It pains me when we see the real estate of the very foundation of our society. Presently there is much talk about computer, the latest technology and its uses, space research and satellite etc. it sounds good and feel good to talk about it, but there are areas where media and intellectuals need to address for the majority of the deprived sections of people. Here those sections of people mean over 90% of our population whose livelihood depends upon agriculture who are living in rural areas.
If we see in the national newspapers, there is a lot of articles covering and concerning the common people and its redressal. As I looked ‘Assam Tribune’ (daily newspaper of Assam) they stress and give importance to the issues which confront masses. Instead of mudslinging and unsavory remarks against eachother let us come forward and address the issues which confront common people.
No doubt I appreciate the developmental works undertaken by the Government but there are many things which need to be to be taken up on priority basis. Our road condition is deplorable and deprecating. Living standard and economy cannot progress without proper communication. Here one example can be cited i.e: it will be take only 18 KMs to reach from Philimi to Shena village. But due to poor communication these people have to travel 70 KMs (approximate) to reach one another. Thus they are staying near but far to reach as there is no bridge to cross ‘Tulo’ River. There are also many instances of this kind of problem in many parts of Nagaland. We also need to stress on primary education of our state for in some of the schools there are excess of teachers whereas in many of the villages there is shortage of teachers where schools are running with only one or two teachers.
Our Hospitals in rural areas are in bad shape with no doctors. Politicians may boast of their achievement for construction of hospital building but without doctors, proper infrastructure and medicine how can they feel so delighted while people cannot bear hiring of vehicles and medical expenses to reach good hospitals in Kohima and Dimapur or other states far from his/her place, or is it just a gimmick for electoral benefit. Besides how vulnerable is our electricity and water supply. Kudos to government.
Therefore it is our responsibility to play our role to protect and safeguard those people who cannot express and fight for their rights. In this regard media has very important role to play for they are the watchdogs of Democracy. They must highlight the grievances and make conscious that the people know its rights and duties.
Remaining a silent spectator with these burning issues does not augur well for the masses that are deprived of even their basic requirement. So let us come forward to contribute our own bit with positive attitude towards the betterment of our society.
Y Anato Yeptho,
Dispur Law College, Guwahati
