By Naba Bhattacharjee
Glamour and splendour are not the only barometers to gauge the success of a community function. A small meaningful and informal gathering has the ability to surpass one with pomp and spectacle when emotional quotient (EQ) decides the equilibrium. I was fortunate last weekend to conduct one such congregation organized in a cosmopolitan locality of Shillong to felicitate three senior residents of the locality, together with two cabinet ministers. The indomitable spirit and mental strength of the octogenarians held sway in overcoming their physical deterrents in insisting on climbing to the podium with a glee of a child. Both the public representative, who are among the few who are not obsessed with the “ministerial tag” were truly humbled for a change to be part of the “genteel” company. None in the gathering realized when and how the ambiance slowly turned sentimental. All who spoke paid spontaneous tributes to the elders.
The diminishing values of a tradition that had unqualified deference for the elders was clearly visible and was led by the two people’s representative themselves. The beauty of a tribal society is that it is not yet entrapped by the power and protocol of formality so common in caste-ridden societies. All rose in unison to honour the senior citizens who have lived their entire lifetime in Shillong. They are not from the indigenous community by birth or blood but are no less than anyone in their commitment and service towards the cause of our State. If one was a prominent footballer and musical genius, the second spent decades in service of the rural people as a government servant and the other imparting education as a teacher in one of the leading colleges of Shillong. Their common mantra was contribution without seeking compensation for their services. The choked voices and moist eyes gave way when one of them in his loud clear baritone declared “I pray to Almighty…. as I count my last days… that if re-born, my last desire is to be born again in this locality ……. in Shillong!” It was a poignant moment not to be forgotten. The reverential silence made time stand still long after the function was over. It was a pity that many more from the young generation of to-day were not present to witness the rewinding of Shillong’s rich heritage of brotherhood and amity between all communities.