Editor,
I fully endorse what Barnes Mawrie has stated in his short write- up on the non-recognition of the contributions made by (Late) Rev. Fr. Elias Hopewell Sohlia Kharïong. This piece of writing has correctly raked up an important issue. Fr. Elias was indeed a Khasi literary giant and judging from his style of writing and literary gern no Khasi writer can be compared to him. He has contributed immensely to enriching Khasi poetry and literature although he has written only twelve books. Fr Elias was a prose writer, essayist and a poet laureate. His translation into the Khasi language from Latin or English was par excellence and was more original and with a richer meaning then the original. The society in general and the Khasi society in particular should have in fact duly recognised and honoured him in a special way for his rich contributions to Khasi literature. I wish that those who can read, write and understand Khasi should read the books written by Fr Elias including his translation works to understand and properly fathom the richness and depth of his contributions. I also propose that his death anniversary be annually observed in a befitting manner not only by the Khasi Author’s Society(K AS) but by the public in general and to set up a permanent library in his honour by naming it ” H.Elias Memorial Library” either by the Government or by any private initiative but to be financially assisted by the Government through the Arts and Culture Department.
Yours etc.,
Via email
Failure on all fronts
Editor,
Through the letters to the editor many people have expressed their grievances and yet time seems to stand still. At the expense of being labeled a pessimist here I go again. Whether its traffic management, waste management, the Umroi Airport, condition of roads, buildings with no parking space, schools with no playground and no regulation on fees etc., the state is amiss. One therefore has to question the
capability of our elected representatives to deliver and their intent because at the onset of their political careers their speeches seemed to be all about how they are going to deliver the public goods and implement schemes and policies which are for the benefit of the public. But once elected all of them are busy managing their own careers and many have commercial interests rather than public interest at heart. And the result of poor governance is there for all to see. We continue to be disappointed.
Yours etc.,
Christine Nonghulo ,
Via email
Vacancies in Education Dept
Editor,
The launch of the New Education Policy by the Government is much appreciated. I hope that our educational institutions will receive a fillip to raise the academic standards to a higher level. The report, ‘Teachers barred from political activities’ (ST Oct 1, 2018) seems appropriate and it is up to Government to take that hard decision. However what is a matter of concern is that there are many vacant posts which are left unfilled by the Education Department. For instance there are no full- fledged SDSEOs in Jaiñtia Hills. No full-fledged Principals, Vice Principals in both Govt. Girls & Govt. Boys Higher Secondary Schools in Jowai Town. These acting Principals and Vice Principals are expected to take on heavy workload which consists of both teaching and administration. I am sure that in the budget all posts in the Government schools are sanctioned posts. So where does the salary of these vacant posts disappear? The election propaganda to raise the standard of education would go in vain unless there is adequate human resource. The Education Minister has pointed out that private schools always produce better results than Government schools. How does he expect Government institutions with huge enrolments but with no full- fledged heads to do better? In fact I would applauded the Government schools for producing many star students in the HSSLC, HSLC results in spite of all the hardships.
Now most of the Cabinet ministers are young and dynamic I hope that the Education Department will take due cognizance of the flaws that exist in Government run institutions and not leave them orphaned. Again with so many elementary and upper primary schools in the state how do we expect regular inspection when there are not enough Sub- Inspectors of Schools as well as no full-time SDSEOs. It bears mention here that there is not a single Sub- Inspector of Schools at Amlarem Sub-Division. Even in Garo Hills there are no full-time principals as pointed out in an article by Albert Thyrniang in his article (ST 2, October 2018) Meanwhile there are senior teachers who deserve to be promoted but they stagnate in the same post.
Again the B.Ed College in Jowai Town which is under construction and not yet fully functioning already has a Principal and teaching faculties who have already been appointed. This is a lopsided policy when many of the aforesaid posts have not been filled. The concerned authority may kindly look into the matter in the interests of education in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Omarga Laloo.
Mynthong, Jowai.