Editor,
Purity of action and thought are the fundamental principles of every religion. What we do as an action invariably affects our thought processes. So, every religion insists and preaches to its believers to be extra watchful as to how they conduct themselves. It is because of such reasons that we don’t see any religious missions and
organizations ever encouraging or allowing indiscriminate drinking, partying and such other outrageous activities in their premises that might contribute to contamination of one’s mind or that disturb others around. So, it’s usually considered impious to organize disco dance or to play vulgar music at least at “places of worship” like a temple, church, masjid, gurudwara etc. Of course, for such naughty fun, the special hotels in the market are available.
Unfortunately, these days one notices many unholy things happening in the holy vicinity of some Hindu temples and its institutions. Thank God, despite the overwhelming surge of consumerism and hedonism the “spiritual sanctity” in churches, masjids, gurudwaras is still perfectly maintained by their respective custodians. About nine months ago one of my relatives’ son was disillusioned as he could not reconcile himself with the deafening music booming out from the Mawprem Hindu Mission, (Shillong). It practically disturbed his class-IX exam that was held in the month of November. Another local resident divulges outright – ‘I have long stopped visiting the temple
in this Hindu Mission because I practically fail to see any religious values here. I have with my own eyes seen more drunkards dancing recklessly in the high decibel vulgar numbers than the devotees singing devotional songs. I totally blame its management which has literally reduced this sacred institution into a hotel with disco and bar facilities’. Then recently, on 20th July, many sleeping residents in the area were startled and panicked when some marriage revellers in the Hindu Mission let off firecrackers for about “two-minutes”. It was 2:09 AM
then. How can they with impunity disturb others in the dead of the night? Has not the Supreme Court “banned” all kinds of noise after 10 PM, not to speak of firecrackers? Again, was this holy “mission” not established in order to uphold and promote Hindu culture and tradition based on the time immemorial sacred Scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads and the Gita? I can pointedly quote for the management at least a score of couplets from the above scriptures which logically explain why sense-indulgences are the major impediment to spiritual-awakening
and so such religious intuitions should encourage them.
In sharp contrast to it there exists just within 200 meters a Mawprem Presbyterian Church — undoubtedly a seat of peace and solace. Even during marriage ceremonies, which are often solemnized here, not a single funky song has ever been heard being played and nor could we see any revellers under the influence of alcohols and other intoxicants. The environment here is holy and soul lifting. So, I earnestly urge upon the management of the Mawprem Hindu Mission to uphold “dharma” by taking a cue now from the adjoining Mawprem Presbyterian Church. Please do not make this sacred intuition a butt
of ridicule in the eyes of other faiths.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong -2
Sohra Marathon: A clarification!
Editor,
While appreciating the editorial “Sohra Marathon Abandoned”(ST July 22, 2017) for highlighting the significance of the Sohra Marathon, we as members of RunMeghalaya would like to clarify our position regarding some of the concerns raised on this annual sporting event. The Sohra Marathon has been a roller-coaster ride for a number of issues such as the inability of the organizers to bear the major part of the financial burden, however the biggest issue has always been marathon logistics. This is one of the only Point-to-Point marathons in India – which means that the starting and ending are 42.195km apart. Coupled with the cumulative effects of monsoon rain and storm like the one faced in the last edition, it compromises the safety of runners – which was our biggest concern. And while RUNMeghalaya is driven by the utmost passion to ensure a World-Class marathon event in our State, we felt that the current event was not sustainable in the long run and limited the scope to promote other beautiful and unique regions in Meghalaya that are currently undervalued. After thoroughly reviewing the pros and cons of the last editions, we are currently working together with the Department of Sports and the Tourism Department to now create a more inclusive event under the name – The Meghalaya International Marathon – where we envisage taking the marathon to other regions of Meghalaya annually to encourage tourism and sports in those regions.
This event is planned for December; this year along the Laitlyngkot/Pynursla route and the dates will be released soon. In addition, the State Tourism Department has in fact been one of our strongest supporters and their cooperation in the past has allowed us to make
this event memorable. Along with the Tourism Department we are now working together on a new concept of ‘Running Tourism’, with an Ultra Marathon called The Mawkyrwat Ultra to be held on the 27th of October. Running Tourism is a concept where runners from across the globe can come and stay with families in the Villages of Mawkyrwat such as Shngimulein for example – eat their food, witness their lifestyle, and run in those unique landscapes of the West Khasi Hills, the region that produces and nurtures the most talented long-distance runners in India. This kind of tourism has the potential to introduce an additional economy throughout the year in a poor region with a limited resource. I would like to wrap up by saying that there are always challenges with any new event and it usually takes a few years for unforeseen issues to be resolved. However a sporting event such as The Sohra Marathon or the now Meghalaya International Marathon, should be the pride of Meghalaya. It is an event where people come together from various parts of India and the globe once a year to run and witness Meghalaya – they are not passive observers but Active Supporters of the event and we as a society are the hosts. I take this opportunity to call on our collective conscience to embrace this event, make it your own – and even if you are not up for running 42 or 21 kilometers, come out and volunteer or cheer for those attempting to complete this incredible feat.
Yours etc.,
Gerald Pde,
RunMeghalaya,
Via email
Gau rakshaks a threat to India’s plurality
Editor,
Apropos Lalit Sethi’s article, “Will states act to curb cow vigilantes or ignore PM’s call” (ST, July 20, 2017), at present gau rakshaks are the most dangerous threats to our national unity. They are destroying pluralism and secularism on which India’s unity is based. Lynching in the name of cows not only creates divisions between Hinduism and other religions but also divides Hindu religion itself between orthodox Hindus and liberal Hindus as well as Dalits. Moreover, the hysteria against beef eaters is going to jeopardize India’s labour intensive tourism industry.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata