Editor,
It is heart-rending that even minor children are stalked upon for sexual fulfilment. The media is flooded with such news. Every other day there is public outcry not only in major metros but from remote villages, against cases of rape and molestation. I sincerely offer my condolences at the unfortunate death of brave-heart Damini. It is appalling that such bizarre incidents occur in rapid succession. I urge upon the concerned authorities to pronounce a befitting punishment on the beastly perpetrators and make those perverts, as in the Islamic States, permanently crippled so that no other monsters shall ever dare to walk on that beastly path in future.
But, one can’t afford to overlook the present environment in which we are living and learning from. There is an overpowering swarm of indecent and violent films and soaps on our home TVs. The film industry is churning out depraved movies which affect the public psyche negatively. This has weakened the very base of our moral foundation. Instead of value-based life-styles we have imbibed more about violence, sex and sleaze in the name of entertainment. What an irony that the entertainment industry has literally reduced the woman to a mere sex object and is acting as the moral master dictating terms to society. In the last one year the industry has done enough harm by making even porn-stars a household name as if all our children need to take inspiration from them. There was no voice of protest when SA-RE-GA-MA announced its three lucky winners (maybe our children) to have a chance to meet Sunny Leone. I guess she needs no introduction here. Is this not the height of moral degeneration? One is surprised why there is no outcry against Bollywood/ Colors Channel and others which are stuffing dirty items down the throats of our children in the name of entertainment. After the acceptance of Jism-2 many film directors in Mumbai are now propose to invite more of the Sunny kind of porn-stars. I want the sagacious policy-makers, decision makers to consider the consequences of such action. Doesn’t one suffer from diarrhoea if he keeps gobbling heavy and poisonous food? So is the case with food for the mind. Those devil-like rapists groomed in this filthy environment must have developed mental dyspepsia. As a result they failed to discriminate between right and wrong, virtue and vice. They failed to see girls as sisters, women as mothers.
Such mindless entertainment is responsible for producing perverts in society. If we are serious about dealing with the situation we need to turn towards the teachings of our seers from time immemorial. According to the holy teachings the only way to ward off vices of any kind on earth is by strengthening moral values and teaching the significance of humanity. Perhaps this is what all religions of the world prescribe as the remedy. Therefore, the government, besides adopting a series of fresh laws for stern and quick punishment to the offenders, must also work in tandem with various NGOs, spiritual masters and academic institutions, to come out with a methodical strategy to instil moral values among citizens. Light of wisdom and compassion of humanity and peace prevail only by following the paths prescribed by our enlightened souls/prophets like Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Mohammad. Walk towards the east, the west would recede automatically.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Via email
Where plumber is king
Editor,
Recently I came across a letter in your daily entitled, “Water- scarce for some, not for others” (ST December 6, 2012), dealing with water scarcity in Lawsohtun. I would have reacted sooner but I was out of station for some time. I wholeheartedly agree with the writer. There is indeed a gross mismanagement of water in the village, where some areas and houses seem to get plenty of water, while others get only trickles. Is this a case of favouritism, corruption or sheer incompetence? Only God and the village authorities know!
The writer also mentioned a certain plumber “who is a foul-mouthed individual who uses abusive language”. He should have also mentioned his name and the fact that this plumber has many tricks up his sleeve by which he tampers with the water supply to people’s houses. For instance, if anyone raises any complaints against him, he will immediately reduce the flow of water into the complainant’s house by way of teaching him a lesson. And nobody seems to be able to do anything against this person, who is known simply as Tee. In fact, he behaves as if he is over and above everybody else since he holds the key to the village’s water. Complaints to the Rangbah Shnong or the Secretary are useless since they can’t or won’t act against him. In Lawsohtun, the Plumber is King. Many of us who are at the receiving ends of his unfair and abusive practices are at a loss what as to what to do. We have decided, therefore, that the only thing to do at this moment is to keep writing to the Press in protest, and to appeal, as suggested by the earlier writer, to the Raid Laban Durbar of Mr. Banri Wahlang for redress.
Yours etc.
Name withheld on request,