame, as both the platforms are really big and grab a lot of attention. So if they share such misleading information about anything (not only Assam) the viewers will remain primitive and laid back.

Srishty Kandarpa,

Jagiroad

Through this esteemed daily, I would like to highlight the point that we all somehow know but ignore most of the time. In this world of competition people easily get influenced by each other. Driving a vehicle is now like a fashion for some people. People buy new vehicles and learn how to drive. But they don't even consider having a driving license first. In the rural areas even on main roads also there's no need for a licence while you drive. Police never check any licence or vehicle papers to any driver unless they don't do any accident or something. There are so many drivers and vehicles on the roads so police don't check one by one daily which is completely fine. But the drivers have to take their responsibility and make licence first while driving on the road for their safety and others as well. Some people make their licence illegally, paying money. Some so many people have their licences by this method. Some minors also have vehicles, and they drive on main roads without any licence or they have licence illegally with money. The number of vehicles on the roads is very high, leading to air pollution, noise pollution and traffic jams. Accidents occur very often. People who don't know how to drive properly also get licenses illegally, and use the advantage of their licence and drive everywhere which is not safe at all. I want to request the authority to take some concrete steps to tackle the menace.

Priyanka Nath,

Mirza

Unreasonable bus fare

Through this column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned on the issue. Of late, city buses are charging high fares from passengers. Every bus has set its fare rates. I request the authority concerned to fix rates of fare for all buses.

Jasminara Begum,

Guwahati.

Education scenario in Assam

The Covid break (read lockdown) has been there for a while now. After daily wage earners, students have suffered the most due to the schools/colleges being closed for several months. Though students have passed their exams academically, but technically they haven't learnt many things. The new mode of teaching i.e. online classes is not a very effective way of teaching and learning. Also, 'online exams' is not a sustainable alternative in the long run. Keeping in mind the future of our generation, I urge the government to bring some logical and sustainable solution to the problem otherwise this cycle of breaks can go on forever.

Sohail Zaman,

Guwahati.

Plight of small traders, daily-wage earners

Through the columns of your esteemed daily would like to draw your attention towards a serious issue that is being faced by the common masses in the state and the city due to ongoing restrictions and lockdown since last year.

On one hand, the government is taking measures to curb the COVID-19 spread, which is necessary and a good move. However, we can see that the poor common people are facing a bigger challenge of earning two square meals a day. Most of the small-scale businesses are on the verge of closure or have already put down their shutters.

Petty crimes and domestic violence have also risen. A record number of these cases, according to the national report, is a huge matter of concern for society. This issue is also adversely connected to unemployment and restrictions. A 26-year-old domestic help who works nearby stated how difficult the situation has forced her husband towards alcohol and gambling, resulting in abuse and violence often.

Even people are struggling to pay for domestic help, cook, or drivers. With an increasing threat of the forthcoming waves for COVID-19, the situation appears to be grimmer than ever!

Through your prestigious daily, I want to raise this concern to the people in power, so that adequate measures could be taken for this marginalized section of people. My heart goes out to these people who are struggling to stay alive in this pandemic situation.

Pratichi Sarkar

Rehabari, Guwahati

Violations of own instructions by IBA

Indian Banks' Association (IBA) has issued guidelines titled "Bankers" Guide for Customers with special needs and Persons with Disabilities and contain various aspects of customer services for further follow up by the banks.

It will not be wrong if we say that guidelines issued by IBA are being treated as 'Sermons' of any religious book and no bank can dare to violate the guidelines. What will happen if the same guidelines are ruthlessly crushed, but we are concerned with chapters 25, 26, and 27 which deal with the Disability Act. We have to see whether guidelines are being followed meticulously and the answer in the very clear wording is that the Disability Act is being grossly violated which will be explained forthwith.

As per chapter 25, every establishment has to appoint Grievance Redressal Department to solve the problems of persons but these grievance redressal departments are burdens and the complainant had to repent himself that why he has sent a complaint. For ready reference, I quote two examples that show the working of the Grievance Redressal Department. I sent my representation to the Disability Department of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and they treated it as if my Pension arrears are pending and through Grievance Redressal Department was sent to our bank Head Office and unnecessarily wasted several months. In the second case also, the Ministry of Law forwarded my representation through Grievance Redressal Department to our bank head office and unnecessary wasted time. The third case is very astonishing as I sent my representation to Pgportal and they forwarded it to Manager HR IBA and I sent further information to IBA and after several months they forwarded my representation to our bank head office whereas the individual bank has no authority to amend the Pension Act. Based on the above three examples it is very much clear that Grievance Redressal Departments are a burden and should be examined and overhauled. As per these Chapters there cannot be any disparity between abled and disabled but still the disparity exists in section 30 of Pension Act regarding denial of notional benefit of five years in the pensionary benefits who had taken premature retirement due to total incapacitation after completion of 28 years of service and this anomaly would have been removed when first Disability Act was passed in 1996 but due to Insensitive attitude towards Disabled this anomaly even exists now when the second Disability Act had been passed in 2016. Chapter 26 contain the following aspects: Inherent dignity, non-discrimination, full participation, respect, equality, access and the question arises whether these norms are being followed meticulously the clear cut answer is no as disabled are made to face disparity. As per the new disability Act, there is the provision of a penalty and for this accordingly should be fixed Chapter 27 covers equally and non-discrimination and equal recognition which will be clear from an anomaly in Section 30 of the Pension Act. In the last, one can say that there are violations of own guidelines issued by IBA.

Yash Pal Ralhan,

Jalandhar City