LETTER TO THE EDITOR FOR THE ISSUE DATED JUNE 27, 2026

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR FOR THE ISSUE DATED JUNE 27, 2026

SUICIDE/MURDER ON THE RISE!
IN recent years there have been a worrying increase in cases of suicide and murder the world over. These incidents affect families, communities and society as a whole. The rise in such cases shows that many people are facing emotional, social and economic challenges that are not being properly addressed.
Suicide has become a major concern among different age groups, especially teenagers and young adults. Students often experience pressure to perform well in examinations, while adults face challenges related to employment, financial difficulties, and family responsibilities. Feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and lack of emotional support can make people feel hopeless. In some cases, individuals may not seek help because of fear, shame or lack of awareness about mental health services.
Murder is another serious problem affecting society. People of different ages can be involved, but many cases involve young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. Common causes include anger, family disputes, jealousy, greed, property conflicts, gang violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and lack of self-control. Sometimes people commit violent acts because they are unable to manage their emotions or resolve disagreements peacefully.
Social factors also contribute to these problems. Poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, bullying, social isolation, and exposure to violent content can negatively influence behaviour. In some regions, conflicts related to politics, ethnicity, or religion may create tensions between groups, which can sometimes lead to violence. However, violence is caused by human actions and conflicts, not by any religion itself.
Young people are particularly vulnerable because they are still developing emotionally and socially. Peer pressure, cyberbullying, social media influence, and the desire for acceptance can affect their mental well-being and decision-making. Without proper guidance, some may make harmful choices.
To reduce suicide and murder rates, society must work together. Families should maintain open communication and provide emotional support. Schools and colleges should offer counselling services and mental health education. Governments should strengthen law enforcement, create employment opportunities, and improve access to mental health care. Communities should encourage people to seek help and resolve conflicts peacefully.
In conclusion, the increase in suicide and murder is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. By promoting awareness, kindness, mental health support, and peaceful conflict resolution, we can build a safer and healthier society for people of all ages.
— Aliya Vaz, Goa

**PANCHAYAT MINISTER VISITS MAHILA BHAVAN**– Panchayat Minister, Mauvin Godinho visited the Mahila Bhavan at Chicalim on June 26, to review the progress of the infrastructure development works being undertaken to strengthen the facility and enhance its usefulness for women and community activities. The upgraded infrastructure will help improve efficiency, provide better amenities, and create a more comfortable and functional environment for self-help groups, training programs, meetings, and various community initiatives. Strengthening such community spaces plays an important role in empowering women and encouraging greater participation in economic and social activities. It is another step towards building a more inclusive and self-reliant society while ensuring that women and community groups have access to facilities that support their growth and development.

ROAD ACCIDENTS: A SILENT CRISIS
Road accidents have become the most common cause of death and serious problems in today’s world. Road accidents are one of the major reasons for injury and death. Every day, hundreds of people lose their lives or suffer serious injuries due to road accidents. “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic crashes cause around 1.19 million deaths globally every year.”
Every road accident not only affects the victims but also their family, friends and society. Due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road the risk of accidents has also risen. While roads connect people and places, they can also become sites of tragedy when safety is ignored. Therefore driving safely should be the top priority for each individual. Driver negligence is a major cause of road accidents. Carelessness, lack of attention, impatience often lead to collisions.
Among all age groups, young people between 15 and 29 years are the most victims of road accidents. Some of the drivers fail to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, while others ignore traffic signals or attempt risky stunts. In addition, inexperienced or new drivers may struggle to react appropriately in emergency situations.
In the modern world technology has helped improve road safety in many ways. Features such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and traffic monitoring cameras have reduced the severity and frequency of accidents. However technology alone cannot solve the problem of Vehicle collision. Responsible behavior remains the most important factor in preventing road crashes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 20–50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries annually due to road crashes. India faces a particularly alarming situation. The country recorded approximately 1.72 lakh (172,000) road accident deaths in 2023, the highest ever reported. One of the major causes of these accidents is over-speeding, which accounts for nearly 70% of road accident deaths in the country. Two-wheeler riders make up about 44% of road accident fatalities in India. Other common causes include drunk driving, distracted driving, reckless overtaking, and failure to wear helmets or seat belts.
Creating safer roads requires cooperation from everyone. First of all, drivers should obey traffic laws, those traveling on foot should use designated crossings, wearing helmets can significantly reduce the risk of death by over 40 %, Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45–50% for front-seat passengers, authorities should ensure that roads are properly maintained and well constructed and enforce safety regulations. Driving under the influence of alcohol greatly increases the risk of accidents.
In conclusion road accidents are not merely random events; they are often the results of preventable mistakes. By practicing caution, respecting traffic rules, and promoting road safety awareness effectively, we can significantly reduce the amount of accidents and save countless lives and families. Every road accident is a reminder that safety should never be taken for granted. A small act of caution can save lives.
“Every journey begins with a choice, Choose safety and let your loved ones rejoice.”
—By Anisha Shaikh, Margao