This refers to nice piece of article “Sex Education” (THT, June 6, Page 8). It is both timely and apt as the importance of sex education cannot be overemphasized. Schools are ideal places where students can get answers to basic questions on sex. With teenage pregnancies and abortions on the rise, and an increase in the number of those affected by AIDS, sex education for children is a must. Because of the conservative culture that exists in our society, children find it difficult to discuss sex with their parents or teachers. Due to lack of information and the cultural barrier, many of them become easy prey of pedophiles. It is necessary to prevent children from learning from bad peers and obscene books about sex.

A holistic approach should be adopted to sex education by making available standard textbooks on the Internet for the middle class children also. There is also an urgent need to keep the young informed of the measures to protect themselves against sexual exploitation. Participatory sex education will provide the impetus for discussion and discourage prejudices. Academicians and policymakers should evolve a syllabus that is relevant to the changing times. The hesitation to discuss sex in open classrooms can be overcome if women teach girls and male teachers educate boys.

Vinod C. Dixit, Ahmedabad

Monsoon

Apropos of the news story “Monsoon likely ahead of normal time” (THT, June 6, Page 2), with monsoon predicted ahead of schedule Nepali farmers have reasons to rejoice.

They can harvest bumper crops provided there is no deluge. Meanwhile good rains will affect normal life - pedestrians will have to climb the walls to avoid being swept away or splashed with holy drain water in the metropolis’ narrow roads as shown in the picture in the story. The picture also rubbishes the road department’s claim of all roads in the city centre being broadened.

Pictures don’t lie. Good premature monsoon rain will, however, bring woes to the people in Kathmandu and elsewhere, including vehicles crushing zebra walkers deliberately in cold blood as had happened yesterday. The nation can also expect raging rivers and landslide galore. Should not one of the most responsive governments in the world prepare a contingency master plan to deal with the unexpected that can be expected from the bumper monsoon.

Monsoon is the main source of agricultural production, particularly paddy plantation, which will help drive economic growth at seven percent as projected by the government. If the monsoon is delayed or remains more or less than average it will impact the nation’s economy.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Correction

This is with reference to my article “Peripheral ambiance” (THT, June 5, Page 8).  At one point, I had written “But, the inclusive constitution is little helpful in curbing the Himalayan nation’s tedious transition as Tarai region’s grievances remain” instead of what appeared.

Suresh Chalise, via e-mail