By Jenniefer Dkhar
We talk about preservation of our culture and tradition, our identity, our faith and belief but more importantly there is a greater need to pass down legacies of humility, piety, conscientious minds, principles, ethics, moral values, love and respect for one another to our future generation. After all, what makes life beautiful is the ability to live in harmony amidst diversity. And what better way to do it other than setting good examples for our children to emulate, uphold and further strengthen. To pass on anything that is valuable is far more worthy than allowing our principles and moral treasures and wealth to slip through our hands. It is this bond of togetherness, selflessness, love and faith in one another that will triumph over adversities that may come our way.
As parents, all that we look forward to is the well-being of our children. We will do all in our might to give them the best of everything and we do so out of love, care and adoration. If within the hearth and home we protect our loved ones from harm then the same must follow in our dealings at the community and public level. We must still be guided by the same principles and moral values. Once we enter the public space, we must not compromise with the very ethics that govern us in our day to day lives. Alas, this is not to be. Many a times we have witnessed the dual personality of people once they assume office in a public space. There appears to be many compromises made. We begin to evolve as individuals more concerned about the self than the common good. Then we do not shudder to bury our principles, ethics and moral values. Sadly this is one truth in the way of the world and it is both sad and alarming.
When we were jolted by the earthquake it made me ponder upon our existence here on earth. The earthquake that shook the earth also shook my mind and thought processes. Everyone, both young and old, male and female rich and poor ran to the streets, amidst screaming and fear, talking and sharing their feelings with no display of social divide and distinction. This really is a reminder of how man is born equal but it is man himself who creates division and distinction. Death is an equaliser and we all will have to leave this earth empty handed. Then why this distinction? Why this sacrifice of goodness and piety? Why this compromise of conscience, morality and our sense of right and wrong? At this juncture, I am forced to wonder if decisions had been too hasty or perhaps moral values and principles have actually been relinquished with regards to Sein Jaintia Hall.
I was shocked and dismayed to see that Sein Jaintia Hall was flattened. Yet, I was of the impression that this was done in order to build a more spacious, sturdier and better Sein Jaintia Hall with modern architecture and state of the art infrastructure. However, I was filled with a deep sense of inhibition and apprehension when the flattening was carried out to make way for a commercial complex that will reduce the size of the Hall to a mere one floor. This appears to be a clear violation of and contrary to the purpose and objective that our fore-fathers worked for to procure the Sein Jaintia Hall. While it is proper to renovate and reconstruct the Hall and it may not a bad an idea to have a few shops that will pay for the maintenance of the Hall, what does not seem right is the way the entire matter has taken shape. Letters to the editor, in this esteemed daily, by members of Sein Jaintia reflect a lot of discontent and resentment of the members. And why not! What is the need to be a member when you have no participation in the decision making? It seems that the leadership of Sein Jaintia shies away from taking into account opinions and views of the members. I, for one, know for sure that some of its members had played significant roles in making the best use of Sein Jaintia Hall. From cultural activities to sports to theatres, fetes, social meets, and lots more; all had found a space and a platform there in that very Hall. My 84 year old grandmother, who was an Executive Member of Sein Jaintia at the time of its inception, was shocked and saddened about the state of affairs and this unfortunate turn of events. She said, “I am very unhappy and sad about the recent developments but because I am old and unwell, it also breaks my heart that I am helpless and cannot do anything. This is really unfortunate. All efforts of the founding members of the Sein Jaintia Hall will be washed down the drain if the true intention of having built the Hall is lost.”What is happening today must be rectified as it will defeat the very purpose for which the Sein Jaintia Hall was procured. She testifies that it was indeed the dedication and determination as well as the prudence of the elders that gave birth to the Sein Jaintia Hall that stood tall this far and served its purpose well.
In today’s age and time our youths are exposed to a number of social evils that are a threat and a menace to all. Alcoholism, abuses and crimes of various sorts are the order of the day and nearly every household is inflicted with the menace. Those who are fortunate and are not yet touched by this menace, live in constant fear and apprehension lest their children fall prey to these evils. Hence it is imperative for us elders to keep our youths away from anything corrupt, wicked and malicious by drawing their attention to constructive activities. It is important to channelize their minds towards activities that will help them grow personally and build bonds of love and camaraderie with fellow human beings by involving them in sports, theatre and myriad social activities.
Located in the vicinity of commercial areas and market places, Sein Jaintia Hall had been a place of worth especially for people who lived in and around that area. For decades the Hall had served its purpose well by providing a space for various activities that our people especially our youths could engage in. If in the past, Sein Jaintia Hall was able to provide a platform and a space for various activities, the task at hand must be to further strengthen the foothold of the Hall even more firmly rather than take away the sole purpose for which the Hall was given a name and space. As of today, the Hall appears to be missing out on its intention and purpose. Hence, I am forced to reiterate what I had said at the beginning that those at the helm of affairs must have thought carefully, wisely and far-sightedly before having taken any decision. If that is so, then I do not see why a general meeting is not called where all the active members can be present so that a healthy and participative discussion can take place or for the members to be informed and convinced of the decision taken to convert the larger part of the Hall into a commercial complex and leave only a small area for cultural and social activities and sports.
Once an individual assumes any office of public importance and significance, he/she cannot and must not sideline his work ethics and principles of goodness and moral values. I am worried that as it stands today, it seems that the Sein Jaintia Hall is being made to waver from its real objective as envisioned by our forefathers who strove to help it stand tall. However, all is not lost provided there is a will to correct all the wrongs and set things right. Opinions and views of right- thinking people must be taken into account and loopholes must be re-examined. We must collectively think about the welfare and wellbeing of our future. Let us be visionaries for the good of all especially our young people who are pillars of tomorrow.