Development is considered to be the process of developing or being developed. Any nation is considered as developed if its physical infrastructure is well-built and the people’s living standard is good. Development is the systematic use of scientific and technical knowledge to meet specific objectives or requirements. But the scale of development differs according to the present condition of someone or some place or the nation. Presently, we are living in a democratic society. People have freedom to do legal things. And my point here is: Is freedom the key to development? If freedom is development, why is Nepal going backward now? Does freedom make people really happy? Does freedom lead a nation towards prosperity? Everyone has his or her own view. But I think freedom doesn’t lead the nation towards prosperity.

Obviously, people become aware of the situation when they are living in a democratic society. People in the developed countries are busy in their daily work, jobs, and duties. And, in Nepal, some are busy and while others are not. They can live their own lives as they want. But the freedom that we enjoy now does not provide the opportunity to find work and live a healthy life. If we had good infrastructure and a fairly conducive economic environment, people would definitely have enjoyed the freedom the constitution has guaranteed. So, we need better infrastructure and a conducive environment for economic growth to enjoy the political freedom.

Basanta Dhungana, Okhaldhunga

Change it

This is with reference to the news story “Newborns battle to survive in sheds” (THT, February 23, Page 5). The babies born in unhygienic conditions like in cow-sheds are prone to various infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, common cold and tetanus. Due to tradition and superstitious beliefs in rural parts of the country like Bajura, women are forced to give birth in cow-sheds. The new mother and the baby have to stay in the cow-sheds for over a month as per the tradition. Sad to learn is that even if a baby is delivered in a birthing centre like health centre both the mother and the baby are forced to stay in the cow-shed. Then, what is the meaning of giving birth in birthing centres if new mothers and the babies have to live in cow-sheds for over a month?

The age-old tradition cannot be changed unless the political parties who are the driving force for social, cultural, political or economic change are united to launch a massive campaign to end this kind of unhealthy practice. The government alone cannot make any social changes unless the opinion makers and parties come together to end such taboos that make the lives of women and children very difficult. All the parties must express commitment in their election manifestos that they would encourage pregnant women to give birth in health centres, not in cow-sheds, as has been happening for centuries.

Kamal Ayir, Martadi