Editor,
Apropos the letter by one N D Sangma in your esteemed newspaper (ST May 9, 2018) captioned, “Wanted better examination centres,” I wonder why N D Sangma a Class 12 student realized the handicaps in writing her exams just two weeks before the upcoming results of HSSLC. Why did the student not make this allegation immediately after completing the exams? Is this merely an excuse in case she fails to make the grade? I am a proud parent who had sent my ward to this renowned school from Nursery to Class 12 and she too appeared the same Class 12 exams. In all these years, I have never come across any misbehavior from the principals, teachers, students or any staff of the school. Since the principal and the school have performed well they earned the tag of, “Best school in Shillong.” That explains the delay on the first day of the exams as they held an Assembly and the Principal took the opportunity to advice her own students and others for their betterment. The school is well known for its discipline and students are expected to follow them, including us parents.
I am disappointed that N D Sangma who was in the school appearing in the exams for a mere 10 days’ to level baseless allegations on the Principal and the school. Students are supposed to concentrate on their studies and not to make wild allegations.
Yours etc,
C Khyriem,
Via email
Cooperation of students
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I wish to draw the attention of fellow students that our cooperation with matters pertaining to the exams conducted by the MBOSE is paramount. The board has assigned almost all students to write their board exams in different institutions and it is upon the respective schools to carry out these examinations. We must understand that all secondary and higher secondary schools have their own administration and their own way of running things. We as students, have the responsibility to cooperate with the school. As per the letter written by ND.Sangma, “Wanted better examination centres” (ST May 9, 2018). She makes a valid point that schools do not have the right to use the time provided by the Board to write our exams, for other purposes. I concur with what she had said but we must take into account that schools have rules and regulations which we must all respect and follow.
I can vouch that the principal has already made it known to the students the required dress code prior to the examinations and if a student were not to follow the rules, the school has the right to act accordingly. It may be difficult for students from different schools to cope with the guidelines of another school but effort must be made on both sides to make the transition smooth. It is my plea that students and schools endeavour to understand the norms of the Board so that future students can write their exams without any hassle.
Yours etc..
Insa R Phanwar,
Via email
Rise of the drug mafia
Editor,
Apropos the letter, “Overcoming the drug menace” (ST May 9, 2018) by T Synrem, I wish to echo similar concerns at the Home Minister’s expression of helplessness in tackling the increasing problem of drug abuse in the State. In the news report a few days ago, the East Khasi Hills, SP Davis Marak reported that in the last six months they have managed to arrest three big drug mafia and they are further conducting raids hoping to catch the main persons involved in drug smuggling.
It is worrying that the drug mafia is targeting the youth who are easily trapped. Drug abuse is a problem not only of an individual or the family but of the entire society, state and the nation. The youth whom they target are the future of the country. It is high time to curb this social evil of drug abuse right from the root. As stated .by T Synrem in his letter to the editor about the Polo market where innocent looking persons are involved in the supply of drugs and other illegal substances, it is now the duty of the concerned authority to check and stop such unwanted activities in the city, especially, in the vulnerable areas. It is also our responsibility to identify those places where such offences are taking place so that they can be nipped in the bud.
Educational institutions can play a pivotal role in overcoming the menace of drug abuse by properly educating and counseling students about its harmful effect. Parents also must play an active role in guiding their children against substance abuse. If the parents notice any behavioural or attitudinal change in their children they must consult and seek the advice of teachers of the schools and colleges where their children study so they can help the children not to fall prey to drugs. The other illegal and anti-social activities in the state like robbery, murder, rape etc are also the outcome of drug abuse. Children who drop out of schools and colleges and come from broken families generally fall prey to drug suppliers, so they must be identified and special care should be provided to them. The NGOs across the city and the state must conduct proper awareness programmes against substance abuse. It is high time for everyone to come together to fight against the drug menace in the state so that the youth do not fall prey to the drug mafia and can be saved.
Yours etc.,
Anil Singh Roka,
Via email