Meghalaya turns 45 today
SHILLONG: The razzmatazz of celebrations, and not serious introspection, will mark the 45th birth anniversary of Meghalaya on Saturday. This is despite the fact that the State at present is reeling from several socio-economic-political problems.
The Government, which has planned a grand fiesta on the day, has not come up with any action plan for the next five years when the State will turn 50 and is looking to mask the miseries and demands of its people with band performances, flower show, football match and food festival.
Many citizens, like Paul Lyngdoh, felt it is high time the State pulls up its socks.
“We have more celebratory programmes and less of introspective. We are not even at the level where Sikkim, Tripura or Manipur has reached, so we have a lot of catching up to do,” said UDP working president Lyngdoh. Quoting Alexander Pope, he said, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast. We are hopeful that with elections approaching the winds of change will usher in a new beginning for the State.” Adelbert Nongrum, KHNAM MDC, slammed the Government for overlooking the problems and felt the leaders lack responsibility and vision.
Calling for a change, he said, “It’s a big shame to the State and the question arises as to whether the people here are satisfied with the present situation. How can we celebrate statehood when we don’t even have a proper boundary since the last 45 years?”
Commenting on the recognition of freedom fighters, Nongrum said, “Their anniversary ends only in the declaration of state holidays. The sacrifice of our leaders who fought for our State has gone waste.”
Mark Stone Laitphlang, founder of Group Avenues, said the path to a sustainable future for Meghalaya begins with our belief in private enterprise and its ability to empower everyone with opportunity.
Laitphlang added that young people today have unprecedented access to resources and platforms to turn an idea that addresses everyday problems into an enterprise that changes lives. But there is a need for a return to basic human values – in politics, business and education.
“If we are able to harness the optimism and drive of the youth to tackle the challenges of our times with responsive and responsible leadership, there is nothing Meghalaya cannot achieve. People must come first,” he added.