Editor
The recent statement of the State Chief Minister that a master plan for the National Games 2022 in the state should precede the tendering process is certainly a sound one ( ST March 22, 2018). Having a master plan for the games would most importantly define the location of infrastructure to be built up for the purpose from the point that these would be assets that would be meaningfully and effectively utilized immediately and well after the games are over and perhaps for perpetuity. The State can ill afford to have huge and expensive sports infrastructure in locations where the local as well as the surrounding population are still far from having a sporting culture or the capacity to make effective use of the infrastructure in the immediate future. These could be either under-utilized or perhaps not utilized at all later and if left unmaintained because of lack of funds they could, with time, depreciate in value and and ultimately abandoned. A huge wastage therefore!
It is certainly a bold step taken by the State Government to make an offer for hosting the National Games here. This will certainly bring prestige and national recognition to the State. It will remain in the annals of the sports history of the country. If successfully hosted , it will also project the capability of the State and its people as being able to take up big challenges. Our youth will certainly get the thrill and excitement to compete in the games as well as to witness them on home turf. On the other side, the games will also create employment opportunities during the time of infrastructure creation and other ancillaries activities and also enhance business prospects through provision of supplies , transport , accommodation , food etc . It would also spruce up the State Capital and the other venues as seen in the past when the State hosted national or international events. However, this would entail huge expenditure and earnest efforts would be involved towards the build up and in running the games.
Though hosting of the National Games here is an initiative and commitment of the previous State Government , it is imperative for the new Government to follow up on this even if the present financial position of the State is weak and there are many other vital priorities demanding attention and which require huge financial involvement and concentrated efforts. One hopes therefore that the event would not be simply an extravaganza but that after its culmination it achieves the end objective of making our youth more inclined towards sports initiatives and towards advancement in this field.
Yours etc.,
KL Tariang,
Via email
Modi has no dynasty baggage
Editor,
This refers to the article, “Congress led opposition has to build a credible alternative” by Harihar Swarup (ST March 20, 2018). Rahul Gandhi by wearing his Hindu identity on his sleeves is taking the ‘Bull’ by its horns. Congress Mukt Bharat is a political necessity to free India from dynastic rule and the accompanying sycophancy and corruption.
Though Rahul’s elevation to Congress President is imminent, the challenges before him are immense. Many years of Congress party rule of India have elapsed with poverty still keeping hold of the farmers and other poor people.
There is dirt and squalor in the environment and corruption and black money laundering persisting in Indian society. On dynasty, Mr. Modi is unbeatable. He is self-made and has ostensibly shed his family in the service of Bharat Mata. Though there is some kind of anger among the masses because of Demonetization and hasty implementation of GST, there is no doubt that the future of Indian democracy may well be decided by a fierce battle between fear and love, fought in the hearts and minds of the Indian voter.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit,
Via email
Obstruction of traffic
Editor,
The entire stretch leading to NEIGRIHMS was blocked on March 18, 2018 in the morning hours due to the Synod meeting at Tynring. At one point I just parked my vehicle near the road (without obstructing traffic) and walked home. I was told that this happens every year. I was wondering if the meeting is held right on the road.
If not, why are proper arrangements not made to ensure smooth flow of traffic? Did the organizers inform the traffic authorities in advance? Were proper arrang-ements made by the police? If not, what action has been taken against the concerned authorities? The problem is that people have got so used to such ‘negligence’ by the authorities conc-erned that they accept this as routine.
What about the patients who could not reach NEIGRIHMS on time for treatment? What about the ambulances which could not reach the hospital? Who is responsible? And what is the purpose of this meeting if this is causing inconvenience to everyone? The name of the Lord is dishonoured too. Hope the erring officials would be pulled up, so that this is not repeated in future.
Yours etc.
, Name withheld on reques