Editor,
Apropos to letter by B.P Goenka (ST April 27, 2017), I must confess that it was quite an interesting letter especially when the Gau Rakshaks (cow vigilantes) is over active and are working day and night, taking the law into their own hands and bashing up and thrashing anyone and everyone who drives cows from one place to another or into the fields on mere suspicion of being cow slaughterers. We respect the religious beliefs of those who consider and treat the cow as mother (Gau Mata) and hence they do not eat beef because according to them beef is like the mother’s flesh. We respect that too. It is perfect and there is nothing wrong at all with that. Nobody is interfering with their beliefs or consider those beliefs as a taboo. But to consider those who eat beef as uncivilized and cannibals and hence detest them is carrying it too far. Those who do so are more uncivilized and cannibalised than anybody else!.In fact this is detestable !.
Moreover, I have my doubts that there are 900 million Hindus in India and they constitute 80 per cent of India’s population, owing to the fact that the population of others too have increased, especially of the Muslims. In fact the Muslim population has increased by leaps and bounds in India and within a short time, they will be the majority community if the trend of things are going the way they are, especially under the patronage of the so called secular political parties like the Congress and a host of others.
I do not want to comment on other areas of his letter but, finally, I, personally, do not think that all Hindus in India subscribe to what B.P Goenka thinks and also all his views expressed in the letter. Many Hindus are broad minded and highly civilized and do not detest other faiths and communities just because they eat beef. What does Goenka say to some Hindus who eat beef either in secret or in the open?. Goenka should remember that most of the problems in India or elsewhere,come from this kind of intolerance towards other faiths and communities and for meddling with the food habits of others. Why should we dictate to others what they should or should not believe, what to eat, how to dress and how to behave? .
Yours etc.,
Philip Marweiñ,
Shillong-2
Let’s stop being litterbugs!
Editor,
For the improvement of cleanliness standards under Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, the “Swachh Survekshan” has been initiated which can be called the most ‘healthy’ competition of all times. In the “Swachh Survekshan 2017”, about 500 cities all over India were ranked. Quality Council of India (QCI) evaluated the cities on the basis of improvement from last year, cleanliness and other aspects of urban sanitation. Unfortunately, Shillong’s rank this year has fallen down to the 276th position.
We are the best critics of our society. When we see unattended garbage or filthy roads, we most definitely don’t fail in blaming the Municipal Corporation but the biggest problem is that we end up neglecting our social responsibility. We the people usually tend to shrug off such issues and therefore this has resulted in the deteriorating cleanliness quality of the city. We all know that we need to be more aware of the cleanliness in and around the city but very few among us take up the initiative to do something about it . We should all help in changing the present scenario and start from our own homes through the small steps like perhaps sorting out our garbage or minimizing plastic use. We should also understand the need of using of only what is needed to reduce the excess waste generated .
Through these small steps let us hope to make improvements. We need to take this as a collective responsibility , because that is what will ensure that our city becomes a cleaner one.
Yours etc.,
Manisha Pala,
Shillong.
Aizawl should continue to grow !
Editor,
Aizawl FC are the newly crowned champions of India, but it seems it will count for nothing. What a shame as they could be relegated and play their trade in the second division of Indian Football next season if the projected new league is a reality .The projected new league which is a merger of I league and ISL means that only the existing ISL clubs and three I league clubs ( Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Bengaluru) will be able to play in the top flight of Indian football. After achieving a Leicester City like dream this season, Aizawl FC will not be able to at least defend its title. What a nightmare and this is the last thing that Mizoram football needs. Football has huge potential in Mizoram and North East in general. The North East of India really is a hotbed of Indian football at the moment but clubs from this region will not be part of the proposed top league. This region also boasts of some of the best football fans in India. How silly it will be for Aizawl FC to represent India as champions and play in Asia in the Asian Champions league but back home in India they are not even playing in the main league. Aizawl FC is the first champions from North East India, but I am praying and hoping they will not be the last.
Yours etc
Manuel Carey Lymba
Shillong – 8