Editor,
Most newspapers including yours(Shillong placed at 53rd-ST Feb 16, 2016) reported about the cleanliness report of towns and cities in India. Interestingly the Urban Development Minister, Venkaiah Naidu during that occasion reminded Indians of MK Gandhi’s speech at Benares Hindu University that, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” and he even said that cleanliness is more important than freedom. May I remind our readers that MK Gandhi was not the originator of this phrase as billions of Indians seem to have been led to believe. It is an old Hebrew proverb used in the late 2nd century by Rabbi Phinehas ben-yair. Sir Francis Bacon used it in his book ‘In advancement of learning'(1605).John Wesley used it in one of his sermons in 1791,”Slovenliness is no part of religion. Cleanliness indeed is next to Godliness”. Indian politicians are responsible for most of the mess in India today. And one of those is this sedition of facts and ideas (not so much patriotism).People like Mr Naidu need to use their tongues with more circumspection. Young people need to investigate most of their statements because I believe we had been ruled by propaganda for needlessly too long a time. These are not only half-truths. They are liars and plagiarists of ideas.Is free speech the freedom to use a 2nd century phrase and post it as that of Gandhi who died only in 1948? If the Mantri thinks cleanliness is more important than freedom he ought to clean his tongue first.
Your etc.,
Rasputin Bismarck Manners
Kolkata
Shillong loses its honour!
Editor,
It was really a shocking as well shameful news that Shillong ranks 53rd in the list of ”Clean cities” of India. Time and again the problems of Police Bazar, which is the heart of Shillong as well the hub of tourism is becoming dirtier day by day with the mushrooming of hawkers who not only occupy the paths and roads but are also the main contributors of garbage accumulation. Now even mobile food stalls, barbeque counters have started operating in Police Bazar. It is said that the first impression is the last impression and in Shillong tourists go back with unpleasant memories of Police Bazar (Khyndailad) which has become an eyesore of the city. The authorities have to put their heads together to improve the environment which is becoming unhealthy. Let’s make our city clean so that we can become a better, cleaner city.
Yours etc.
, SL Singhania,
Shillong -1
The unfaithful servants
Editor,
It is shocking to hear the group of headmen giving ultimatum to the government that it should allow the government servants to get involved in organization of headmen and other voluntary organizations without excluding those who are anti-government in nature like the pressure groups, militant groups and the group of headmen. This exhibits the selfish, arrogant, belligerent, illogical and irrational mindset of these group of headmen. How can an employer allow his employee to join a group that is against his interests?. In other words only a foolish businessman would let his manager ruin the business. May I ask Dr Kharshiing whether he will allow his doctors of the Woodland Hospital to form a group that will take over the management of the said hospital? The government employees should also have some ethics in not taking the post of Rangbah Shnong or Secretary in the localities because it amounts to corrupt practices. As God fearing individuals and law abiding citizens one should keep this ethos in mind. I would appeal to the Chief Minister and all those who are in the administration not to pay heed to these rogue elements who in the name of tradition are creating all sorts of nonsense which makes our society a laughing stock to others.
Yours etc.,
Banpynskhem Mylliemngap
Shillong-3