Spotlight

Students unite for a noble cause

Mahdin Mahboob

“Students must have initiative; they should not be mere imitators. They must learn to think and act for themselves--and be free.” --Cesar Chavez

Bangladesh has witnessed one of the worst floods in its history this year. Just when things seemed to look good, torrential rain and downpour have caused the floods to return in some of the worst affected districts. Thankfully, the more privileged section of the society has not turned their back to the poor flood-affected people and different relief and rehabilitation work is in full swing. Students, once again, have played a major role in bringing this into reality.

The primary responsibility of students is surely and undoubtedly that of attaining good education and get prepared to join the country's workforce when the time comes. However, this does not mean that students should always keep themselves busy with their studies, as the saying goes, 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'. Young people too deserve their fair share of fun activities, including sports, watching television and to the more recent trends of spending hours with the PC or the Ipod!

But they are also responsible to their country and that is where 'Community Service' comes in. These days, a growing number of young people are showing interest in involving themselves in different sorts of community service activities. As much as these activities work for the development of the society, in more ways than one, they also inspire other young people to come out and do something for their country or their society.

Starting from blood donation to providing voluntary free education to organizing fund raising events, Different government and non-government organizations, the armed forces and educational institutions offered support. Different fund-raising programs including concerts and meena-bazars were organized in schools, colleges and universities all across the country.

Booths sprang up in cafeterias and common rooms to collect money, clothes and dry foods for the poor and unprivileged flood-stricken people. Blood donation programs were launched to help those who were affected by post-flood diseases. Students themselves ventured out to different districts, far from their home cities to actively participate in the flood relief operations. Students of medical colleges ventured out with medicines and offered free medical check-up to the flood-affected areas.

We, from Star Campus heartily appreciate each and everyone who has come forward in this hour of need of the country. We hope that all the rehabilitation work continues smoothly to recover from the catastrophe at the earliest possible time.