Buddha Jayanti

Buddha Jayanti is the day Buddhists all over the world celebrate as Lord Buddha’s birthday, the anniversary of his gaining enlightenment (Buddhahood) as well as the day of his death. It is also the day people show reverence and respect to the life of an extraordinary human being. People follow his teachings and commit themselves to doing good and practicing compassion. The beauty of the Buddha’s teachings lie in their universality. They

appeal to people of all backgrounds, are sensible and practical too. The ‘Middle Path’ that he has shown us is a priceless gift that he will be forever remembered for. Though Siddhartha

Gautam was born in Nepal he does not belong solely to us — he belongs to the world and is an example for all to follow. He is a symbol of peace and love, and his teachings are a beacon of hope. His selfless love for life is something that all should practice. If there ever was an ideal life, it was the Buddha’s. On the occasion of the holy month of Buddha Jayanti there is no better tribute we can pay to the Buddha than defend all the principles that he stood for and work towards spreading peace, brotherhood and creating mutual nderstanding all over.

Tashi G Genden, Budhanilkantha School, Kathmandu

Unfortunate

It was unfortunate that a four-year-old had to pay with her life at a hospital in Myagdi due to lack of a doctor to treat her (THT, May 19). Sorry as the state of hospitals in villages across the country is, this particular case is not the first time when patients had to succumb to illnesses in the absence of proper medical care. But the Ministry of Health should have made some arrangement in the absence of doctors in such hospitals. For example, the two doctors were on study leave and there is no arrangement to look after the hospital in their absence. How can any hospital be left without a proper medical supervisor who can actually take care of the patients in times of need? It is surprising that doctor appointed to take charge is yet to join. Why can’t those entrusted responsibilities know that diseases and illness are beyond one’s control? Medical urgency cannot be delayed. And who else understands this better than the doctors? The Ministry cannot afford to doze over such issues. We recently gloated over Nepal’s ability to give birth to a test tube baby through a complex technical process. If we

cannot provide basic essential services to the citizens, then what is the use of modern medical

technology?

Pravesh Rana, via e-mail

Real hero

By selling the gold medal he received for 50-metre freestyle in Sydney (THT May 22), Anthony

Ervin has shown to the world that some human beings have a divine character. An Olympic medal is a token of appreciation, a reminder of one’s successes. Besides, it is a historic artefact which he would have loved to possess it throughout his life. By deciding to sell it to help the tsunami victims, Ervin has risen above personal interest and has truly emerged as the ideal champion. The very spirit behind the world coming together during Olympic Games is to uphold human values and universal fraternity. Beyond being a mere Olympian, this marks

how great Ervin as an individual is.

Prasanna Luitel, via e-mail