Editor,
Forecast after forecast about an earthquake hitting the north eastern region with emphasis on the entire Himalayan stretch is something people from various backgrounds have been talking about. But we are yet to get a grip on the preparedness of the civil authorities and their readiness to mobilize resources. The recent earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter Scale is another wake- up call that we should not take life lightly nor lower our alertness. It is ironic that in spite of a number of jolts, the state government is still twiddling it’s thumbs on the plan to have a safety audit of all government buildings. However, the same should cover all private properties irrespective of urban or rural. Another casual attitude is when ever such earthquake shocks occur the MeECL is not alert in switching off electrical supply to minimize loss of human lives in the event of a quake. Secondly, most mobile towers suddenly go kaput as has been observed in the recent tremors that have happened. Emergency drills should be conducted in every locality, not just in commercial areas. This will go a long way in protecting ourselves and our future. Perhaps the authorities should be taking matters more seriously and involve more participation from people.
Yours etc…
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3
Making a mockery of Indian Constitution!
Editor,
Apropos your editorial titled, “Ambedkar Remembered” (ST April 15, 2016), it is, really, ironic that when India was celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, Dronacharya was being honoured by renaming his native place Gurgaon as Gurugram. Many people of our country believe that India was a land of justice and fair play in the epic age and was a far better place to live in than the present Republic of India. They strongly recommend Mahabharata as a better guide than the Constitution of India. Such myths water down the spirit of 14th April and 26th January. India cannot progress so long as we have such a backward pull in our mindset. Our Constitution is a result of thousands of years of evolutionary progress of humankind since the days of Mahabharata. So, it is quite natural that the spirit of Mahabharata will come into conflict with the Constitution of India which is based on the ideals of equality, liberty, fraternity and justice. Dronacharya, a great figure of Mahabharata, should have been arrested on Republic India for cutting the right thumb of Eklavya as tuition fees. It is true that tuition fees are going up every day in modern India, however, we cannot think of such a sadistic and brute act. Will the code of Mahabharata promote women to the status of devis? When women of elite families could have been pawned in a game of chance in those days, it can, easily, be understood what was the status of common women especially the Dalit women. We still nurture prejudices against Dalits and women because of our soft corner for barbaric ancient days. The brightest and the humblest student, Eklavya, was, devilishly, crippled so that he could never use his education in archery. Our pining for such an unequal society made a bright student of modern India, Vemula, write in his suicide note, “My birth is my fatal accident”. Such prejudices got Shankars of our country ‘honour’ killed and Kausalas ‘honour’ injured. Instead of realizing the contributions of Ambedkar and the Constitution of India, we are giving award to sports coaches of our country in the name of Dronacharya, an example of what a coach should not be! Such an award and the renaming of Gurgaon to glorify this mythological inhuman character show that it is still miles to go for us to give due honour to Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution. The need of the hour is to follow Ambedkar’s path of “Educate-AgitateOrganize” to clear the cataracts of prejudices so that the ideals of our constitution “EqualityLiberty-Fraternity-Justice” can be translated into reality. India needs to back Eklavyas and Ambedkars to get thumbs up in inclusive development and punish Dronacharyas for trying to cause thumbs down to her reputation.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Frequent power cuts
Editor,
It has been a common feature in Mawlai Umshorshor that whenever it is hit by winds or storms or heavy rains and even light showers, the first casualty is power supply. Normal life as a sequel to it has also been affected. Also affected are the students in their studies. These undeclared power cuts and frequent load shedding in this locality is making life miserable for the people. Still worse is the fact that MeECL does not respond to the complaints from the people. On April 16, Saturday there has been no power supply since 9 am and even after informing and calling MeECL Mawlai Nongkwar complaint no, power supply was not restored until 2pm. It is difficult to understand how long this situation of regular power cuts will continue. Will someone answer for these regular power cuts?
Yours etc.,
Ibalari Lyngdoh,
Via email