Editor,
Apropos the news report in your esteemed newspaper, (ST Feb 16, 2017) captioned ‘HYC opposes students wearing badges to school,’ there are some inferences that I would like to draw. The entire episode started when someone wanted to create mischief by trying to sensationalise (and I dare say, communalise) the school badge of BK Bajoria School, Shillong. This issue first originated on a Whatsapp group and from there spread like wildfire on all social media platforms. The actions of the culprits who started all this is highly condemnable mischief necessitates strong and timely action as it is aimed at creating communal disharmony. However, it is more disturbing to see certain pressure groups trying to make capital out of this matter and harping on an issue which has practically no sense whatsoever. Their claim is that the use of a religious icon hurts the sentiments of the non-Hindu community. Now, the school in question is a privately-run, non Christian school. What they choose to put on their badge is not illegal, as long as it is within their reasonable legal rights as a private institution to do so. The icon of the Hindu Goddess of Learning on the badges in no way hurts the religious sentiments of any community. It is a symbolic celebration of knowledge and wisdom and must be taken to be the embodiment of the same. With all due respect, with as much fervour and seriousness that these pressure groups are pursuing this matter, why don’t these individuals try to address the matter of the missionary schools all over Khasi-Jaintia Hills, which keep the symbol of the cross on their respective badges and uniforms? Doesn’t that hurt the sentiments of non-Christians alike? Furthermore, why not ask the schools operated by the indigenous faiths to remove the symbol of the rooster from their badges and uniforms? That also is a right step in the direction of 360 degree secularism, is it not? Sadly, when it comes to handling the question of BK Bajoria School, certain pressure groups seem to be biased in their approach only towards a particular religious group. I strongly believe that they should also be equally concerned about the use of religious iconography in all institutions of learning. To do otherwise would be utterly hypocritical and unfair. People should learn to study the legitimate causes and imminent effects of things properly before reacting abruptly.
In conclusion, I would request the management of BK Bajoria School to stick to their stance and if need be to take this matter to a court of law. Let the legal system be the correct interpreter of what secularism actually implies.
Thanking You,
Yours etc.,
Keith Nongsteng
Via email
Wanted transformational leaders!
Editor
This letter is prompted by Jerome K Diengdoh’s letter, ‘Can’t see why Paul can’t win,’ (ST Feb 16, 2018). Over the years we have seen Meghalaya state politics and its transformation. One such transformation is the rise of ‘transactional leadership’. These leaders works at the basic level of need satisfaction. They turn the entire state into a machine for their own benefit. Since the State will be going to the polls on Feb 27, to elect representatives to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly for a five year term, let us elect ‘transformational leaders’ not ‘transactional leaders’. There is no dearth of young dynamic leaders who have shown exemplary attitude and administrative capability in their political careers. However, the biggest mistake that we as the electorate make while we elect our representatives is that we choose persons who do not engage by the basic rules of democracy and lack the skills of a politician. James Freeman Clarke said, “A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation”. So it is time indeed to ensure that transformation takes place now for the betterment of Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Omarlin Kyndiah
18-West Shillong Constituency
Shillong -2
India needs labour intensive growth engine!
Editor,
This refers to the article on bank frauds titled, “Congress, BJP cannot pass on the buck to each other” by K. Raveendran (ST, Feb 19, 2018). Astronomical non-performing assets amounting to Rs. 2.86 lakh crore in 2016 – 17 to Nirav Modi’s Rs. 11,400 crore PNB fraud are the signature that there is something wrong in our policy. It fails to prevent some market players or “gentlemen” from taking Panama or paradise or other unscrupulous shots with a cross bat to clear the ropes and send the ball totally out of the stadium! Moreover, it fails to run out batsmen who keep the fraud score – board moving by stealing singles in the form of NPAs. But it is not cricket!
While Rs. 500 crore was spent on just one single mega marriage in India during the period of demonetisation in November 2016; many non – creamy and honest people died after failing to get new currency in exchange of their hard earned money during that time. Thus, the operation of demonetisation without having enough new currency to meet the demands, hit the poor the hardest as currency notes were their only means of livelihood. Demonetisation had demonstrated that our policy should be more sensitive to toiling masses.
Before taking any policy decision, we must remember that we have our very own 48.2 million children (the highest in the world) who have stunted growth as a result of malnutrition and hunger. We need to give more micro loans rather than macro credits to create income opportunities for as many employable people as possible. With the help of labour intensive technology, micro loans and land reforms, we can enhance the purchasing power of the masses and thus boost the market and generate employment and create a healthy cycle of inclusive growth.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata