Editor,
I want to congratulate the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya for honouring JM Lyngdoh with the honorary Doctorate of Literature(ST23april2016).Compared with the honour given to Rose M Bathew by the NEHU,I think the USTM’s choice is worth much more.
JMLyngdoh got the Magsaysay award for his integrity as an administrator. Even after demitting office he made two prominent judgments. .As part of a Supreme Court panel he awarded and recognised the human rights of victims of fake encounters in Manipur. He also gave a judgment that political parties should be banned from taking part in college and university student unions elections(the bane of Indian Education System),all against the prevailing Indian ethos. It is indeed a shame that he has no place in his own society(Jaidbynriew).
Here I also want to make comments about two other individuals. Not long ago the Telegraph interviewed Lou Majaw on the books and literature he is currently enjoying. The greatness of Lou Majaw is revealed when he told the interviewer that he is not educated enough to know that. That is humility and greatness- a rare commodity these days.
And now I read that Mary Kom is debating whether she should accept the Indian government’s offer of Rajya Sabha seat or concentrate on her work on sports. The foundational philosophy of BJP and the RSS is that Muslims and Christians are not real Indians. .And there is bound to be more problems for these minorities in the years to come. Will Mary Kom be able to improve the lot of the minority group’s? Will she vote against the Party if there is a move or bill against their interests? Honours and RS seats are fine but at what cost! Hope she will think through before she leaps(or she boxes).
Yours etc.,
Rasputin Bismarck manners
Kolkata.
Why this partiality?
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, may I bring to the notice of the concerned authorities and general public of Shillong, of the irregular permission to Hunlang Wine Shop at Lane-15, Rynjah to continue running its business in direct violation to amended Rule 183 of the Meghalaya Excise Rules, which has already been upheld by the Shillong High Court too.
The said shop is located within the stipulated distance of 200 meters from Pohkseh Presbyterian Church. As seen from Google Maps, the distances from Pohkseh Presbyterian Church to SBI ATM at Rynjah Bus Stand, Dutta Brothers Store and Rynjah Post Office is found to be 120.53 meters, 127.66 meters and 145.94 meters respectively. It is thus evident that, the Hunlang Wine Shop which is situated in between Pohkseh Presbyterian Church and Rynjah Post Office, must have much lesser distance than the stipulated 200 meters. But for some strange reasons, this shop is found to be eligible to run its business in direct violation to above rules. As such the concerned authorities are requested to review and take appropriate measures so as to avoid violation of stated rules and high court orders.
Yours etc.,
Rini Baruah
Shillong – 6
Honouring Shakespeare!
Editor,
This refers to your front page news-report “Royalty, Obama & Fans mark 400 years since Shakespeare died” (ST Apr 24, 2016). Looking at the life and character of Shakespeare one learns that Shakespeare occupies a distinctive position in world literature and his success lies in creating characters which are real. As a poet and playwright, Shakespeare used landscape to place and illuminate people’ actions, emotions and thoughts. It is said that the name “Shakespeare” is spelt in at least 50 different ways. Whichever way it is spelt, the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon will remain the greatest lyricist and poet ever. It is also observed that a generation of young people leave school with at best a vague memory of one or two plays and at worst have no connection with Shakespeare at all, Shakespeare’s universal themes of love, power, greed and complexities have paved the way for successful movies and theatrical productions. In Bollywood, Vishal Bharadwaj has really distorted his love for Shakespeare on the big screen with his versions in movies such as Haider, Maqbool and Omkara. Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary is an opportunity for the world to celebrate the legacy of the most famous English playwright – all year round.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad – 15