Sangtamlarü Thisngmüjang Kohima

Food Insecurity Act I t remains a matter of concern that some practises that have been going for many years, even if they may be wrong legally and morally, have become a convention and consequently, are gradually accepted as the norms. There are several instances with regard to the practices within the government and one among many pertained to the allotment of foodgrains from the government of India for Mid Day Meal Scheme(MDMS) as highlighted recently through the media by Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAA F).Under MDMS every child within the age group of six to fourteen years studying in classes I to VIII at government primary schools or government aided schools is to be provided free meal daily during academic sessions. The central and state governments share the cost of the Midday Meal Scheme on a 60:40 basis. The central government provides grains for food and transportation while the rest borne by the states.The scheme has been given legal backing under theNational Food Security Act, 2013 and therefore, holds anybody accountable for any violation of the scheme. NPRAA F has only restated what has been written earlier regarding various irregularities in MDMS. The issue that NPRAA F has raised was about irregularities in the entire receipt and distribution system of food grains. In short, what NPRAA F claimed is that the state used to receive excess quantity of foodgrains, sometimes 4000 MT above the allocations. As per the report, while the total number of enrolment in various government primary and ME schools was put at 1,06,298 the figure was inflated to 1,97,296 by those involved in allegedly preparing the demands. This leads to conclusion that the excess enrolment was to get ‘excess foodgrains’ and how this could take place is also interesting. This could perhaps be explained by the practise where the process of placing the demand for foodgrains, as per the statement,rested with the certain officials and if it was in connivance with the carriage contractor(s) needs to be ascertained. NPRAA F also alleged that over and above the ‘excess’ quantity received more often than not, the ‘supply link’ involved certain officials who release the foodgrains and also officials from the agencies receiving it etc.The third aspect allegedly involves the diversion of foodgrains to the open market by the carriage contractor(s) where it is sold and profit shared with officials. According to NPRAA F the shortage has left no option but to not provide MDMS in schools except once in a month or quarterly. The diversion is not on the ‘excess quantity’ received but from that which are supposed to be transported to various institutions for MDMS. To add icing to the entire deal, the transporter again is paid carriage costs as per contract with the government for lifting the foodgrains from the FCI godown to various parts of Nagaland. Whenever there is any scheme involving foodgrains, the story is similar. While there is a need to probe this alleged scam, there is also a need to ascertain why government primary and ME schools do not provide MDMS as prescribed. Probably when MDMS are not being provided and when there are no complaints then it becomes a convention which is then accepted as a norm.

Daily Devotion

Do You Really Love Him? She has done a good work for Me. —Mark 14:6

If what we call love doesn’t take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love. If we have the idea that love is characterized as cautious, wise, sensible, shrewd, and never taken to extremes, we have missed the true meaning. This may describe affection and it may bring us a warm feeling, but it is not a true and accurate description of love. Have you ever been driven to do something for God not because you felt that it was useful or your duty to do so, or that there was anything in it for you, but simply because you love Him? Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I’m not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things— things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him. Have you ever created what Mary of Bethany created in the heart of the Lord Jesus? “She has done a good work for Me.” There are times when it seems as if God watches to see if we will give Him even small gifts of surrender, just to show how genuine our love is for Him. To be surrendered to God is of more value than our personal holiness. Concern over our personal holiness causes us to focus our eyes on ourselves, and we become overly concerned about the way we walk and talk and look, out of fear of offending God. “…but perfect love casts out fear…” once we are surrendered to God (1 John 4:18). We should quit asking ourselves, “Am I of any use?” and accept the truth that we really are not of much use to Him. The issue is never of being of use, but of being of value to God Himself. Once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time.

Global health emergencies are adding to the increasingly intense and severe natural and human-induced disasters. Coronavirus disease (COVID 2019) is one of the current horrifying outbreaks that has claimed 1,669 lives with laboratory-confirmed cases of 51,857 (as on February 16, 2020) already. COVID 2019 has a lower fatality rate than SARS – currently, it’s hanging around 2% (SARS was around 10%). But, it transmits rapidly and there is sustained human-to-human transmission. Even as we were evaluating our learnings from SARS, H1N1 Swine flu and Ebola, COVID 2019 exposed lack of our readiness to withstand such outbreaks. As we know, it has already been muddling the world and we are panting to deal with it.

Why have such outbreaks been going beyond our control? An effective response to such pandemic depends on the preparedness measures taken before such outbreaks. Let us have a look at how prepared the world is to deal with the current coronavirus attack.

As per the Global Health Security (GHS) Index 2019, the global overall average score is 40.2 (out of a possible 100). The Index shows that collectively, international preparedness for epidemics and pandemics remains very week. India stands at 57 (out of 195 countries), slightly below China (51). The world is grimly ill-prepared while encountering the current outbreak with a low level of preparedness on the six building blocks of health system. The haphazard response and service delivery to COVID 2019 in China failed to contain it and led to its spread over a wider area, affecting all 34 regions of the country, and countries outside China.

COVID 2019 is a novel form of coronavirus and is putting additional pressure on the already overstretched health system in China and affecting service delivery globally for people with other illness. For instance, there are 60,000 general health practitioners, roughly one practitioner serving 23,000 persons in China, which coupled with a scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE) and essential medicines. WHO has warned about shortage of PPE. Why can’t we have a contingency of PPE that could help us respond quickly and save precious lives?

The health information and alert system need to be more efficient and faster to track and report emerging and re-emerging health concerns. By the time COVID 2019 was reported, it had already spread wide affecting a large number of people. Even today, there are countries without systems in place to detect coronavirus cases. Modern technology of air travel and just-intime supply chain is several times faster to transport such virus than it gets detected and reported. We must put more effort to equip labs and develop systems to detect, map and alert quick enough to contain such diseases at their origin.

As seen during SARS or any other outbreaks, global actors rush to fund response to such diseases once it impacts large area and it is forgotten once it is under control. This is inefficient, costly and keeps ourselves vulnerable to future outbreaks. World Bank Group President Dr Kim Yong described this as “a cycle of panic and neglect.” According to WHO, COVID 2019 Preparedness and Response Plan for the period February to April 2020 requires USD 675 million. While dealing with such outbreaks costing us a lot, it has a negative impact on the global economy too. Multinational companies that produce their products in Chinese factories or sale their products to Chinese consumers are hit already. The tourism industry is hard hit. The stock market has responded negatively – the Shanghai Composite Index fell by 8% on February 3 (biggest fall in four years). Amid the coronavirus attack, global economic growth forecast by experts shows it might dip by 0.2% to 0.3% in 2020. This could bring the global economic growth down to an annual rate of 2.3%, the slowest pace since the 2008 global financial crisis.

Community-level mitigation and engagement is inextricable to prepare communities for such outbreaks. Very less is being done to communicate the risk, aware people and educate them on good health behaviour, especially in the hard-to-reach communities. Hospital staffs need to be trained on how to communicate and reassure the people. Mental health and psychosocial support must address the well-being of population and counteract fear, stigmatisation and misconception with appropriate information. These outbreaks often lead to flooding of misinformation and rumours – those need to be tracked and managed urgently.

The unprecedented rate of urbanisation, climate change, etc, provide perfect breeding ground and conducive environment for spreading of outbreaks like COVID 2019 at a fast pace. Further, there are children (seems to be escaping current outbreak, so far), women, differentlyabled, poor, hard-to-reach communities, etc, who are especially vulnerable and might be disproportionately burdened to such outbreaks. The preparedness must consider the most vulnerable groups of people.

Preparedness is everybody’s business, most importantly of the government and leadership. The government and world leaders need to put more effort to brace preparedness for future health emergencies. There should be conducive national health policies addressing the need for essential medicines and pharmaceuticals, putting a robust health system in place, more research and development, etc. It demands engagement from not only health professionals, but also wider stakeholders, including community. The humanitarian agencies too should and have been playing an important role in tackling such outbreaks.

Experts have already warned that these coronaviruses are indications of things to come. What if more deadly outbreaks grip the world tomorrow? We can’t face the challenge without having a proper strategy and adequate preparedness. The world needs to accelerate efforts for global pandemic preparedness. At the national level, countries, especially those with weak health systems, need to invest more on their health systems to contribute to effective preparedness. This will help us prepare ourselves to save lives and millions of dollars in response. Let’s not forget our collective experience from the previous and current pandemics – let’s continue our effort to prepare ourselves for future health emergencies. Sheikh Khairul Rahaman & Anirban Choudhury covid-19: How to avoid panic and neglect

Life on earth is not meant to be forever. Nobody does. We are just passing by and takes nothing with us when life ends. We are here on earth by the will of God and that is not a mistake or matter of chance. However short or long life maybe believers live for Christ. This is our purpose just as Paul said “I no longer live but Christ live in me”. We do not live for our self. We tend to think that life is our own. Secular writers are of the view that we are our own masters and that we shape our own destiny. That may be true in the worldly sense of the term. But we are just like clay in the hands of the potter. The bottom line is ‘we are in the world but not of it’ John 17:16. We do not belong to the world neither do the world belongs to us.

Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Therefore we are to glorify, please and honor him with our life. This is our purpose. The pilgrim does not live for his earthly desires but for the will of God. Why do we have to concern ourselves with the things of this world when god has promised to take care of our every need and be our help in every situation? The natural men’s ego and pride is never satisfied. This is what John mentions as ‘the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life’. He goes on to say that this things does not come from the father but from the world. The things of the world may give satisfaction but for some time. It soon passes away. Wealth and riches are not sin in itself but how it is attained can be. Is it fair or unfair? Is it just or unjust? We are just stewards of what god gives us. God is the God of creation.

Whether one is rich or poor remind you that this world is neither the real destination nor the real end of life. Our destination is heaven and we have eternal life if we believe in Jesus. We’re citizens of heaven as mentioned in bible. The real blessings of God are not confined to materials but to make you a person like Christ. A matured person attaining to the full measure in him.

Man of the bible who lived like pilgrims or strangers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They lived like ‘strangers in a foreign country’ although that was the very promised land (Heb. 11:9). Then came along the prophets of old. These man of God lived like pilgrims, not attached, with no sense of belonging.

Our lord Jesus and the apostles lived liked the same. Brought nothing to the world and took nothing from the world (in material term). We as believers ought to have the same attitude, setting our minds on things above and not on earthly things. These means of those spiritual riches which are eternal. This perhaps is good news to both the rich and the poor. Why do believers be corrupted and down cast for money and riches? Like Paul we can ‘learn to be content both in times of lack and in times of need.’ Materials are simply what King Solomon called vanity. He derived what his eyes could see and what his natural mind craved, only to conclude as a chasing after the wind.

If you consider yourself to be poor never be sorrowful or pitiful. Should your needs be met be content. If you have joy, peace and contentment it’s the same with those who you consider rich because we are going for the same state of mind. If you do not have pride and ego and do not try to feed them, you have got it, what everyone wants.

The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom and not a physical material one just as Jesus said in the Gospel. He brought the kingdom of God which is to abide in men. The bible says it’s a kingdom of love, joy, peace and righteousness in the Holy Spirit. Christ brought and established a spiritual kingdom which is eternal.

I personally believe that our needs shall be supplied and added onto us. Our God is a God of ‘exceedingly much more than all that we ask or imagine’.

Thechamo Ngullie, DLP C R eality shows have garnered immense viewership as compared to soaps and serials of yester years. The popularity is visible in the fan-following with which reality shows are thriving season after season. ‘America’s Got Talent’, as a variety talent show, is one such show that has permeated world over, with similar talent shows running in almost every country. Not only is AGT a big success but with the inclusion of ‘The Champions’ episode, competition have become stiffer and accordingly expectations. Seasons 2 gave viewers entertainment to the fullest and with breadth-taking performances, by artists, who in their own right are champions, exhibited feat one may not have the faintest thought of.

Congratulations to our very own champions from India, the ‘V Unbeatable’. They deserved a shot at redemption following the position with which they made an exit in AGT season 14. The Champions stage was just what they needed. Far from the slumps in Mumbai, their dream run ensued and with renewed confidence supplementing their skillsets, managed to woo viewers and super fans.

The ‘V Unbeatable’ were immaculate in earning the coveted title and while all respects are in place I, for one, remain in awe for ‘Sanduo Bar Trio Russia’, an acrobatic and gravity defying act that had the flair of elegance, precision and thrill. The margin of error, with which they performed, was literally zero and any distraction meant sudden death or injury marred in consequences. With everything on the line, the trio gave fellow competitors a run for their money and viewers their share of excitement, irrespective of their position in the competition. Though, I wonder what made the charming and elegant Cassie Sandou go head-over-heels atop a bed of six inch long nails and to the extend of performing blindfolded? Reasons may be any and varied from prize money, to passion or for a taste of greatness, etc, etc…! Whatever be her reason, I feel it’s our take in considering expectations for an obligation. The inference I would like to draw is the inherent risk-taking nature in human to set aside all cares just to meet others expectations. Repercussion, seemingly, become insignificant when expectation is the stake. Irony, though, is the helplessness that one would show or express, should performers suffer the unseen? Going out on a limp whilst accepting the consequences is a dangerous gamble, for empathy do not necessarily count when one lands in harm’s way.

While some rejoice, some are in sorrow. Problems of one do not match with that of the other. So being human is to simply avoid being the one that pricks. All of the same, curb undue expectations as it comes with strings attached.

Vincent Khumlamo Patton Akuk Village Pilgrims on Earth (Christian perspective) To expect is to accept hurting and getting hurt

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner. Reader’s Post Window dressing not enough for Kohima Sir,

There is no point in improving the rank of Kohima in the Ease of Living Index (EOLI) through proper data submission if actual living conditions remain the same. Other cities can also improve their ranks by providing proper data. Instead of focusing on the rank, focus should be on (a) improving public supply of water, (b) easing traffic congestion, (c) providing affordable housing for all, and (d) proper waste management (Editorial, “Kohima will shine,” February 21). We do not need another high rank in EOLI if it is going to continue to take hours to commute a few kilometres, water for domestic usage has to be bought in litres, and house rents go off the roof.

Chothazo Nienu, Hyderabad T he meaning of life is just to be alive. According to Socrates, the purpose of life means flourishing or ‘the good life’. But what is the real purpose of life? Why are we here on Earth? JAMES 4:14 For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeared for a little time, and then vanished away. Our life is short, in fact so short that the Bible says it is Jesus, The all powerful, all knowing one, who at his voice, the heavens were made and all the host of them, he is the only source of life. However, the one question everyone has asked without exception is, why people have a philosophical desire to kill themselves?

I am here concerned about why people, especially children, adolescents, and young adults commits suicide. Suicide is a serious problem and majority of the people who attempts suicide have a significant mental disorder, usually depression, feeling of sadness, feeling of stress, confusion, anger, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainity, disappointment and loss. Trying to understand why so many people take their own lives is hard. But then trying to understand why anyone kills themselves isn’t easy. There are again a variety of other reasons why people end their lives prematurely and often very violently.

Suicide is a word that many people like to avoid. Everyday, families around the world lose someone close to them due to suicide. Unfortunately, for some, this thought process is a daily battle that the society as equal human beings cannot neglect any longer. But what one can do is broaden the prevention of suicide around us, because one life saved, is one less life lost and the most prominent way as we, an individual can do is to reduce the tragic risk of suicide by setting up more and more organizations and programs to spread awareness and also by giving proper parenting regarding suicide which will definitely help.

I come here to the question that’s been haunting me since i started working on this article: Why are so many people killing themselves? I believe that human beings are the greatest of all creatures on the Earth. As humans, it is true that we all must die one day. But the way we die also matters and as such suicide would be a grave in our society because it would endanger the weak and marginalised in society and it also violates human dignity. Well, the suicide debate is still in its infancy, with the ultimate outcome very much in doubt. One thing is clear, suicide is likely to be significant source of societal contention for many years to come.

Suicide is an occurence that is preventable. It is time we fight against it; tell the world that suicide is not an answer to life’s problem and sufferings. “Knowledge is power. If we seek the truth, it can give us the freedom to choose and make appropriate decisions.” Naomi Phom, M.A Philosophy, St. Joseph University, Dimapur How often is suicide discussed in our society?