Editor,
I was very amused to read an article in the Shillong Times (ST June 22, 2012), captioned ‘PA Sangma in the race to Raisina Hill’, by Rev PBM Basaiawmoit.
I recollect that the above Pastor had earlier contested and stood third during the 2009 MP elections from HSPDP. I recollect he came to our locality and appealed for votes as he stated that the others were not secular and of doubtful character. He said the Congress candidate was known for corruption, while the UDP candidate was supported by a very communal party the BJP. He even displayed a CD showing how the Christians were persecuted because of the RSS and the BJP. Many in the gathering being Christians wept when they heard the preacher going hammer and tongs against his opponents. What was missed in above article on PA Sangma’s failed Presidential election bid was that the Pastor did not reflect similar communal views given the fact that PA Sangma was supported by none other than the BJP which includes the Sangh Pariwar.
It is really strange the thought process of holy men.
Yours etc.,
B L Nongrum,
Shillong
The online generation
Editor,
I agree with your editorial, ” India Online @65″ (ST Aug 17, 2012). It pains me and my generation to be witnessing such incidents starting from 1979, 1987, 1992 onwards in Shillong, not to mention the Gulf War, the war in Afghanistan, cruel Bin Laden and his war of terror. Initially when we were in school, curfew that was imposed arising out of these incidents in Shillong would give us a chance to enjoy our freedom to just eat, play and sleep. What a life! But it had its consequences! In your editorial you mentioned that SMS and MMS messages are used to instigate hatred and bloodshed. You also mentioned social network sites like Facebook and I-phones. It pains me to read that its the I-Phone that’s being held guilty. You mentioned the I-phone twice. If you mean the Internet smart phone by I -Phone then it justifies your editorial but if you mean I-Phone Apple the brand, then I am sorry to say that it has hurt my sentiments as an avid I-Phone fan because I have been using at least three models of this phone (3g-3gs-4s), Ipad 2 and its such an amazing phone. I am eagerly waiting for the next I-phone in September. This is not just a phone but it’s a tool. You will be amazed to know the functions of this phone. It cuts the use of paper and degradation of the environment. It gives us medical assistance etc. I can even check my heart beat and calories burnt. I made a huge effort to get this phone from Chicago and for the knowledge of the users, Steve Jobs the co-founder of Apple with its head quarters in Cupertino, California took great pains in designing this revolutionary phone and other Apple gadgets. It saddens me to hear that the I-Phone did the instigation in flaring the fire of hate crimes in many parts of India. I just hope that you meant the internet smart phones of many other companies in the market which are equally responsible for this menace.
Yours etc.,
S.Nongkynrih.
Via email
Editor replies: All modern gadgets of communication whether it is the I-pad, smart phone or I-phone or the internet linked computer are like double-edged swords. They can be used to harm or to heal. It depends on the user. That’s all one was trying to suggest. Certainly the editorial is not an indictment on your I-phone or smart phone or any particular brand of mobile phone.
Our forgotten heroes
Editor,
While the whole country has been celebrating the success of our athletes (and why not!), somewhere along the way, it seems we have forgotten some very special people who help make it happen without bias and without prejudice the judges. In our case, it involves our very own Matsiewdor War, a winner in her own right and who was part of an elite panel of judges at the London Olympics 2012. Little or no mention has been made of her achievement. I could only hope that we could spare a moment to remember that it takes the best to judge the best. Let us give her the credit she deserves.
Yours etc.,
Sara Nongrum,
Via email
Govt should have the spine to act
Editor,
Apropos the news report that the extension of services of retired Chief Engineer of the State Sports Council, W Kharmalki has not been endorsed by the Cabinet, if the mandatory steps for extension have not been completed vis-a-vis the Personnel, Finance & Planning departments and the Cabinet is completely unaware of it then where is the question of extension? The Chief Secretary/Government can always revoke an illegal order. The person can be declared persona non grata. The officer should be asked to surrender the ID card, the documents, the entire paraphernalia that permits him to work inside the office premises. People who work with him or under him should be told that they are transgressing the official decorum if they continue to be associated with such an officer who does not enjoy any official standing. It looks like the responsibility of ending this silly stand-off is once again being yo-yoed by bureaucrats/administration and politicians. My suggestion is that a one liner telling Kharmalki that his services are no more required by the Government of Meghalaya will suffice.
Yours etc.
Nesfield Sangma
Via email