Editor,
It is one giant leap for the people of the State when the base for the National Institute of Technology was laid at Sohra recently. If going by the assurance of the Union HRD Minister that Meghalaya will have fifty percent of share in the seat allotment, then indeed this will be a big boost for the youth of our State many of whom had to venture out to get education in such fields. Again ,if this is to be a world class Institution as promised, one would expect that besides the infrastructures and manpower that promises quality education , the sprawling campus will have beautiful avenues surrounded by trees and live hedges, exquisite flower gardens with sufficient water to maintain them, grassy areas for playgrounds , and most importantly favourable weather conditions which would make it comfortable for students and the faculty members to live in. I wonder however as to whether the existing geophysical and adverse climatic condition of Sohra would promise all these now or in the near future. Or do we continue to expect barren surroundings and damp conditions for most part of the year and for years to come in which only the born and brought up locals can endure. The British were wise and farsighted as always and shifted from the place when they realised that it was impossible to fight nature all the time. Though there is the expectation that there would be suitable technology aimed at reversing the existing adverse conditions in the area, it is not certain as to whether technology can fight nature. Nevertheless as the decision has already been made , it would be appropriate perhaps to make use of quite a few unoccupied or forsaken government buildings at Sohra to straightaway start the temporary campus there instead of having it temporarily at Shillong. This might help those from outside who will pioneer the task of building up and running the Institution to really get the feel of the place and to adjust to its conditions .It would also enable them to analyse and to address critical local issues to steer the path for further positive development .
Yours etc.,
KL Tariang
Shillong-3
Lanong’s mining ‘war’
Editor,
Kudos to C. Lyngdoh and Daisy Kharkongor for punching holes in minister Bindo Lanong’s theory of war breaking out over rat-hole mining. Mr Lanong’s ridiculous argument come as no surprise as this minister has a knack of putting his foot in his mouth more often than not with baseless statements . Mr Lanong needs to explain to us why the greed of a few people is more important to him than the good of the common people and the environment. While he has tried every trick in the book to downplay the dangers of rat-hole mining, the issue refuses to die down much to his discomfort. Rat-hole mining needs to be BANNED. Period. There can be no compromise on this issue.
Yours etc.,
Hubert Warjri
Shillong
In appreciation
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I wish to share my experiences at NEIGRIHMS Shillong where my husband was treated after he had a cardiac attack. We initially admitted him to a city hospital, where the experience was unpleasant. But when we shifted him to NEIGRIHMS, the treatment he received in the cardiac care unit (CCU) was excellent. I am grateful to the staff of CCU NEIGRIHMS and Dr M Kapoor and his team of doctors who had looked after my husband round the clock brining to bear their vast knowledge honesty , sincerity and utmost care, which helped my husband to recover.
Again in 2011, my husband had a fall and he had a fracture in the neck of the femur. After this accident, I had lost all hope of a healthy and normal life for him but Dr B Borgohain the Senior Orthopedic physician of NEIGRIHMS appeared as a saviour to us and performed a successful surgery on the wound. During those distressful days I have witnessed the relentless efforts of Dr Borgohain and his entire team of doctors, the physiotherapists and also the doctors and nurses of ICU who were by his bed side round the clock. This experience has taught me that to be a successful medical professional, firstly one should be a good human being. Therefore I feel duty-bound to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the doctors and staff of NEIGRIHMS and wish progress and prosperity of the premier institution.
Yours etc.,
K Choudhury
Shillong- 6