Editor,
I was pained to see the report by Pooja Bhula, and the accompanying photograph, because it is a poor attempt to malign the event that took place on 27th October, 2012. It also brings to the fore the fact that the writer had not familiarised herself with what happens at marathons before she so boldly pointed fingers at the MTDF and the Half Marathon. Firstly, the water was handed over to the runners while they continued running. The participants refreshed themselves, as is normally done, while on the run. They drink some of the water, and some pour the rest over themselves. Obviously, in a race they will not have the time to neatly keep away the empty bottles.
Secondly, as normally done, behind the runners there was a vehicle picking up the empty bottles to be disposed properly. In fact, after the event I had personally checked and I had found the route cleared – especially Dhankheti where the photo was taken. The photograph was taken immediately after the runners with a view to only point fingers. I do not say MTDF is perfect in what we do. We welcome constructive criticism that will help us improve. But, please refrain from pointing fingers just to bring somebody down. However, when they deserve it, then feel free to criticise them.
Lastly, let me take this opportunity to thank all those who had participated in both the run and the festival. Your support and help always motivates us to do better.
Yours etc., With warm regards,
RG Lyngdoh
Chairman, MTDF
A fruit named Pacay
Editor,
The story given in the ‘Shillong Jottings’: Name this fruit (5th Nov. 2012), had aroused my interest in finding out about the fruit. If I am correct this is a fruit of the Pacay tree (a fast-growing tree tolerant of diverse soils) and is native to the tropical Americas. Technically it is a legume rather than a fruit and that means the seeds are encased in pods. It is called Pacay, which is also known as the inga feuillei or guama. The fruit ranges from a few inches long to several feet in length. It is sweet and has a texture like cotton candy but it is slimier and has an almost nutty flavor to it as well, a bit like coconut. The Incas too have painted these pods on their ancient ceramics and they send Pacay pods to Cuzco, their mountain capital. According to reports, the Inca emperor sent a basketful of guamas as a gift to Francisco Pizarro (a Spanish conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire). The pacay and inga trees are great additions to fields, gardens, hedgerows or orchards and they will happily grow in warm climates. They are a source of cash for the enterprising and snacks for their owners. Pacay tastes similar to what is called ‘ice cream bean’ which is of a different species . It is much like cotton candy, the pulp has a sweet cotton-wool texture and tastes somewhat of vanilla ice-cream. Also here’s some more information on the Pacay : There are two varieties of Pacay. One is called Pacay Rosario and the other is cola de mono (which means monkey’s tail). The Pacay Rosario tree is much smaller and the fruit is smaller too. The pure white, flaky matter in which the seeds are embedded is used as food, and the pods, which are nearly two feet long, serve for feeding cattle.
Yours etc,
Tabitha Marwein
Shillong-2
(This letter writer wins Rs 200 for getting the name of the fruit correct)
Education scam
Editor,
The recent report of the CBI on the teacher recruitment scam and the subsequent public condemnations are sufficient indications for Ampareen Lyngdoh to step down gracefully if she has any trace of conscience left in her. I also advise Dr Mukul Sangma to stop preaching about good governance anymore as the people are already fed up with his hypocrisy not only in the present case but in many other cases as well. But what disgusts me more is the way the other involved politicians shamelessly defended themselves by stating that they have not done any wrong by making recommendations only and the sinner therefore is Ampareen only for which I symphathise with her for falling prey by obliging such people. As experienced legislators, they should be well aware that while they have the authority and obligations to recommend only on certain matters say like in the applications for ration cards, passports , castes or tribes certificates and other matters of similar nature , the recommendation of candidates for any competitive process particularly those in the Government is not only improper but way beyond their jurisdiction. But then these people always play foul right from the time they seek entry into the legislature. Unfortunately the majority of them will still seek to come back to the legislature next time and will use all ways and means to get back, which includes using money power since here also they would claim that there is nothing wrong or immoral in distributing money for votes as it is finally up to the people to make the decision. The most disturbing part is that while the majority of these legislators are Christians the majority of voters are also Christians who also seem to think there is nothing immoral in ensuring that the candidates who gives more money is returned. Perhaps the charitable Christian way of life of “ask and you shall be given” is now being replaced by another charitable call of to “give generously as otherwise it will not be given back to you” . I do hope our church elders see this and while they may say or feel that it is beyond their control , my only wish is that they treat these tainted legislators as ordinary children of God, like all of us and not like earthly Gods, and should not wait for heaven to judge them while they create hell for us on earth .
Yours etc.,
Donbok Syiemlieh,
Shillong-3