Editor,
PA Sangma has called it a day. He has bid farewell to state politics vowing never to again contest election from the “Abode of Clouds”. Instead he will try his hands at founding a political outfit for the second time as the Tribal Forum has decided to float a ‘tribal centric’ political party. We have to wait and see what shape it will take.
It is quite sad that after more than three decades, he has to quit after losing the ‘most prestigious election’ in the country. I place the presidential election in single inverted comas because my reverence and respect for the office of the president has taken a serious beating. My admiration for the president has gone down drastically. This is the first election when I more or less comprehend the politics behind the office. Perhaps, there is more politics in the presidential election than in politics itself. The reason is plain simple: the president is elected by all active politicians of the country. Therefore, to expect the president to be non-partisan and impartial is nonsense. How can the elected turn against the electors? That is why the president is nick named as ‘rubber stamp’ and ‘yes man/woman’. He/she is the agent of the government that elected him/her and against the one that did not elect him/her.
In the last election it was clear that the politicians manoeuvred to strengthen themselves and weaken others rather than making an effort to find the best person for the topmost post of the country. Tell me one gain from the election for the common man. None! The gains were for the politicians. It gave them a prelude of the next general election. They now know where they stand. They know their alliances. The election of the ‘Guardian of the Constitution’ and ‘Upholder of the Sovereignty of the country’ divided the nation rather than united it!
Returning to PA Sangma’s candidature, I cannot but mention the BJP. The Saffron party was never serious in seeing him president. He was their second choice. Their first was Dr. APJ Kalam. Only when the Missile-man opted out did they support the former Lok Sabha Speaker. They supported him because they were sure that he would lose. What I want to state is that the Hindutva outfit is not interested in making a tribal the Indian President. If they wanted to why did they not put up a tribal candidate when they were in power? Now the BJP has abandoned him. They discouraged him from challenging the election of Pranab Mukherjee in the Supreme Court. The big mouthed NDA lawyers who often use law to settle personal scores disappeared as soon as the result was declared. They left Sangma high and dry as they have nothing to gain now.
Though he has lost (for the first time) PA Sangma can still hold his head high. Remember it was a presidential election. He is the second best person to be the president of this vast and varied country. He should be proud. Good luck to him as he lends his experience to the formation of a new political organization. My consolation is that he has not joined the BJP.
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang
Mendal
St Edmunds still the best
Editor,
Apropos the letter, “Diminishing quality” that appeared in your esteemed daily on August 1, 2012, I disagree with what was written about my school, St. Edmund’s. I am a student of St. Edmunds since the past 10 years and have been brought up by this Institution. We may not be attentive all the time during class but when we do, we are able to grasp what is taught (at least in my class). If not we request the teachers to repeat. About smoking in school uniform, I don’t think the school has the control if a student wishes to smoke outside the school premises. It is impossible for the teachers to keep a watch on all the boys outside the school. It should be an equal responsibility for every parent to make sure that their child doesn’t cultivate these bad habits.
With regards to the teachers, yes maybe they aren’t the best, but they do give their best. I believe every school has its pros and cons, but I can definitely say that St Edmunds has been one of the best and shall continue to be at par. In every activity, be it sports or debates or any other co-curricular activity St Edmunds tops the score. Even during the ICSE exams, our school tops the whole of Meghalaya every year. At least 4-5 students are in the top 10 of the ICSE exams (Meghalaya) every year.
With all due respect if anyone thinks St. Edmund’s is going from “Bad to Worse,” can they suggest a better institution?
Yours etc.,
Bansharailang Pyngrope,
Student of Class IX,
St Edmund’s School
College without a head!
Editor,
I am writing on behalf of all the parents who have suffered the same plight as I have. My daughter has been studying in St Mary’s College for the past three years and I have tried so many times in the past to meet the Principal of the college for many reasons, but I have never met her, let alone seen her. Some say she is on leave, others say she comes to the office but only in the evening. What about work during college hours? Other parents have complained of the same problem. How can a college function without a head? Why are the teachers quiet? What is the board of management doing? Are the students and parents supposed to keep quiet too? Will the Government see that something is done please? We are sick and tired of waiting for a non-existent head!
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request