Debates – sign of a healthy society
After the much talked about debate organized by the Shillong Press Club, the office of the Principal Accountant General (Audit) Meghalaya organized a debate on the theme “ The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is an effective institution in promoting good governance in India.” Seven leading colleges participated in the debate which was held at St Anthony’s College auditorium.
Since debates are about argumentative skills based on content and repartee and with a dash of humour, the debater who is able to carry all of the above in his/her presentation also carries the day.
Although the moderator inadvertently failed to put the motion to vote, the speaker against the motion was adjudged the winner even though it is the general belief that the CAG has an important role to play in good governance.
It all goes to prove that the topic is not paramount. It is the debating skill of a person which gets him/her the marks.
Everything’s in a name
In a recent power conference held in the city, the announcer made a faux-pas with the Meghalaya Power Minister’s initials. Mr AT Mondal was repeatedly called ‘TM Mondal.”
The first time it happened the audience took it in their stride but when it was repeated they could barely stifle their giggles.
But there was no reaction from outstation delegates as they were not familiar with the Minister’s initials.
It was only after the conference that everyone guffawed to their heart’s content. Funnily the announcer was not to be seen after the conference inaugural.
He thought it best to save face by vanishing from the scene.
Engineers in their elements
A couple of weeks ago the MeECL engineers had their annual conference followed by a loud bash at the Hotel Pinewood.
A music band was called to play some of the old country favourites and other guests in the hotel who came in for dinner were treated to a wonderful evening.
Some of the guests thought this was a regular evening soiree as is common in other 5-star hotels.
Little did they know that no celebration however somber during the day has to have a song and dance during the grand finale.
And why not? All work and no play would make the engineers a tad bored. But consumers wonder at the outcome of the conference and why they are having mire frequent power cuts now than ever before. And a cue for hotel Pinewood.
Why not have someone crooning every evening. It might draw more people for dinner.