Editor,
I was privileged to watch Shad Suk Mynsiem on April 15 last. It was a disciplined and well organized programme. Many communities in the world have lost their indigenous culture, customs and traditions as their leaders did not have the foresight to protect and preserve their culture before it became too late. The 16 prominent Khasi leaders need to be saluted for setting up the institution of Seng Khasi in 1899. The Institution has played an instrumental role in preserving and promoting the unique Khasi customs and traditions for the future generation. What was heartening is that the Shad Suk Mynsiem dance is not performed by a group of professionals like many other traditional dances of some other communities. It is a voluntary, participative dance where members of the community participate spontaneously even in an urban setup. What was also heartening to see was that parents were encouraging their young children (some of the children dancing were as young as two years) to participate and get an exposure of their indigenous culture and tradition at an early stage to that they can be proud torch bearers in the future.
Wish we had many more institutions like Seng Khasi across different communities to preserve each and every unique culture, tradition, custom, language, folklore etc.
Yours etc.,
Hemanta Bayan
Shillong-1
Misleading statement by Governor?
Editor,
I refer to HH Mohrmen’s article, ‘No Vox Poluli this’ (ST March 25, 2013) where the writer expressed his anguish, that the present seven legislators of Jaintia Hills failed to raise their voices in the Assembly, on issues pertaining to the welfare of the two Districts. He pointed to the irregularities in the purchase and installation of the X-Ray Machines in the three CHCs of the District and the hardship that the general public had to endure as none of the X-Ray machines were functioning or in working condition since the time of their installation.
I salute HH Mohrmen and Chaphrang Passah for their selfless sacrifice of taking upon themselves the mantle of our elected representatives, by fighting for the general welfare of the society. This shows that if we live in a democratic country, even the man in the street can fight for his rights, provided he does it with sincerity and responsibility and not with an ulterior motive for personal fame and gain.
Everyone knows the water problem in Jowai town which starts in last part of December and reaches its peak in the months of March and April. Every household in the town has to buy water from the private tankers at least once a week, even though they have their water connection and regularly pay a fixed hefty bill of Rs. 194 per month to the PHE Department. The Governor of Meghalaya in his address to the Assembly on March 15, 2013 said, “The Government is committed to providing adequate safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to all inhabitants of the State. The Jowai Water Supply Scheme, is nearing completion and is expected to be commissioned by the end of this month.” The people of Jowai town and its suburbs were elated when they learned about the assurance given by the Governor. But one month later there is no news or sign of the commissioning of the Jowai Water Supply Scheme, as assured before the August House.
The joy and elation of the people is short-lived as Mohrmen and Passah had thrown icy cold water on the assurances given by the Governor, by showing through Myntoilang Cable Network, Jowai the video recording of the construction site and the progress of work in the said Jowai Water Supply Scheme. The people were shocked to see the house meant for installation of machineries was not even half completed, not to speak of the presence of machineries needed for the said scheme, at the work site.
There are now two versions on the status of the Jowai Water Supply Scheme. The Governor say the scheme is nearing completion and is expected to be commissioned within the month of March, 2013 while Mohrmen and Passah claim that the scheme is still in its infancy stage. This has created more confusion in the minds of the general public, as o which of the two is correct. To clear the air I suggest that a joint inspection be conducted immediately and quick remedial action be taken up in the interest of the public.
If the commitment given by the Governor in the Assembly is found to be false the persons who had provided the information should be taken to task, as they have not only misled His Excellency but also the elected representatives of the State and the public at large. This has also demeaned the glory and dignity of the office of the Governor of Meghalaya and as well as the Assembly.
Yours etc.
E Pyrbot,
Jowai
Meghalaya Assembly building
Editor,
I appreciate the efforts of the Government for empowering the High Power Committee once again for the final selection of the site for the Proposed Assembly Complex. As a senior Practicing Architect in the State I would like to suggest the following few points for consideration:
1. The High Power Committee must initiate fresh debate on site selection and seek ideas from various quarters by co-opting renowned citizens of the state, prominent political leaders, rangbah shnong, prominent youth leaders including professional bodies like The Meghalaya Architect Forum (MAF).
2. The proposed Assembly Building inevitably should be a proud Architectural heritage of the state and hence a Building of national importance. It must stand out as a modern innovative structure embodying the vernacular Architectural style of the old structures where it once stood immaculately as an imposing structure and an icon. It should also have a character intrinsic to this region besides being environment friendly. What the Taj Mahal is to New Delhi, Sydney Opera House is to Australia, the proposed Assembly Building should signify Meghalaya in all its intricacies.
3. Since this project is a star prestigious building of the state and the country as a whole, selection of an Author of the Design or an Architect should be awarded to a competent authority based on merit and experience by inviting designs on a competition basis at the national or international level. Such competition should be unbiased and must conform to the competition guidelines of the Council of Architectures, which is the Statutory body incorporate under the Architects Act of 1972. 4. Selection of an Architect should not be left to a few or be influenced by internal or external entities. This would ensure a fair and honest proceeding for all. On two occasion in the past the same project, at different proposed sites, have been awarded to non-nondescript designers by invitation through tendering process. Fortunately for Architecture, the two sites selected earlier came under objection from different quarters and stakeholders.
5. The Profession of Architecture is not like that of a building contractor. Apart from formal educational qualification, the technical knowledge and the plethora of years of experience, the work of designing involves research, tenacity and talent. Hence inviting tenders for fees is unjust.
I hope that this humble request will challenge the government into providing fair and just competition and opportunity to experienced and upcoming Architects alike. I hope that the government will dwell on these simple suggestions and decide to invite design competitions from the Architecture fraternity from within or outside the country. May Architecture triumph!
Jwatbor S. Cajee,
Senior Architect, Jwatbor Cajee & Associates
Via email