Editor,
Apropos the letter by Michael N Syiem captioned, “Stupid comment on broken marriages” (ST June 20, 2017) may I take this opportunity to clarify and clear all misgivings that it was not Mr VGK Kynta who commented on the subject of counseling of families under verge of break down. Rather it was I who made that particular comment. I know that Mr Kynta is least interested in responding to any individual statements, hence this clarification. Perhaps Mr Syiem has focused his attention only on this esteemed daily and not the other local dailies, including the electronic media, otherwise he would have refrained from casting aspersions on Mr Kynta. Be that as it may, perhaps this issue needs to be deliberated in an open panel discussion on the subject – “Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act 2012 vis a vis broken homes and marriages.
Yous etc.,
Rev Thanlijoy Diengdoh,
Via email
We need for roads, not railways !
Editor,
Election is round the corner and thorny issues are out in the open again. One such issue is the introduction of railway lines in Khasi Hills, the notorious Byrnihat railway connection. Railways bring development no doubt but many times with a heavy price. Influx of immigrants is bound to happen on a large scale. This is a genuine concern of the KSU and of the Khasi people at large. Knowing that Meghalaya has porous borders on all sides, the coming of railways will only add fuel to the fire. Some time ago, a large group of beggars arrived at Bhairabi station in Mizoram with the intention of getting into Aizawl perhaps. Fortunately, the Mizoram authorities managed to deport them back. Perhaps it is much easier to identify outsiders in a state like Mizoram where the indigenous population is still dominant. But in a state like Meghalaya and in places like Byrnihat or even Nongpoh where the population is no longer homogenous, it is next to impossible to identify outsiders even if they arrive in big numbers. The railways will only facilitate the inflow of outsiders.
Our inter-state border police are already struggling with checking the influx brought by road, how will they ever succeed to do such task with the thousands of outsiders brought by the railways. In my opinion, interstate railway connections is not going to serve the interest of Meghalaya. Instead, road connectivity should be widened and improved and the Shillong Airport should be upgraded at the earliest.
The idea of the CM to have a railway connection between Shillong and Sohra would be a preferable option. A fancy train to ferry tourists to and fro would enhance tourism and attract more visitors to the state. The option of cable car networks could be another attractive idea. The argument of facilitating transport of goods by railways does not hold water because Guwahati station is so close to Shillong and with the four-lane GS road, the goods can easily and quickly be transported to Shillong by road transport. Better road connectivity and not railways is the need of the state. So it is a useless exercise for the government to try to get railway connections. The idea should be scrapped and this issue be put to rest once and for all.
Yours etc.,
Barnes Mawrie sdb
Via email
Cricket – a fair game or a farce!
Editor,
The purpose of all sport is to recreate and rejuvenate the human person and to add joy and happiness to life. Sports also help build a sense of bonhomie and keep everyone in good spirits. Sports fans who enjoy the event should also feel they are de-stressing and not belligerent and hateful. Of course, every sport increases our efficiency as it lubricates the mind, and helps us to be focused on what we do. But these days, particularly when watching the never-ending cricket matches, we notice that the surge of negativity overwhelms many of us.
True, the cricket audience in India has for decades been so hyped up by the media that a good many have become excessively obsessed with this game. Obsession with particular sense objects is itself harmful. Needless to say, the obsessive attention given to cricket has undermined many other games such as football and hockey. Just imagine how countless fans particularly our youth are wasting their precious time being glued to the TV screen to watch overstretched cricket matches. Maybe over 80% of their minds are overtaken by “chitchat” and the attachment cricket. One game ends and immediately another begins! Have they not adversely affected the academic pursuits or careers of millions youth? For many crazy fans everything is relegated to the backburner during the cricket season. I am an erstwhile cricket fanatic who realized my addiction to cricket rather late in the day. Now I am filled with loads of remorse because I have learned nothing of value from this game. Rather cricket kept me away from the realities of life and family obligations.
Funnily, if one’s son gets sick or fails in the exam he will not break the window panes in fury but when India loses the cricket match people break their TV sets or rush for binge drinking or get into a scuffle! Yes, you drink more and get high when India wins, and you also drink more and go wobbly when India loses! I guess, this a win-win game for you. Excessive idling away of precious time will certainly hit back at us later. Our inner being demands a more realistic and pragmatic engagement and perseverance so we can face life’s misfortunes and challenges head on.
The recent India-Pak match witnessed bouts of hysteria and violence. Some even shouted slogans of ‘Moordabad/Jindabad.’ Is this what we should expect after a cricket match? Cruelty and enmity cannot be the vocabulary of any sporting activity. No sport should be instrumental in turning the audience into a hysterical mob! Alas cricket has become the reason for irresponsible and abnormal behavior! Has BCCI kept track of how many sane persons have turned insanely violent and brutal after India loses a cricket match? But how can a body which can’t even “control” the cricket management ever influence the audience who are already hooked to the game?
The other bane of cricket is the huge corporate investment in the game and the pernicious match fixing which cannot be ruled out. The secret nexus between the “bookies and cricket players,” is no joke? How can the audience tolerate a game where the integrity of the players and the game itself is doubtful? The players whom we adore as our icons are trading their souls for filthy lucre behind the pitch. I think no one disagrees that the IPL stinks big time!
Funnily the media touts Virat Kohli as a role model for the youth and many fans idolize him. But soon after India lost the match to Pakistan some of his ardent admirers cracked in rage and called him names! Is cricket then a fair game?
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong-2