The happy celebration of the World Cup finals telecast on a giant screen at Khyndailad after midnight of July 13 was a great initiative of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department. There were positive vibes all around and the crowd was an eclectic mix of young, old and middle-aged. Of course the majority of spectators were youngsters who while they all rooted for their own teams (Germany vs Argentina) waving the flags of those countries, also displayed a general air of respect for each other’s choices. In recent times there are too many gory stories of rapes, murders, kidnapping and extortion especially from Garo Hills. A sense of gloom and doom pervades the State. It seems as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel for Meghalaya. An analysis will reveal that there is too much focus on politics and the failures of governance are highlighted more than the achievements made. The failure of the delivery systems and the corruption that has taken deep roots is frustrating for the youth who do not see any opportunities for growth, employment and enterprise. But once in a while it is important that society takes a break and breathes easy so that it can heal its wounded psyche.
The wonderful congregation of Shillong’s citizens to witness a match together brings the much needed bonhomie. It is important to realize that we breathe the same air and share the same earth. For once there was no “othering.” All who congregated did so with a common interest – the game of Football. It is important to find such common threads for people to come together and unwind. Shillong has very little by way of recreation outlets and affordable ‘adda’ joints (other than bistros and pubs)for young people. Many get together in dark corners of lane and by-lanes to share their stories over a bottle or two of beer or some hard drinks. These are all signs of a repressed society that does not allow social drinking and does not accept the fact that the young do drink behind the backs of their elders. The society is in state of flux and the problems that are perplexing us are also related to the sense of denial among elders and desperation among the youth. They have no space to tell their stories, to vent their frustrations or articulate their angst. That so many turned out to watch an event-free World Cup Football suggests that our young people have come of age. It is good that the Government came up with this idea. Perhaps more such ideas are necessary to build a positive youth force in Meghalaya.