Indians are getting caught in job scams with the latest report saying that around 500 of them fled to Thailand from Myanmar, following a crackdown on scam centres and are now being flown home. Imagine the sorry plight of our fellow citizens, most of them youngsters, who are virtually forced to flee the comfort of their homes in search of jobs in faraway countries and sometimes get trapped in scams of this kind. It is a pointer to the inadequate job generation in this country with the lakhs of youth emerging from universities, not getting jobs matching their qualifications and forced to look abroad for the right kind of offerings. It is for our economists and planners to come up with a job generation plan so that our talents are not driven elsewhere.
Chitra Shekhar
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Let’s Address Rise of Pornography in Digital World
In the digital age, pornography has become increasingly accessible, raising concerns over its effects on individuals and society. In the world where everything is just a click away, the spread of pornography has quietly become one of the most alarming social issues. What was hidden and limited is now open and easily accessible to anyone – even children.
Over 4% of websites now feature adult content, and 20% of mobile searches are for pornography. According to Business Today, India ranks third in Pornhub traffic. Since the lockdown, internet use has increased, with 9 out of 10 boys being exposed to pornography before turning 18. Many young people now talk about pornography openly and see it as normal. Addiction and challenges are that once people start visiting these sites, it’s hard to stop. They face many ads and constant suggestions to watch more.
Social scientists, civil society and organisations as well as policymakers must address the issue.
Sheefa Parveen
Margao, Goa
Anti-Sikh Riots – 1984
Recently I am reading literature about anti-Sikh Riots – 1984. After reading this literature, a thought has cropped in my mind.
In 1984, thousands of Sikhs were killed, including men, women and children. Hundreds of women were molested and widowed, children orphaned and property worth crores of rupees belonging to Sikh community was destroyed after the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then PM.
Late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, the then PM of India, said that earth shakes when a big tree falls. Let’s peep into history. Mr. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was killed by a Chittpawan Brahmin of Pune. Mr. M.K. Gandhi was a much bigger tree than Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Why didn’t earth shake on Mr. Gandhi (a Baniya)’s assassination and only shook on Mrs. Gandhi (a Brahmin)’s assassination? (The similar statement was made by Mr. Narendra Modi, the then CM of Gujarat and present PM of India, during Post-Godhra riots-2002.)
How can the 1984 anti-Sikh riots be justified where countrymen kill, loot, molest fellow countrymen, where a Government sponsors a pogrom? How can the entire community be held responsible for the actions of a few elements?
Will your good self or any of the readers of your esteemed journal throw some light or analyse?
Farooq AbdulgafarBawani
Rajkot, Gujarat
A Victory for Common People
Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York City mayoral election marks a new chapter in people’s politics. An ordinary man who truly listened to his people’s real problems. He showed that change is possible when people unite for a common cause. Instead of relying on big money or corporate power, he depended on volunteers, students and workers who believed in his vision. Mamdani focused on housing, healthcare and workers’ rights rather than religion or party divisions. His honesty, hard work and compassion earned people’s trust. His speeches inspired many and reminded us that politics should improve lives and not spread hate.
In a world where many still struggle for basic needs, his win gives hope that kindness and truth can triumph over money and power. The present generation now looks forward for such leaders who believe in people and work tirelessly for justice, equality and dignity for all.
FareenaHussaini
Margao, Goa