Editor,
The special educators under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), SEMAM Meghalaya, DSEL Education Department are silent workers dedicated to the uplift of children in need of special education (disabled children) in every corner of Meghalaya. These educators teach in government and government aided schools to make these special children self-reliant and capable of standing on an equal footing with the rest of the world. These teachers have been working without salary for eight months. God alone know how they survive and feed their dependents. Their profession is very challenging as they deal with special children who are lesser known and less acknowledged and with very little opportunities. Parents of such children know the challenges involved in educating them and recognize the importance of a trained person (special educator) to assist them. But in spite of being qualified and trained professionals their rights have been ignored; they are taken for granted by the State government. Their contribution towards the uplift of our special children cannot be measured. But who sees this and appreciates their dedication? Is there anyone who understands their difficulties? Just because they are not protesting and demanding their rights on the road, should they be taken for granted? Their silence means that they care for these special children. To our state politicians: if you are really serious and committed about providing equal opportunities to these special children then an equal effort is needed to also compensate the special educators for their services. Government has to show it means business by paying the long pending dues to the special educators for they are the supporting pillars of those in need of special education.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Amit Shah – master strategist
Editor,
This refers to your report “Modi stays with Varanasi, Shah in fray from Gandhinagar” (ST- March 22, 2019). BJP president Amit Shah has attributed the success attained by the party since 2014 to the unstinting commitment of party cadres at the booth-level. He is the master strategist, knows all too well how to carry them forward. His astute poll management has yielded results for the BJP in successive elections. He has succeeded in expanding the party’s base across the country, including the Northeast. His abilities to keep his ear to the ground and establish deep and lasting connect with party workers enabled him to hone his organizational capabilities. He knows the art of politics, therefore he is known as the chief architect of the BJP and he is now known as the Chanakya of the BJP. He wants the BJP to go miles and his goal is to set the victory bigger target higher than that of 2014. Like Modi, he doesn’t rest and doesn’t let others rest. Chanakya, who is believed to be the greatest Indian strategist ever, had one lesson for all his disciples: “Never share your secrets with anybody. That will destroy you sooner or later.”I think Amit Shah follows Chanakya. No wonder Shah’s decisions surprise not just the masses but also those who used to be considered well-entrenched in Delhi’s circles of selective leaks and gossips.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad
Spread peace, not violence
Editor,
The horrendous mosque massacre in New Zealand has touched every soul across our planet. Such inhumation actions should be condemned in the harshest words and our deepest condolences go to those who lost their lives and to their bereaved families. This incident has brought into question the western ideologies. It has also blown apart the claims of success of Western democracy. Canada is the second largest country on the planet after Russia stretching coast to coast across the North American continent from the Pacific in the west to the Atlantic in the east. The province of British Columbia in western Canada along the Pacific Coast is separated from eastern Canada comprising of the province of Ontario, French-speaking Quebec and the Maritime provinces along the Atlantic coast by three major prairie provinces in the middle from the west to east as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Over 90% of Canadians live within a two-hour drive from the Canadian-US international border. This is partly because of a settlement. It’s just where people started communities and partly because of the difficult cold weather of Northern Canada. As one moves further from the warmer south to the colder north, the weather gets harsher and less forgiving. The northern Canadian Territories-Yukon, North West Territories and Nunavut represent an area for the world where the sun never sets during the summer and never rises during the winter. There is a constant struggle for survival. The region is so sparsely populated that there is no need for even petty squabbles. Everyone is on the same team and the common struggle is against Mother Nature for survival.
Canada is a multi-ethnic nation representing many ethnicities, cultures and languages that it is often difficult to identify who is a new immigrant and who is a third or fourth generation one regardless of their skin colour. Canada a former British Colony is a nation built by courageous, self-sacrificing and hard-working immigrants with a rich history, national pride and a unique unparallel cultural heritage. Canada has been a humanitarian nation with more than its share of immigrants from all over the world, destitute, asylum seekers and homeless people. It is a nation that accepts everyone with respect, warmth and kindness. The poorest of the poor and drug addicted members get treated with dignity and respect in this country. We as Canadians wish to spread the message of love, compassion and eternal friendship towards our Indian brothers during this era of constant hate, prejudice, discrimination, lack of faith and respect for others. We like to assure that the whole planet has not transformed into a hate bin and in spite of the harsh realities of human sufferings and injustice, we as proud Canadians stand by those who are suffering across the world due to hate and misinformation. We extend our love and cooperation to all in helping us create a better place for everyone so that we can share this beautiful planet with peace and serenity along with the warmth of love and respect for all.
Yours etc.,
Saikat Kumar Basu,
Canada