Neelakshi, an inspiration for many

I appreciate The Telegraph’s efforts in highlighting the success story of Neelakshi Baruah of St Mary’s School, Maligaon who secured the 17th position in the matric examination.

Even though she suffered from ovarian cancer, Neelakshi never gave up. Such a story must be an inspiration for all students. Adversity cannot be a hurdle if one is determined and has the will to succeed in life. I salute the spirit and courage that Neelakshi has shown at such a young age.

The support and encouragement of Neelakshi’s family members also need to be appreciated. They gave the brilliant student all the moral, emotional and mental back-up when required. The success story of Neelakshi is an enlightening one for all parents too. The school authorities also deserve kudos for allowing Neelakshi to go for her treatment as and when required, even if she had to skip classes for that. I wish her all success in life.

Talmizur Rahman

Lachit Nagar, Guwahati

Road closure

The government’s decision to close Station Road for development and beautification of Nehru Park and Judges Field has raked up a controversy. Many organisations are opposing such a move, as it will create a great deal of inconvenience for commuters, causing traffic congestion at busy places like Panbazar. I do not know why the government has decided to close the road.

The government must have some plans for beautifying the city, but the point I want to highlight is the necessity of having more roads in a fast growing city like Guwahati. With increasing traffic congestion in the city, I fail to understand the government’s decision. Station Road connects the busy M.G. road with the Guwahati Railway Station, Reserve Bank of India and Lakhtokia, and closing it would mean a lot of problems for the common people.

Nikhil Baruah

Panbazar, Guwahati

Parking woes

The new buildings coming up along GS Road and RG Baruah Road without adequate parking lots in the basement not only violate the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority’s rules but raises fears of a Fancy Bazar-like situation in the next 10 years.

The exorbitant parking fees at a few spacious buildings along GS Road force car-owners and drivers to park their vehicles on the road.

Adding to their woes is the leasing out of space to those who often allow parking in no-parking zones and collect handsome amounts as parking fees. It is time that GMDA officials enforced the norms strictly, especially in busy commercial areas like GS Road and RG Baruah Road, to ensure a planned development of the city.

A.K. Pathak

Hatigaon, Guwahati