Editor,
It is a terribly sad reality, that this addictive platform for inter-personal communication called Social Media is full of hate mongers and narrow-minded blokes with an acute understanding of culture, tradition and religion. Due to the security and sense of anonymity that they enjoy, people can say just about any dil-dilla-dodo that they want. Many a times, it becomes extremely painful and heartbreaking. Recently, I came across a news report that one of the most celebrated Khasi ladies of our time, Kong Silbi Passah, a decorated and distinguished woman who is a pioneer in the field of Khasi culture, was cyber bullied and badly trolled by “internet khlawaits,” (warriors), the self proclaimed defenders of the Khasi community. Her only ‘fault’ was because her cultural dance troupe took part in a function to commemorate our fallen soldiers who gave their lives for our country, organised by a prominent Puja committee of our city as part of the Sri Sri Durga Puja celebrations. For this act of hers, she was badly condemned by a few miscreants on social media giving it a communal wash altogether.
It is indeed amusing yet sorrowful to see what kind of society we have become. Intolerance, intolerance, intolerance everywhere. Communalism has reached its peak in this land of ours (I clarify, this has nothing to do with politics, the current dispensation at the Centre or state, just that we as a people have become hateful and narrow-minded by the day). It is amusing to note that these self defenders of tradition hardly know how to even wear a ‘jainboh khaila’ or don a ‘jainspong khor’. Amusing that these “internet khlawaits” have got no clue either about our rich legacy and history as a tribe or the legends and folktales that we are blessed with! Historically speaking, for hundreds of years we have existed peacefully with our brethren from the plains of Bengal and Assam, and we have learned the art of dressing decently even from them! (Reference: Ka Riti ka Ri ki Laiphew Syiem, Bynta 1)
For those out there communally charged, know the facts how Hinduism from the plains has beautifully merged with our indigenous beliefs. Know that for many Khasis, particularly those from the Sohra regions, there exists a deity called U Biskurom, U Khad-ar Kamar, the great artisan who is invoked to destroy the effects of Ka Khap Thlen. Till date, there are Khasi blacksmiths who invoke him once a year for good business. Who is U Biskurom if not a Khasi version of Vishwakarma, the divine architect? Know also of Ka Lukhkhimai, the Khasi Goddess of wealth, about whom we were taught as children to leave some rice in the pot before we sleep lest we annoy her. Who is Lukhkhimai if not the Khasi version of the Goddess Laxmi? In Nartiang, we have a more than 500 year old strong tradition of the worship of the Goddess Durga and the God Shiva, which beautifully blends the indigenous faith with that of Shakta Hinduism. Isn’t this a sign of communal brotherhood?
We as a community fail to realise that in the past, we had beautifully adjusted with our brethren from the plains, even borrowing their customs and deities but now, all seems to go down the gutter in the age of western enlightenment and rigid nationalism. How intolerant can we become?
Yours etc,
Keith Nongsteng,
Shillong
Flight of geese
Editor,
As my wife and I were homeward bound after an exhilarating walk, around 7 in the morning, we heard a honking sound above our heads. We looked up and beheld a magnificent sight which really warmed the very cockles of our hearts. There was a V shaped formation of twenty odd geese honking away and veering eastwards over the Shillong sky. This was all the more significant as this was last sighted only when we were little children and that too either late in the night or very early in the morning. These hibernating birds have traveled thousands of kilometers, and are just another example of mother Natures’ splendour..
May god keep them safe.
Yours etc.,
Dr.Tridib kakoty,
Animal Concern
Shillong 14
Bizarre train accident
Editor, ,
It is pathetic that 61 people were killed and around 200 were injured on account of a train that ran right through a crowd gathered next to the railway track in Amritsar to witness the burning of the effigy of Ravana. As yet no case has been filed against the organisers. In fact, both Congress councillor Vijay Madaan and her son who organised the ill-fated Dussehra celebrations, continue to remain untraceable. No inquiry has been ordered against the driver of the train and the Railways have already denied being remiss from their side. Also it is curious that no instruction was given to the drivers of incoming and outgoing trains to watch out for revellers. All such poor responses of officials raise many questions which are yet to be answered. Punjab Government must evaluate the incident and order a high level inquiry to find out the real factors behind the disaster rather than taking it as a political football blame game.
Yours etc.,
Mohd Rahmani,
Via email
KSU, Uranium and Development
Editor,
My attention was drawn to the news item “KSU not to budge on uranium mining” (ST Oct 22, 2018). Yes, it is well within the KSU’s rights to oppose uranium mining in the State but my only request to the KSU is not to oppose the two lane road from Nongstoin-Rangblang-Wahkaji-Ranikor because this road is for development and the lifeline of the people of West Khasi Hills. People are facing a lot of communication problems because of the absence of good road. Several villages of West and South West Khasi Hills and lakhs of people will be benefited if the road is completed. Moreover, the road is not going to the uranium rich areas. In fact the uranium area of Mawthabah-Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong is as far as 22 kilometres from the proposed road. So opposition to the road project is uncalled for since the Government and the District Council have finally said “No” to uranium mining. Why can we not trust them?
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein,
Via email