Williamnagar: At 17 and close to touching 18, they are young, heady and raring to go. And being part of the world’s largest democracy, though not its electorate as yet, they are keen to have their say and speak their mind out on issues concerning their home-Williamnagar.
Meeting the young vibrant students of Loyola College in Williamnagar, one gets a clear picture of what is required for the inhabitants of this second largest town in the Garo Hills.
“Development should also involve the youth. We would like to be stakeholders too,” was the general opinion given by a group of young management students of Loyola College while interacting with The Shillong Times at its sprawling campus located at Samgong, this week, on the eve of elections to the constituency.
To see so many young boys and girls of the town joining the commerce stream, a subject that previously use to be out of bounds for many, indicates the level of awareness of the students and their eagerness to face the challenges of modern day trade and commerce.
“Youth have very limited space to spend their time. Williamnagar is growing and there is a need for a stadium where we can indulge ourselves in various sporting activities,” says 17-year-old cricket loving Rohit Shaw. His favourite is Indian opening batsman and captain of the Mumbai Indians team Rohit Sharma.
His interest in sports is shared by 16-year-old Priyanka B Marak who wants authorities to establish a gym for health enthusiasts.
“There should be more parks and recreation centres for the youth. Williamnagar does not even have a cinema hall,” laments Amseng M Momin (19).
The students, numbering over thirty in the commerce stream of the college are in their final year of Class 12.
Inflation is a major concern for many of the students who come from diverse backgrounds as they speak out about the cost of living.
Student Bijoy Das has to dole out anything between Rs 100 to 150 on an auto rickshaw just on a one way trip from his home near Williamnagar bazaar to the college, a distance of approximately 7 kms away.
“I would like to see fares reduced so that students like us don’t suffer,” says Bijoy Das (18).
The fact that the once flourishing Meghalaya Transport Corporation has turned into a white elephant with just one-night bus leaving the station every evening worries the students.
“The MTC station needs to be upgraded and more buses should be pressed into service so everyone can avail the service,” suggests young Silkamery C Marak (16).
Her other classmates question the absence of a well-stocked library in the town and the declining reading habits among students as the internet/mobile revolution expands to their region too.
Global warming is a concern for many of the students who blame rampant tree felling and jhum cultivation for the rise in temperature. They recall, how barely fifteen years ago, Williamnagar had an expansive green cover which have now almost disappeared as the town expands.
But there is hope. The vast knowledge and awareness within these young minds, who are the future of the nation, Williamnagar, and Garo Hills, can look forward to a better future.