Editor,
27th May, 2016. The visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi to Shillong was an extremely exciting and memorable day for the thousands of citizens of Meghalaya who came up to town just to try to catch a glimpse of him and hear the voice of this great political juggernaut; a man who has swept the hearts of a billion people at home and abroad. The mere fact that he has captured the imagination of even the most common man from the most backward regions of Meghalaya is a serious point which cannot be overlooked. His visit will have its effects, and the waves of change are imminent. I congratulate all the stake holders who made this visit successful. However, being a part of the audience that attended the public rally, I believe the pavilion erected at Polo was far from satisfactory. Hundreds of people were disgruntled with the fact that they could not even enter the 5th ground because there was no more space. It was absurd at all levels. A man of his popularity and stature could have been given a better place to address a huge audience knowing very well that the ‘Modi Effect’ can attract tens of thousands of admirers. It could have been organised in a better manner. Nonetheless, as a citizen of India from this part of the country, his visit was welcoming, and it helped to strengthen the truth that we are not alone; we are not neglected. He and his government makes us all feel we are a part of this great nation, and that, is ‘Modificent’. To all the critics who try to tarnish his and his government’s image by bringing immature claims of religious intolerance and communal hatred, I say to you, your ploys will not work. Change will come. Why fear the Juggernaut?
Yours etc.,
Keith Nongsteng
Via email
Brilliant speech Mr Prime Minister!
Editor,
Extemporaneous and candid was the speech of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is something we do not usually hear from political leaders of our nation. The humility, dignity and respect of the Prime Minister and his humour left everyone speechless. He spoke and dwelt upon importance of cleanliness not only in society but in our mindset and our actions; he spoke on issues of women, savings, enterprise development information technology, connectivity, rural development and a mixed bag of ideas just pouring out. There was no rhetoric, no mud-slinging, no political bashing. Words just flowed subject after subject. We hope that Meghalaya’s politicians will take a leaf out of the Prime Minister’s speech and put things in perspective instead of being suited and booted for fame and fortune.
Yours etc …
Dominic S. Wankhar
Shillong-3