Editor,
I am a Class IX student of Sherwood School. This Monday, as my friends and I were walking to our tuition classes after school, we found a big branch of a tree which had fallen due to the rains and it was obstructing the road. The pedestrians had a problem walking; the cars could not move, yet, no one stopped to remove that branch from the road. It would have taken just two people to do so. The other day we had a programme in School where we were encouraged to be the change. So I thought we would remove the tree to prove a point. But since we were girls we could not move that heavy branch. We tried again and again but had to give up. But I saw children having problems walking; I saw cars being held up because the tree was blocking the footpath and the side of the road. We couldn’t give up! But what really annoyed me was that there were so many big, burly men around who just sat in their cars busy with their phones, or chatting and exchanging gossips like old women! It infuriated me. We couldn’t move the tree but we went up to one of the men and told him that the tree needed to be removed. He took one of his men and removed the branch. We made sure it was done. Frankly, I don’t understand this mindset. We blame others for lack of development and lack of cleanliness. But to reach to the king in a game of chess, we’ve got to get past the pawns. First, we have to start with ourselves. We have to be alert and aware of everything that is happening around us. This is our country and if we want to live in it and make it ‘liveable’ then I don’t think any of the people need to be reminded of their duties by a Class IX student. So I ask the people of this place, “Are we awake?”
Yours etc.,
Eusebia Kimde S Sangma,
Via email
Whither Pine Mount School!
Editor,
My entire family has been educated in Pine Mount School. It was one of the best schools in Shillong. The dedicated teachers gave their best to nurture the students who are the future. The education we got here helped us in our careers. The teachers made all out efforts to enable students to score extremely well in their I.C.S.E. However things have changed drastically since the past one year. Teachers remain absent from school for long periods of time as a result of which the syllabus is not completed before the board exams. This year only 3-4 students scored over 90% marks, whereas in previous years the number was higher. Even when the teachers are present they do not attend classes regularly, which is typical of a government school. In some classes there are no teachers for particular subjects. If children do not understand something and ask the teachers to explain they are taken to the Principal. She in turn pulls up the students. This reflects her incompetence. These teenagers should be treated with care because suicide cases are rampant today. I would also like to point out that 1700 children were made to pay Rs 250 for an Identity Card which was handed over to them on August 8 last. I really don’t understand why an ID is required half way into the session. Moreover, making an ID costs Rs 70-80 so why are parents charged Rs. 250? During the parent teachers meeting the Principal said she would charge a development fee as the school does not even have money for purchasing chalk etc. As far as I know government schools do not charge a fee as such so are they authorised to charge development fee? I urge upon the concerned authorities in the Education Department to conduct surprise inspections so that Pine Mount school can be restored to its past glory.
Your etc.,
B Lyngdoh, Shillong Via
emai
MUDA ban on garbage disposal at Umshangling
Editor,
I extend my gratitude to the Secretary, Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) who vide an order issued on Aug 21 last has banned the disposal of garbage at Umshangling village, which is 2 kms from Nongpoh. The dumping of garbage by Nongpoh Town Committee has been causing immense hardship to the inmates of Shantivan (a home run by the sisters of Mother Theresa for leprosy patients, the old and the terminally sick who number around 250) and for the village Umshangling which houses the people who have been cured from leprosy at Shantivan. Besides illness which is a daily companion to all the inmates of Shantivan and Umshangling, they have been deprived of the most essential commodity that is necessary for life – fresh air. The stench that comes from this “temporary” dumping area is so unbearable that even a pig will refuse to be reared in that locality. Initially, in 2008, when the sisters and the undersigned protested against the dumping of garbage in their locality, they were told that it was a temporary arrangement. But for all practical purposes the temporary has become permanent. The Solid Waste Management Plant which was sanctioned in 2008- 2009 to be built at this “temporary’ dumping pit at the cost of Rs. 6 crore is yet to see the light of day even though long six years have passed. Someone will definitely have built some other plant for himself / herself with that amount. I am overwhelmed by the kind thought that your correspondent has for the health and well being of the local people and commuters of Nongpoh if there is a ban on dumping of garbage at the present site, but I am utterly surprised at the insensitivity of the same person at the suffering of the people of Shantivan and Umshangling village. He definitely knows how to add insult to injury. I hereby request the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to execute the ban if she has not yet done so, which will be greatly appreciated by the inmates of Shantivan, Umshangling and thousands of their well- wishers.
Yours etc.,
Fr. James Mani,
Director, RRTC, Umran