Editor,
Apropos the letter to the editor, “Transparency Please” (ST Jan 28, 2016) by a Mr Benjamin A. Rymbai, I wonder why the person has not accepted my open invitation to come and meet me but has instead, like many before him, chosen this esteemed daily to communicate with the MPSC. In response to what Mr Rymbai has written, the Commission once again sat for a meeting to deliberate and discuss on the pros and cons of uploading the marks. The staff had meanwhile placed before us communications from all quarters of the State from different communities requesting the Commission to protect their privacy with regard to the marks they have obtained. Many suggested that we adopt the system implemented by the UPSC for viewing of marks by the candidate. This suggestion was taken into consideration after seeking legal advice and referring to the RTI Act which was aggressively pointed out in one of the communications received by candidates who wanted the MPSC to follow the UPSC style of functioning for viewing of marks by the candidates.
We in the MPSC respect the privacy of each and every candidate and although we have shown the marks of other candidates in the past we are now more cautious and will comply with the request of these candidates. However those candidates, who want the MPSC to upload their marks for public viewing, can approach the MPSC with all the relevant details and submit their willingness in person along with a photocopy of their EPIC card to prove their identity for publishing their marks publicly on the website.
I am however to inform our young friends that we will officially request the NIC to include a “Marks Information” page which will cater exclusively to any individual candidate who wishes to view his or her marks privately, obtained in the written examination or the personal interview.
Yours etc.,
Chairman
Meghalaya Public Service Commission
Shillong
On Lawsohtune!
Editor,
I read the article ” Lawsohtune” which appeared in the Sunday Shillong (ST Feb 5, 2017)with interest. My interest was aroused because of the name of my late uncle, Henry Wahlang. who was credited to have composed the ” Lawsohtun” song. I thank Olivia Mary for the article. Personally, I have never heard of this song before, and it was not in any collection of songs composed by my late uncle available with the family – so perhaps it’s one of the “lost” ones.
Be that as it may, uncle Henry ( ma Rangbah to us) was a very well known composer and singer of Khasi songs, some with a lot of humour, but with deep meaning in them. Many would recall one popular one, “Ah nga u nongdih”! He was a Class I artist in the AIR ever since it was established in 1948.
Just a few facts: The lady reported to be his lover was in fact his wife, a lady from the Dawki area who had moved to a rented house in Lawsohtun, bordering the Unjasai area. He had a lover’s tiff with her and she sent him away. I recall in my childhood that for a few months he was living with us in Lumparing. That must have been the time that he composed this particular song.
Another fact: It would be wrong to say, “this is the first time that a song is made on behalf of and in the name of the village” That honour perhaps belongs to Lumparing, because decades earlier, in his youth, the same composer, Henry Wahlang had composed the song with a catchy tune, “Ngi dei ki khynnah Lumparing”, a cheeky, fun song that the Lumparing lads and gals use to sing with gusto, especially in community picnics etc. I wonder how many in Lumparing would recall this song. I know of a few.
- Yours etc.,
- River Wallang,
- Via email
Neglect of Lum SohpetBneng
Editor,
I am a regular visitor to the annual Lum Sohpetbneng pilgrimage at Ribhoi district of Meghalaya. From my experience, I have noticed that pilgrims to this annual pilgrimage have increased over the years but the place has not received the desired attention although it is such an important centre of holy pilgrimage. I am surprised that no media house has given any coverage to the only place of pilgrimage of Meghalaya where thousands of faithful from all communities and far flung areas visit every year. If there is urgency to report the antisocial activities in the society then there should also be the same fervour to give space to this important and only pilgrimage in the State which may attract tourists too and revenue to the state exchequer. The media without any doubt has a role to play in this regard. The place has no visible infrastructure and during my visit there this Sunday I haven’t seen any development except a few undertaken by the concerned Committee. There are no proper food stalls, urinals, rest rooms etc., to name a few, as seen in other pilgrimage centres in the country. More efforts are needed to put in place these vital necessities that are integral to any place of pilgrimage.
Yours etc.,
MK Mohanan
Shillong – 14