Monitor the milk price

The Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) is popular in Kathmandu because of its quality and taste. Thousands of people consume it everyday. Some weeks ago the supply of milk was inadequate because of the Maoist-imposed blockade. Since then the price of milk has been hiked from Rs 11 to Rs 12 per pouch. Though the DDC did not officially announce the price hike, the consumers have been compelled to pay more, even after the blockade was lifted. It is a classic case of distributors deceiving the consumers. But the consumers do not understand why the officials of the DDC keep quiet. They have to regulate and constantly monitor the market.

Prasanna Karki, via e-mail

Fake voucher

Gift vouchers are a rage with the corporate world. Recently, an institute awarded me a gift package for my good performance in the college. I got a free dinner coupon at a restaurant at New Road. I was accompanied by a friend and we had a hearty dinner. When I submitted the voucher after the meal the staff at the hotel refused to accept the voucher. I did not have any money at the time and my friend paid the bills. Having received a voucher as a reward for my performance, although I never asked for it in the first place, I now feel that I was deceived and my performance reduced to a mockery. How some institutions indulge in such practices is difficult to understand. I request those institutes that like to win popularity by fake award distribution to stop playing games with innocent people like me.

Suman, Dhulabari

New dreams

The SLC toppers of this year, Bishal and Prathistha, have said that they would like to be doctors in the future. Their ambition represents those of the majority of students who graduate each year. However, most of them become victims of the parental aspirations more than their own. A very bad tradition has been set that all the meritorious students should target medicals or engineering. It may be fruitful for those individuals but the nation and the society is not going to benefit as much, without social reforms in the country even though there is a dearth of medical practitioners. The nation is in need of statesmen. But the young generation, considered the “pillars” of success, only aspires to rest on the “roof.” Although everyone is free to dream and work towards a sound future one would like to think that some of the academically brilliant students strayed towards arts and humanities. This would help the country produce reliable and visionary leaders. When will the day come when good leaders will give direction to the country? Let some of the toppers also think about the nation rather than their personal gains alone.

Sakun, via e-mail

Harmful

I am a regular reader of your daily. It provides me with a fresh outlook of the world. Please continue your wonderful work. However, lately, I have noticed a growing number of articles highlighting various alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. As a practising pathologist, I often encounter the tragic results in naive Nepalis who use these products. The medical community is almost helpless in urging people to refrain from falling prey to these noxious agents. Though I do not want to try to suppress any freedom of expression, I feel there are many more constructive things that we can do and write about.

Dr J B Thapa, Himal Hospital, Gyaneswor