Editor,
While there was only din throughout the country, and while it seems that everyone has been swept by the Modi tsunami, a voice of reason still finds an echo, and with planted feet it seeks to brave the tides. Babet Sten’s article is a marvellous piece that reminds us of the unity that is so common with the Right. It’s no surprise that the regionalists here and the BJP have identical roars, they also eye the same prey, which suggests the unity of the Right Wing.
And while I do agree that “Fascists love Fascists” with all the sexist and xenophobic harmonies between them, I am also reminded of what Prof. A. K Baruah said once, that the Right or the Regionalists in Meghalaya, as of now, are led mostly by lumpens who are not interested in anything except primary accumulation. They use fascist tactics (call for ethnocentric policies) but are without the ideological strength of the fascists, and therefore, they append themselves to the greater fascists.
But Hope is not lost. We have seen how the anti-corruption movement posed a direct challenge to the Fascist Raja, serving as a reminder that there are no easy lanes for the Right. It appears that the movement will move at a much faster pace henceforth. In the end the Right can only boast so much. Playing on nationalistic sentiments is not fair play when it is openly sharing space with multi- national corporations.
As of now the entire episode is a flower bed for the corporations, a gaping cage for progressives and a challenge for the Left!
Yours etc.,
Obadiah Lamshwa Lamare.
Via email
Modi’s impressive show
Editor,
The people of India have voted for a change and have rejected the Congress because of its corruption and economic mismanagement. There is an anti-Congress wave across the country and even in this state as reflected in the total votes polled in favour of non-congress candidates. Narendra Modi came at the right time exploiting the Congress failures and offering the country good governance. There is no doubt that the Modi factor has worked successfully and the country has given a clear verdict. Leaders of the Congress and other parties dismissed the Modi wave even till hours before counting started but the results revealed that it was more than a wave (Modi Tsunami) which claimed the heads of many Congress bigwigs like Kapil Sibal and Sushil Kumar Shinde. Many other had to bite the dust and have left the Gandhi family party battered. Narendra Modi has proved to be a charismatic leader with supreme self confidence who could also withstand brickbats and jibes spouted by opposing party leaders, some of which went to the extent of comparing him to a dog, a butcher, a murderer, a hanuman and so on. He has also challenged dynastic politics. He has proved to be the reason for the spectacular and massive victory of the NDA and the country now witnesses a man from a low caste and humble beginning occupying the country’s top post.
India needs a man with an iron hand to replace the weak and accidental Prime Minister. Hope that Modi fits the bill and wish that when he occupies the chair, economy will be restored, the GDP hiked, employment guaranteed and poverty reduced although there will be many challenges and obstacles ahead of him. He has a proven track-record of good governance in Gujarat and hope that his mission of good governance and development will be fulfilled in these five years to prove that he is the people’s Prime Minister on merit.
Yours etc..,
G.Rani
Shillong-17
Beautification of Laitumkhrah
Editor,
While appreciating the commendable efforts of the authority in charge of the beautification of Laitumkhrah point which includes the widened footpaths making it convenient for pedestrians and the traffic to run smoothly, constructing a fountain in the middle of the road is costly. Earlier the suggestion mention in your paper for planting pine trees in the area to add to the beauty of a greener Shillong and to use these trees as decorative ornaments during festive seasons such as Christmas, is an innovative idea, but the planting of such trees may damage the road structure in the long run. We should look for long term benefits. So, a fountain is a better substitute as it will offer a better sight and help drivers get a better view during the day and night as well.
Yours etc.,
Sonam Lhamo
Sikkim Manipal University.
Closure of Tura schools unacceptable
Editor,
The Tura edition of The Shillong Times (May 14, 2014) carried a front page story captioned, “Closure of Tura School irks Mothers’ Union”. The reports says that the classes in Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Tura has been suspended for 45 days as the school building is/was being used as a strong room for keeping the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by the district administration. The Mothers’ Union pointed out that the action is a clear violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2008. The Union also brought to public notice that the Supreme Court ruling of not using educational institutions for election purpose has been blatantly breached.
This action is totally unacceptable. Children are kept out of school for more than a month. Are there no other facilities to keep the EVMs? Is Tura, the head quarters of Garo Hills, so ill-equipped in infrastructure that a school building has to be used to store EVMs for such a long time? Other questions too could be asked. Why has the report come so late? Why did the concerned NGO complain only after the 45 days were almost over? What purpose does it serve now? Are there no concerned individuals and social groups to raise objections against such gross violations of the rights of school children? But then, who cares for students?
The teachers and students may be happy over the unusual holidays, but education has certainly suffered. We can’t expect excellent performance from students in such a scenario. Surely, in the absence of school and studies, young students will get involved in undesirable activities like the on-going devil worship.
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang
Mendal, North Garo Hills