Editor,
I have read with interest the views of Donbok Syiemlieh and DM Pariat about the Sohra -Eco restoration project. Both have expressed that Sohra was never covered by large tracts of forest in the past and therefore the restoration project of such a large scale is not warranted in the first instance. Eco restoration is different from the restoration of a building or a house. While for the latter one can give a realistic estimate and complete the process of restoration for its reoccupation within a short time, the former however need years of research which is a prerequisite to determine the cause of the desolation and more so many years of painstaking efforts , determination and commitment to act on the findings of the research for a successful result so that the recurrent fire hazards at Sohra can be prevented. Knowing the way all the government projects are implemented it is doubtful if the government machinery meant for the purpose has the inclination or the patience to persevere, particularly once the funds are exhausted. Principal Secy Forests etc., Mr Barkos Warjri who heads the restoration team would do well by being more pragmatic and conscientious in approaching the matter otherwise the crores of money earmarked for the restoration project would drain towards Bangladesh in no time.
Yours etc.,
P Marbaniang,
Via email
Are we breathing poison?
Editor,
I have breathing problems and my doctor has suggested that I take regular morning walks which I have been doing for some time now. But now I can feel that the air is not as fresh as it was earlier. I think it is because of heavy traffic congestion in the city that the air pollution level has increased. Everybody talks and suggests ways and means to ease traffic but nobody is bothered about the ill effects of this air pollution. Life will become a curse in the coming years for the people of Shillong if some strong and concrete steps are not taken. I request the concerned officials of the Government and NGOs to pay immediate attention to this burning problem. Special attention should be given to vehicles like trucks and buses because they emit dark, heavy smoke which is unbearable for the passers by. Pollution check posts should be set up in and out of the city and a heavy fine fixed for those found guilty of not maintaining their vehicles. Let us all come together in this fight against air pollution so that the beauty and greenery of this city is preserved forever.
Yours etc.,
Nita Sharma
Shillong
Caste versus modernity
Editor,
Apropos the letter (ST February 1, 2012) where two ironical statements had been made 1) crucifixion of the Brahmin community and 2)Raja Ram Mohan Roys are not born every day , it made me wonder which world are we living in?
In the 21st century where modernism dominates the scene we still follow religious orthodoxy and divide people according to a petty thing like caste! Performing pujas and chanting mantras need purity of heart (inner self) not purity of external self. Personalities like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda were normal human beings at first and then became reformists – they are role models of people and if their footsteps are followed, we too can reform the society.
All are equal in God’s eyes. Every family performs their daily pujas irrespective of caste and I don’t think on the Judgement Day God distinguishes persons according to caste or creed or gender. It is deeds that matter. It is because of the deeds of a particular priest that the whole Brahmin community has been degraded, not the comments of Mr. Roy.
Why aren’t steps being taken to wipe off the low character of that priest? Is character important or caste? A wrong message is spread about Brahmanism. We boast of being Brahmins but deeds of few degrade the whole community.
Today, if a person belonging to the higher caste meets with an accident, and a person of lower caste donates blood, will the higher caste person become impure? Or would he instead thank the person of lower caste for saving his life. This is of course a heated conversation which will have varied reactions but it’s a fact.
I was taken aback reading the activities of that priest. Rilbong puja is known to be one of the biggest in Shillong. But it’s sad that such ‘women admiring’ priests are hired for performing religious rituals there- maybe unknowingly.
And it’s a good thing that the misdemeanours of that man are brought to light by some guardians. At least this will bring about mass awakening. If practices like untouchability, caste endogamy, caste hierarchy continues to be practiced then people boasting of caste should strictly adhere to the norms too.
I have seen the same priest avoid eating in houses of the lower castes but spotted the same man eating in Chinese restaurants! Now are cooks in Chinese restaurants of the same caste? So is that wise? Maybe this act will be defended by saying that time has changed but, when monopoly of caste is being discussed then should it become crucifixion? The society should be lenient with thoughts. Instead it is being lenient with the person who humiliates women and uses them for fun thereby allowing him to roam around with dignity and making him feel he’s in ‘limelight’.
Concept of Humanity and oneness should be the word now. The world has witnessed Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, and revolts; the world is changing; thoughts are changing. We cannot claim to be literates if we base our thinking on caste system. And if the orthodoxy of this system comes to an end it will be an Indian Renaissance for sure.
At this point I would like to quote Swami Vivekananda, ‘Knowledge of oneness is virtue; seeking diversity is sin.’
Yours etc,
Arunima Chakraborty
Shillong- 1
