Editor,
My brother who is still in school, has been chosen to light the lamps for the opening ceremony of the South Asian Federation Games here in Shillong . On February 5, he left for the so called practice session at 2 pm because he was asked to reach at around that time. But what bothers me is that he went there with the intention to practice but all he did for almost five hours was wait. He just waited for the practice session but there was none. Those in charge of this event should be more organised and sensible . It’s a stupid wastage of time and easily avoidable if only we all take pour jobs more seriously.
Yours etc.,
Alanah Syiemlieh,
Via email
SAG unnoticed by national media
Editor,
It is unfortunate that the national media thrives on portraying the North East as a mere conflict zone and blacked out the opening ceremony of the SAF Games in Guwahati. The Shillong ceremony was also wonderful but saw very thin turn out, as enough tickets were not sold. Most bureaucrats attended making the VIP stands choc-a -bloc. The stage though was too far from the viewing galleries and the LED screens were not large enough. The main attraction of the show was however a Hi- tech camera drone which kept hovering around and brought us close images of the VVIP glass cage in which the CM etc. were seated. All the teams were cheered on well by the crowd – yes including the large Pakistani contingent, which was nice. We also wondered whether Shillong had enough rooms to accommodate so many players and visitors. To me the highlight of the show were the high quality fireworks even though they left most of us coughing and gasping for fresh air!!
Your etc.,
Gagan Jain,
Via email
A wasted opportunity
Editor,
The South Asian Games’ coming to Shillong has been a blessing to a great extent. We see a lot of repair works and beautification in the city. We take pride to be able to host part of the Games here and I believe that this will boost sportsmanship in the State. Meghalaya has not been much in the sports map of the country. Yesterday the opening ceremony in Guwahati was a feast to the eyes. There was a lot of cultural aspect in the whole programme highlighting the diversity and beauty of North-east cultures. However, one needs to observe that we feel a sense of shame to see that Wah Umkhrah which runs close to our games’ venue, is in such a pitiable state. We may glory in our beautiful stadium, spacious playgrounds and a scenic beauty around them, but the filth of Wah Umkhrah takes away all that sense of pride. What an impression we will leave in all those participants coming from other countries? Perhaps they will go back telling their friends at home about the state of our city and the unhygienic lifestyle we follow. The opportunity of cleaning the river had come with these Games and definitely the central government with its “swachh bharat” campaign would have easily supported the State government with the necessary finances. Unfortunately, it looks like our Government has been asleep all the while and suddenly woke up only to realize that the Games are at the doorstep. This was the golden opportunity that we should have grabbed but now it is gone for good. I do not know now when the cleaning of Wah Umkhrah will take place? Perhaps we might have to wait for another South Asian Games or something of the sort.
Yours etc.,
Barnes Mawrie SDB,
Via emai
Late night partying and other menace
Editor,
As a resident of 3rd Mile Upper Shillong I would like to state some facts about this area which extends from the main road junction towards the anterior of St. Paul’s Seminary, Riatsohkhlur and the Government reserved forest. All sorts of people come here and mix with the locals. As a result lawlessness is the rule of the day. Alcoholism, drug-addiction, abusive language, blasting of music from the cars and parking of vehicles at night on the roadside and indulgence in all kinds of unwholesome activities happen here. Then there are those that party late into the night and blast loud music. It takes a toll on everyone in the neighbourhood . When anyone approaches the party animals the answer is, “We play music in our compound; if it reaches your compound it is not our problem!” Music would carry on up to 2 a.m. Complaining to the local authority has no impact. Taking it as challenge another party was held in the neighbourhood recently with loud music till past midnight. Based on these facts, I feel that only the law enforcing agency can bring solace to this area. I would suggest setting up of a Police OutPost in this part of Upper Shillong so that lawlessness can be controlled. I also fervently appeal to the concerned authorities to look into the matter with all sincerity as this will go a long way in helping the youth to realize the menace of living an unwholesome life.
Yours etc.,
Kosini Hynniewta
Shillong -5