Editor,
The SSLC 2019 result has not yet been declared by the MBOSE. But the esteemed Pine Mount School, Shillong, as notified in the School’s Official Notice Board, has already commenced Classes for Class XI since April 17 2019. Hence out of a grave concern I modestly approached the Principal of the School in question, in her Office on May 6, 2019 to seek clarification on the above dilemma. To my utter shock and dismay the said Principal behaved very arrogantly and rudely with me. I did not even have the opportunity to inquire about the matter at hand because as soon as she allowed me into her office, I was confronted with impudent questions such as, “Who the hell are you?” And when I placed my queries before here, I was again rudely asked, “Who the hell are you to inquire on such matters? We have our own rules and regulations.” When I requested for a copy of the rules and regulations that request was turned down and I had to leave her office.
I therefore am deeply concerned about the uncivil behaviour of officials holding such responsible positions in our society, especially in matters relating to the Education Department as these are matters that have a direct bearing on the youth who are the future of our State. Moreover, I earnestly hope that by taking this constitutional step of expressing my concerns through your esteemed daily that the officials of our State encourage such reasonable inquiries with openness in the best interests of us citizens and to maintain the reputation of their respective Institutions and Departments.
Yours etc,
Banshai Marbaniang
Shillong -1
When non-historians dabble in history
Editor,
Apropos the letter “Global Terrorist Masood Azhar” by Samares Bandyopadhyay (ST May 6, 2019) the writer has really worked hard to project the achievements of the BJP and the failures of the Congress which is appreciable. Talking of Jawaharlal Nehru foregoing permanent membership in favour of China in 1952, let the writer know that Nehru was not gifted with prophecy which many of his friends had. Who would know the behavior of Mr Xi Xinping in 2019 looking at Nehru’s friend Chou-en-Lai? Coming back to Chinese aggression of 1962, it was a sheer fault of Nehru when one contemporary historian named Hussain, mentioned to Nehru the worry of Sir Winston Churchill (who was not the Prime Minister then), warned of invasion from the North. Peace loving as he was and busy with industries and rise of economy, Nehru was betrayed by his Chinese counterpart.
Let us also be careful with dates in history. The weapons used as claimed by the writer are the World War I weapon, when muzzle loading guns requiring three minutes to load were deployed. Chinese War was in 1962, when the Indian army could get the gift of weapons and vehicles used by the allies, left behind after they had fought against Hitler and the Japanese. One should know that these vehicles continued to serve the army and the public till 1964 when Willys Jeeps with Mahindra collaboration were produced in large numbers. Tata Mercedes Benz trucks followed likewise.
About Masood Azhar, it was the BJP that released him after the Kandahar hijacking episode and India did have to pay a very heavy price. We should never forget the rescue operations of the Israeli military of the passengers at Entebbe Airport. Golda Meir the then Prime Minister along with the military performed the rescue operation under the most difficult circumstances. Of course a price had to be paid. One Captain who happened to be the brother of would be Prime Minister, Netanyahu was killed. Another lady was shot by Idi Amin’s men in the hospital at Entebbe. We should also know that Idi Amin was most hostile against the Israelis.
About the sad days of Partition, let us know that even if the blame apportioned is correct, the present Congress was looked upon by the BJP as not at all having links with the INC of 1947. In that case why associate Rahul Gandhi for the so called fault of his great-great grandfather? I am reminded of Aesop’s fable about the old weak lion before he could be given a reason to devour the sheep, standing upstream and blaming the sheep for polluting the stream. When rhyme and reason did not work, he said “Oh! Your great-great grandfather in 1857 polluted the stream”.
Thus, if we blame our “grandfathers” for whatever mess we are in today, and if history is used by non-historians to plays trick with the dead then let us hope that history students are not misled. History repeats itself and it is history that teaches us to correct our mistakes. Finally, if Dr Ambedkar had the gift of prophecy, the book volume would have increased ten-fold and it would have been very difficult to put it on both palms. In that case there would be no more unnecessary amendments as frequently seen today like the CAB.
Yours etc.,
- Khyriem,
Shillong – 14
Odisha an excellent example
Editor,
The efforts made by the Government and the administration of Odisha in mitigating the loss to human lives caused by cyclone “Fani”, is laudable, to say the least. Naveen Pattanaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha, and his entire team has done a fantastic job, with support from the public in general. Other States would do well to take a leaf out, and work towards developing institution(s) that could minimize losses due to disasters, natural or man-made.
This is even more important for States like Assam, Bihar, etc, where many lives are lost, especially due to floods, electrocution, etc. Every year, many parts of Assam, for that matter, even the capital city of Guwahati, are brought to a standstill because of floods and water-logging.
A great example and benchmark in disaster management, is set by Odisha, for other states to emulate.
Yours etc.,
A Bhuyan
Nagaon
(Assam)