Editor,
We often criticize schools for being too commercial which is true to some extent. However there are schools even today that still live by their values and principles and which put education first and money later. On the 7th of June, 2014 I was invited to attend the felicitation of my ward who had recently passed her SSLC Examination. Though my ward has been attending this school for the past five years I have never attended any parent-teachers.’ It saddened me as I listened to the challenges and difficulties that the school has to go through to teach students who are very weak in studies. Most of them come from the rural areas to Shillong in search of good education for a better life in the future. Therefore I express my heart-felt gratitude and appreciation to the Managing Committee and most importantly the Teaching Staff of Seng Khasi Morning School who have gone out of their way to perform their duties with sincerity, thereby enabling these students to realise their dreams. I was surprise to see several students passing their SSLC Examination with flying colours. Some even got letter marks in their respective subjects. A special thanks to the teachers of these subjects and one hopes they continue to play a constructive role in the education.
Yours etc.,
Tirot Sing Suchiang
Shillong-2
Business on the footpath!
Editor,
Solar lighting is giving a new and modern look to Shillong city but what about the growing slums and the vendors who encroach into the footpath leading to and from Civil Hospital? Why are the authorities turning the other way thereby emboldening the street vendor to carry on their business on the pedestrians’ footpath? When they leave in the evening they leave all the rubbish behind for someone else to clean. And they do all this in the name of poverty. As if poverty gives people the right to break the rules.
Yours etc.,
Jyotsna Duttaroy,
Via email
Enough of loose talk!
Editor,
It is unfortunate that someone like John F.Kharshiing to criticise the move by the KHADC to allow a more transparent and open participation in the election of the Syiem of Hima Malai Sohmat since this is not a new practice. In the past too there has always been a tradition of inclusive participation and liberal democracy in the Khasi society. The change has to gradually come in allowing more efficient people to contest for any post. Just as the Constitution clearly guarantees the right to equal opportunity we need to claim these rights. If we are to be saddled with age old customs and traditions, the Khasi society will never progress. However, having said that, improvements by reforming rules and regulations should be adopted on a trial and tested basis. Comments coming from an individual who claims to represent the people under the garb of an illegitimate council should not be given importance.
Yours etc..
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Defender of Hynniewtrep rights
Editor,
The recent ruling of the Hon’ble Meghalaya High Court to restore the citizenship rights of the refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh who have settled in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya prior to 24th March, 1971, is astounding. What is more surprising, however is that very few, nay almost none have voiced their concern over this Court ruling. However, Paul Lyngdoh (MLA), has ventured to rightly hit the bull’s eye when he stated herein that the so called cut-off date of 24th March, 1971 has no bearing whatsoever in the State of Meghalaya as the same is applicable exclusively in Assam based on the Assam Accord endorsed by AASU and the powers that be in New Delhi. Mr Lyngdoh has urgently urged the State Government to approach the next tier of judiciary to contest the impugned verdict of the Meghalaya High Court.
This action of Mr. Lyngdoh, notwithstanding negative allegations galore hurled against him, has vindicated him as a dyed in the wool defender of the Hynniewtrep population when their existential rights are threatened.
Yours etc.,
Jerome Diengdoh
Shillong-2
Ways of getting at the truth
Editor,
The present situation in Garo Hills regarding the custodial death of Balsan in Tura jail could be solved if the statement of the jail doctor is recorded. Only he can say exactly what the cause of death is and whather Balsan’s condition was already bad before he entered the jail, or if his condition worsened in jail. Why are the pressure groups beating around the bush when they can get to the truth through other ways. If they all create pressure for the statement of the jail doctor where Balsan was kept, he will surely tell the truth if he is not a corrupt person. Then the culprits can be charged. Simply resorting to violence will not reveal the truth as the Government can easily manipulate the evidence and facts.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request