Dr Asangba Tzudir
The festive season, especially the end of the year is always a time to look forward to because of the fun, enjoyable and merry making activities that comes with it. It is that time of the year again, a time of festivity and merry making, and in a post modern world where people generally try to define things in their own terms, many a time the very definition and meaning of festivity and merry making go out of bounds or beyond the moral norms, all ‘in the name of festivity and merry making.’
On the other hand, human made disasters also becomes a routine affair during this time of the year, and because of which precious lives have been lost including the very recent incident of fire where five members of a family were charred to death. According to an officer from the Fire department, the cause of the fire is suspected to be either due to lighting of diyas or fireworks. While we fully engage in the merry making and festivity, we forget the aspect of safety where at stake is life and violation of safety norms results in loss of life and also property.
The year end is also a time when road accidents are commonplace, and where criminal activities will be on the rise and also a time when they find easy prey. Now with Christmas around the corner, homes as well as the streets will be lighted. Decorations and especially the lighting come with a lot of associated hazards and if safety measures are not in place, then disaster is bound to strike. The worst thing to happen during festive season is spoiling the festive mood having met with an accident or some other kind of disaster. The effect cascades in such a way that it spoils the mood and spirit of not only the individual but others as well.
It is also a season for the law enforcing agencies to be more vigilant. A pinch of deterrence will surely help inject safety norms in the minds of the people. However, the individuals should also ensure safety because safety comes first and in many ways it will discourage or not give a chance to those who are on the lookout for easy prey or targets.
Accidents leading to loss of lives or any kind of disaster especially during the festive season will really spoil the festive mood of everyone and not only of those affected. The time of the festive season is here once again and it comes with a calling on the minds and hearts of everyone to exercise due caution while abiding by the safety norms. While being mindful about safety and safety first, let the fun and merrymaking begin.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
