What’s common between Bhagwant Mann & Zelenskyy?

What are the three similarities between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy? Firstly, both were comedians before their political careers. The second similarity is that both are energetic and enthusiastic. Third, both understand the value of time. Zelenskyy, trapped in the war, knows the importance of every single day, and Mann said at the oath taking ceremony that “We will not waste even a single day, because we are already late by 70 years”. If Mann is firm in his words, then this resolution will prove beneficiary for Punjab. There is no doubt that the Shiromani Akali Dal made Punjab sick, while  the Congress, through its internal tussle and foolishness, sent the state to the ICU. That's why the public punished both of them by showing trust in the new players. Let's hope that all will be well in the future and the new leadership will make Punjab colourful again.
 
Meanwhile, some evil forces are trying to disturb peace and harmony. They created a ruckus by luring a few innocent girls in the South. Otherwise what could be the motive of school girls to indulge in a hijab controversy? The Karnataka High Court has clearly stated in its judgment that hijab is not an essential part of Islam. Many countries of the world have already accepted this fact. That's why the hijab is banned in Denmark, Canada, Germany, Bulgaria, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Russia and China. In these countries, any kind of religious dress is prohibited in educational institutions. In Islamic countries such as Egypt and Syria, hijab is completely prohibited in educational institutions. Let me tell you that 90 per cent of the population in Egypt and 70 per cent of the population in Syria are Muslims. Syria banned the hijab in 2010 and Egypt in 2015. The issue of hijab is definitely been raised by a petty politician, who is also putting Muslim girls' education in jeopardy. Religion or politics should not interfere with educational institutions.
 
After two problematic and sad years, the festival of colours is different in the sense that now there is not much fear of any invisible virus. The economic activities are getting back on track, even though it will take a few more months for all the colourful flowers of life to blossom. There is very little chance that people will roam around on the roads with coloured faces. It would be interesting to see how people hug each other on Holi when even shaking hands was considered a bad manner during the pandemic. Summer has stepped in, and it would be a matter of comfort to get drenched in the cool coloured water. On Holi, I would like to request everyone, including children, to avoid throwing colours on any animal, whether on the street or pet. Chemicals mixed in colours can cause allergic reactions in the skin of animals and the dyes can harm their eyesj also. We take a bath after playing Holi, but animals cannot wash their colours. Be kind to all animals and birds. Take care of yourself. Have fun. Wish you all a very happy Holi.

(Author is a senior journalist and columnist)