Editor,
A friend of mine recently bought three Solar powered lamps as gifts for some of his teenage relatives, who are appearing for their exams. They had been complaining about the frequent power cuts and how it affected their concentration while studying. So he became proactive and did the best possible thing that he could do. This good example could be emulated by all of us. We should gift our children rechargeable lamps, be they solar or electric or even inverters which are not too expensive, instead of the latest in mobile phones and gizmos which kids nowadays seem to change with effortless ease. For those who have computers at home a simple LED bulb can run from the UPS for hours on end.
Instead of bemoaning our fate and cursing the electricity department we could adopt these very simple means. Students’ organisations could get into the act and with help from the Non Conventional Energy Department and the State Government help out poorer students by gifting them Solar lanterns. Corporate sectors too could be requested for financial aid. Just imagine how much the giant ads put out by certain companies all along the highways, functioning from our state, cost. This could be of great help especially for the students from the rural areas.
Yours etc.,
Dr Tridib Kakoty,
Shillong -14.
Wanted the complete story
Editor,
It was reported few months back that the Rector of Don Bosco, Tura had gone missing from Delhi railway station while on his way to Guwahati. Later on, it was reported that he was still alive and spotted somewhere with his relative in the northern part of the country.
In this regard, I would like to request an updated report for the information of concerned readers. We want to know the latest position, the real reasons of his disappearance and re-appearance so that the full version of the story is known to all.
Yours etc.,
N. Surong
Jowai.
Editor replies: It was last reported that Fr Francis Fernandez inexplicably reached his nephew’s residence at Dehra Dun after having been robbed of all his luggage and money and in a dazed condition. Sources in the Salesian congregation inform us that Fr Fernandez has returned to the region and is now recuperating in Tripura but they have refused to comment any further on this matter. Those we have spoken to say they are as confused by the whole episode and prefer to leave it at that.
Whither ban on tinted glasses?
Editor,
The new DGP of Meghalaya had ordered the removal of tinted glasses on vehicles beyond the permissible limit w.e.f. 1/12/2012. But to our utter surprise, the ban did not materialize and till date vehicles are plying around with tinted glasses. For obvious reasons, banning of tinted glasses beyond the permissible limit will do much more good (in terms of crime reduction etc) than harm as observed by some lone lady drivers and others.
Urgent implementation of the directive is therefore the need of the hour in order to save Shillong especially the youth from committing indecent acts behind the dark glasses.
Also, red light atop the vehicles of the self proclaimed VIPs may also be done away with. The authorities must clamp down on this abuse of power.
Yours etc.,
S. Lapasam,
Mookaiaw
Sensible idea!
Editor,
I fully endorse A F.Dykes’s letter (ST Jan17, 2012) that a medical college should have a sprawling campus with plenty of open space with shrubs and trees so that the buildings are amidst peaceful surroundings. Constructing the medical college at the old TB hospital site is a ridiculous idea as the place is in a very congested part of Shillong. In fact, the government should even consider moving the TB hospital out of it’s present location and the area could be turned into a well laid out park. The medical college (and the TB hospital) should be constructed well away from the city as this will help to decongest our town which is on the point of collapsing due to overcrowding of people and cars. Don’t the powers that be think of these things before making their decisions?
Yours etc.,
D.M.Pariat,
Al Ain,
Abu Dhabi.