Editor,
As the state prepares itself to host the National Games in 2021-2022 we hope that this time it would be far better from the last sporting event that took place here. Apart from soccer, there are various other sporting disciplines that this state can produce from amongst the local talents, ranging from soccer to boxing to martial arts etc. However what our sportsmen and women need is the state government’s support both from the financial point as well as for infrastructure and facilities. If those in the sports department want and think that this state has enough talent then the authorities in question should also involve experts to be able to advise and guide them as to what is necessary. We require a world-class multi-sporting stadium which is equivalent to the Games Village in Guwahati, and to create that we must develop various multi-sporting disciplines. Our local sporting clubs should be encouraged to inculcate other disciplines like cricket, hockey, table tennis, lawn tennis, volleyball, kabaddi etc….these can definitely come up if there is course correction in the Government. People like John.F.Kharshiing, Clive Dunai, Naba Bhattacharjee, Lorenzo Pearson Warjri, Larsing Ming Sawian etc are involved in various sporting disciplines and they can be more involved from their part in identifying grassroots talent and bring it to a significant level closer to the National Games.
Yours etc…
Dominic S.Wankhar
Shillong
On Hindu Mission
Editor,
With a deep sense of regret I would like to share a few facts with reference to the letter, “Vulgar roar of Hindu Mission’ (ST July 24, 2017). We are some of the immediate victims of the frequent nuisance emanating from the Mawprem Hindu Mission. As residents our main concern is why in a residential area, where every household has minimum 2 to 5 School going children, such noisy parties are allowed. We feel extremely awkward when the passers-by from other faiths see the empty liquor bottles on the side of the pavement right outside the Mission’s premises. The situation is very embarrassing as we are from the same Hindu faith. Don’t the other people laugh at us?
Due to the frequent parties in the Hindu Mission our children can hardly “focus” on their academic studies. Their attention gets easily distracted by loud Bollywood songs – some of which are very dirty numbers. Are not the studies of our children more important than the boisterous parties?
As children we have fond memories of this Hindu Mission. We had a strong attachment to the temple here. Our family never missed to visit the temple in its premise. But for past about 6/7 years we have even stopped entering its gate since we lost all our faith. Who is responsible for this, if not members of the management who all have been polluting this sacred mission and causing problem to others? It is no more a holy institution. I hope the State Pollution Control Board will also take the notice of the residents’ concerns regarding the sound pollution in the residential areas.
Yours etc.,
Concerned citizens,
Name withheld on request
A full scale war with China soon?
Editor,
The 2000 year old historical Silk Road linked China with Central Asia and the Arab world. Silk was the most important export then. Now China proposed a modern network of railways, roads and, waterways that would cover entire Asia. One Belt One Road (OBOR) aims to create the world’s largest platform for economic and cultural cooperation. India is opposed to the Chinese initiative since China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through POK that concerns India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. India’s non commitment to OBOR [now Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)] hampered China’s mega initiative. India is already upset over China’s refusal to NSG and blocking UN sanction on Masood Azhar of JeM.
The billion dollar initiative is expected to cement China’s dominance over Asia. To thwart this India should develop rail/sea connectivity and mutual cooperation with SAARC countries. It is regrettable to hear Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks amid heightened tensions at Doklam. Will there be a full time war as Lord Meghnad Desai predicted? China is already at loggerheads with her neighbour Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam. China’s geo-political tension for maritime claims over South China Sea could break anytime. Indian Ocean is a pivot for India’s growth. It has been a key determining factor of India’s cultural footprint in Africa, the Middle East and SE Asia. Unlike Chinese imperialism, India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative is for trust and transparency. New Delhi needs to get closer to Nay Pi Taw as Myanmar is not just a little corridor for trade but the gateway to SE Asia. Is that India’s answer to OBOR?
Yours etc.
Kamal Baruah
Rukminigaon, Guwahati