MyVoice: Views of our readers 5th April 2026

Triumph of life and hope: The joy of celebrating Easter

Easter stands at the very heart of the Christian faith, a radiant celebration of hope, renewal, and the victory of life over death. For Catholics around the world, it is not merely a single day but the culmination of a sacred journey through Lent and the Holy Week, leading to the profound mystery of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. In the risen Christ, we discover the source of our deepest joy—a promise that transforms sorrow into hope. The Gospel proclaims with clarity: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). These words echo across generations, reminding the faithful that death does not have the final word. The Resurrection is not only a past event but a living reality that shapes our present and future. It assures us that suffering, sin, and even death itself are overcome through Christ’s victory.

For Catholics, Easter joy is rooted in this truth: Christ’s triumph is our own. As St. Paul writes, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Yet Christ has been raised, and so our faith is alive and filled with purpose.

This joy is beautifully expressed in the Church’s liturgy. The stillness of Good Friday gives way to the radiant celebration of the Easter Vigil, where darkness is pierced by the light of the Paschal Candle. The long-silent “Alleluia” returns with joy, capturing the Church’s exultation. This movement from darkness to light mirrors the journey of every Christian—from sin to grace, from despair to hope.

Easter also calls us to renewal. The Resurrection invites us to rise with Christ in our own lives. The joy of Easter becomes real when it shapes how we face struggles, treat others, and trust in God’s plan. Moreover, it is meant to be shared. In a world often marked by fear and uncertainty, the message of Easter shines brightly.

A life rooted in this joy becomes a testimony that light overcomes darkness. Ultimately, the joy of Easter is deep, enduring, and grounded in divine love.

It reminds us that no matter how long the night, dawn will come. In the risen Christ, we find not only the promise of eternal life but also the strength to live fully each day.

Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai

Bring new admissions, get your pay; agony of school teachers

In Old Bowenpally, the management of some schools are sending their teachers outdoors for getting admissions for the next academic year. It is then that salaries are paid to the faculty members. This is happening in private schools, which neither pay salaries on time nor do they swear by Labour laws. It is the humble plea of the teaching fraternity to the Telangana Education Minister to inspect all schools at Old Bowenpally and perhaps elsewhere in the city and make an urgent inquiry into this sordid practise and put an end to this torture. The government should save the teachers and ensure that they get their salaries in time, including for holidays and summer vacation, besides mandating that schools implement the Labour Act guidelines. Teachers are denied payments unless they get new admissions while the management collects complete fees from students well in advance.

Laxmi,Secunderabad

Address southern concerns before increasing LS seats

Thisrefers to the article "South India may be affected by regional inequalities" (THI, April 3). The piece rightly flags the risk of deepening North-South divides if Lok Sabha seats are increased without addressing southern concerns. Population-based delimitation could reduce southern representation despite their proven better governance and demographic management. A fair approach would combine delimitation with safeguards like protecting existing seat shares for a period or linking it to uniform population policies across states. Greater consultation with all stakeholders and a transparent formula that rewards development efforts would help preserve national unity. Such steps can prevent resentment while strengthening federal balance.

K Sakunthala,Coimbatore-641016

FCRA Bill 2026 is equally draconian

Thedraconian Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 1976 law was enacted during emergency with an aim to check foreign interference and maintain communal harmony. In political realm it was to 'tame' the civil society not to go against the government. Now, the proposed FCRA Bill 2026 will crush genuine humanitarian activities like old age homes, orphanage and environment protection NGOs that have been rendering yeomen services. Foreign contributions received by NGOs didn't ever exceed Rs 20,000 crore and the government terming that this money was used to destabilize the nation, lacks rationale. The amendment tends to provide vide discretionary powers to the government to take over the assets of any organisation that has received foreign funds on the grounds of suspicion. No rule of law and no article 21, 300A is applicable. Once the proposed law is enacted, it will give the executive sweeping powers to curtail democratic civil movements and can favour certain NGOs that discreetly function in spreading selective propaganda favouring the ruling party.

P R Ravinder, Hyderabad

Thisrefers to the news report "Another artifici

Thisrefers to the news report "Another artificial rain experiment; IIT Kanpur reviewing past findings." (THI, April 3). Cloud seeding as a solution to Delhi's air quality and water stress problems is worth pursuing, but the pace of progress raises reasonable questions. Two failed trials, attributed to low moisture levels, suggest that atmospheric conditions in the region maynot reliably support the technique. Before committing to another round, a frank public assessment of what conditions are necessary for success — and how frequently Delhi's climate meets them — would help set realistic expectations.

IIT Kanpur's review of past findings is the right approach. The conclusions should be shared transparently, so that cloud seeding is evaluated on evidence rather than optimism. Expensive experiments repeated without honest interim appraisals serve neither science nor the city.

M Barathi,Blend labs India Pvt Ltd,Bengaluru-560076

Malda incident can impact judicial system

Takingseven judicial officers hostage in Malda district following a volatile local dispute where a mob sought to pressurise the judiciary for favourable outcomes exposes the utter failure of West Bengal police and the intelligence wing and inadequate security in a sensitive situation. Such incidents endanger judicial independence, as fear can influence decisions, shaking public trust. Strong security cover, better intelligence, and swift accountability are essential to ensure judges function freely and justice remains impartial.

RS Narula,Patiala

NExT spells boon for MBBS students

Theintroduction of the National Exit Test (NExT) by the National Medical Commission for MBBS students from the 2022 batch onwards marks a major reform in India’s medical education system. Conceived as a unified examination, NExT will function simultaneously as the final-year MBBS qualifying exam, a licentiate test for medical practice, and a common entrance test for postgraduate courses, effectively replacing NEET-PG. Structured in two stages—one theoretical and the other practical/clinical—it ensures that students are assessed comprehensively before entering professional practice or higher studies. By directing institutions to align teaching methods, academic calendars, and evaluation systems, the reform promotes uniformity and standardisation.

Most importantly, NExT simplifies a previously fragmented and stressful process by eliminating numerous examinations. This “single-window” approach reduces logistical and financial burdens on students. It also aims to curb exploitative practices such as exorbitant capitation fees for postgraduate admissions, fostering a more transparent, merit-based system that can benefit aspiring doctors across the country.

RS Narula,Patiala

Joint efforts by people and govt can ensure public health protection

Healthycitizens are the backbone of any nation. Today, however, that backbone is weakening due to various diseases affecting people, irrespective of their age. Though life expectancy has increased, a truly healthy lifestyle is lacking. The burden of medical treatments and surgeries is rising, placing financial strain on both the rich and the poor, and adversely affecting their quality of life. In this context, the World Health Organization (WHO) has given a new slogan this year: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The global body emphasizes that focusing only on human health is not sufficient; true health protection can be achieved only through environmental conservation, including protection of forests, trees, and the wildlife.

Four major threats to public health:The four include-Communicable diseases; non-communicable diseases; genetic and congenital disorders and age-related (degenerative) diseases. While some age-related diseases can be controlled, many can be managed effectively with proper treatment and precautions, allowing people to lead healthier lives.

Persistence of infectious diseases:In India, parasitic, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections continue to persist. Though they may appear to have declined, their spread continues in different regions and seasons. Diseases like malaria still cause deaths. Bacterial infections such as typhoid, pneumonia, anthrax, melioidosis and scrub typhus are still prevalent. Tuberculosis is spreading at an alarming rate. Fungal infections also contribute to mortality. Viral diseases like Covid-19, dengue, chickenpox, chikungunya, encephalitis, Nipah virus, bird flu, and measles still pose threats. Additionally, dangerous viral infections like HIV and Hepatitis B and C are reportedly increasing in recent times. Despite availability of treatments for most infectious diseases (except many viral infections), we hear of fatalities, reflecting gaps in the healthcare system.

Rise of non-communicable diseases:Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are increasing rapidly across the country. These chronic illnesses require lifelong medication, and thereby impose a heavy financial burden on individuals. Impact of environment and lifestyle: Natural disasters, accidents, and environmental changes are also affecting public health. Genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities are increasing, placing emotional and financial stress on families. Cases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy, requiring extremely expensive treatment, highlight this burden. Poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and food adulteration are major contributors to disease. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is contaminating soil and water. Lifestyle changes, reduced physical activity, and increased stress are leading to more lifestyle diseases.

Challenges in healthcare infrastructure:From rural sub-centers to district hospitals and teaching institutions, healthcare facilities face numerous challenges—lack of infrastructure, specialists, diagnostic services, and medicines. Private healthcare has become expensive and often inaccessible to common people. Insurance-related issues further complicate access to treatment. Though several health schemes are being implemented by central and state governments, they are not yielding complete results. Budget allocations for healthcare remain inadequate, and the sector has increasingly become commercialised.

Improving public health requires joint efforts:a) Public awareness and hygiene practices; b) access to safe drinking water and nutritious food; c) scientific awareness about disease prevention; d) inclusion of health education in school curricula and 5) strengthening preventive healthcare systems

On their part, governments must increase healthcare spending, improve rural health services, enhance medical education standards, and strictly regulate harmful substances like adulterated food, plastics, pesticides, alcohol, and drugs.

Conclusion:Public health is a shared responsibility. Citizens must adopt preventive practices, and governments must act with commitment and integrity. Only through coordinated efforts can we improve the current health scenario. Let us respond to the World Health Organization’s call and unite for universal health coverage through science and technology.

Dr T Seva Kumar, founder, Service Health Organization, Guntur