Editor,
I am writing in response to William Syiem’s letter (ST Sept 21, 2018) on my article the LGBTQ+ Dilemma and I address this to him. That a person can choose to use her/his intelligence and discernment to write upon an area of which one is a stakeholder should not have to warrant a PhD. If we go by your standards almost none would be qualified to comment on anything. Like most people these days I am also trying to find my way on the sensitive LGBTQ+ issue. And why shouldn’t I quote as honestly as I can from sources that I have read and carefully researched? Theorists in the old days called “sodomy” an act. Later on in the 19th century the term “homosexuality” was coined and was spoken of as a condition. These days “gay” is an identity. Surely you must know that all issues overlap on a number of disciplines. Even professionals in the fields of biological, psychological and social sciences have to constantly update themselves on the LGBTQ+ issue. Many professionals I have talked to in Shillong confess that they do not have a clear idea of what is happening in this area and need to read up much more to be able to gain a perspective and a worldview.
You have rightly pointed out that terms such as identity, identity politics etc should be understood. And indeed, I did condense a lot of material in one article. My point in writing is to get people to think on this very important issue and its long term ramifications. I do not want it to merely be a debate but hope that we can instead build bridges and not score points against each other. I also did not want to take a moral high ground because for too long many of us Christians have not taken the trouble to reach out to the LGBTQ+ community nor to understand the issue and the changing times. I also see that if we do not discuss these matters now we will be ill prepared for an onslaught of ideas that seek to redefine sex, identity, marriage and indeed life itself.
Your comments on my running a choir and my life’s work shows that you have not understood what was written. If you had read my comment carefully and in context you would have noted that I said, “We are quick to ape what is cool in the West,” rather than absorbing the more stellar qualities of hard work, honesty and innovative ideas.” For your information when we went to the UK recently my choir kids sang in Khasi, Hindi and other languages too. I have also written the first ever Oratorio in Khasi. Pursuing excellence either in singing or in education is absorbing the more stellar qualities of hard work, honesty and innovative ideas from the West. I don’t see the merit in your trying to denigrate this. By the same token do you not realise that you are communicating your letter in a language that is not your own?
Yours etc.,
Pauline Warjri,
Via email
IIM Director story incorrect
Editor,
Your paper published an interview with Prof Keya Sengupta, (ST, Sep 16, 2016) the Director in Charge of IIM Shillong. Reading the contents it appears that Prof Sengupta is projected as the first lady director of IIM Shillong, which is incorrect. She, by virtue of being the seniormost professor was automatically designated as the Director in Charge on two occasions, once after the retirement of the first Director Prof Ashoke Kumar Dutta she was made the director in charge and again, after the retirement of the second director of the institute was Prof Amitabha De Prof Sengupta has been made the director in charge. Hence it is factually incorrect to report that she is the first woman director because she is only the director in charge which happens automatically in the system. The full time director is appointed after a selection process that includes a call for applications, short-listing of applicants, interview, and union government approval of the same. Please therefore desist from publishing such wrong and misleading stories.
Yours etc.,
Vivek Singh
Via email
Misleading story on IIM Shillong
Editor,
Our attention is drawn to the story Few NE students come to IIM Shillong (ST September 16, 2018) The nearly full page interview was interesting and informative but had some wrong information. The number of north east students across all IIMs of the country is quite large and without statistical data, statements can drive a wedge between students from different regions. It would be interesting to know in statistical terms the number of students from the region who have studied in IIM Shillong
The second statement that Prof Keya Sengupta is the first woman Director of an IIM is a false claim. There is a difference between the nomenclature “Acting Director” and an appointed director. On the retirement of the Director, the senior most Professor is made the Director-in-Charge till a new Director is selected. The process is the same across all IIMS and other educational institutions. By claiming that she is the first lady Director is a challenge to the very selection process of Directors which has well laid down procedures. Publication of such news stories at a time when the search for a new director is on and the possibility that Prof Sengupta herself is an applicant can give her undue advantage and prevent fairness in the process.
Yours etc.,
Ajay Sharma
Via email
Whither street lighting
Editor,
Shillong may have been considered a smart city but it is such an ignominy to see the non-functioning street lights in the city which is a challenge to its infrastructural boost. It is especially very difficult in areas where there are lesser vehicles and no street lighting at all. Poor street lighting is a major concern for public safety. Wherever street lights are installed they remain lighted till well past sunrise. What the street light providers should realize is that the lighting needs of a zone with high traffic are different from that of a low or no traffic zone. Likewise, lighting in road crossings is different from secondary roads, or from that of roads with high pedestrian traffic. We as citizens and residents pay our taxes and expect necessary service from those responsible for better lighting. With tourism flourishing and people from all over visiting the city, it is imperative that the Government incentivizes the concerned authorities as this is one critical domain that needs urgent attention.
Yours etc.,
Manisha Pala.
Shillong -22