Editor,
Apropos the news, “KSU opposes move to rename Zig Zag Road”, (ST, June 15, 2020), there cannot be any opposition when the Zig Zag Road has already been renamed after Late Ardhendu Chaudhuri, who was the local MLA and a resident of the same road, by an authorized state committee. Late Ardhendu Chaudhuri’s selfless contribution to society is unparalleled since he did not serve people on the basis of their constituencies but irrespective of their residence. Many KSU Laban Circle members who were agitating against the move to rename the Zig Zag Road and oppose it should sit down and ponder since many of their own family members and relatives were served without looking at which community they belonged to by Late Ardhendu Chaudhuri. I stand witness to the fact that on several occasions he met local tribal people from interior villages of the state and other urban constituencies of Shillong town since such was his persona and extended a helping hand towards all without prejudice when he was the local MLA. Thousands were benefited by his kind gestures. He never differentiated between tribal and non-tribal. Hence, such an opposition to rename a road after him when the renaming of the Zig Zag Road has already been cleared by the Meghalaya State Names Authorities Committee, in February last year, is not only unjustified but also shows lack of gratitude and grace. The local MLA of 19 – South Shillong Constituency, Sanbor Shullai has on several occasions acknowledged that he owes his political career to Late Ardhendu Chaudhuri whom he revered and that he would surely live up to the expectations of the people of this constituency. Meanwhile, why is the former MLA, Manas Chaudhuri, younger brother of Late Ardhendu Chaudhuri silent on the matter? A politician cannot remain mute to issues and should voice his opinion in order to remain relevant.
Yours etc.
BC Paul,
Shillong-4
Thoughts on wearing masks in public places
Editor,
We hear ad-nauseam our political masters telling us that wearing a mask is mandatory. Our Deputy Chief Minister was reported saying in your daily last week that it is a mandatory provision in Meghalaya. To the best of my knowledge, there has been no notification from the State Government proclaiming that it has become a legal requirement for every citizen to cover their mouth and nose by wearing a mask while in public places. Without any official notification, how can it be a mandatory provision? Therefore, as it stands today, mask wearing is an essential health advisory, and not legally binding on the citizens.
True, a large number of self-preserving people have accepted it as an inescapable part of life today. But the opposite is also true. A good number of people are seen on the streets without a mask. And strangely, nobody questions them. Be it during the morning time when a fair number of people are out on the streets, or at market places, there are some who either have no mask or have no respect for the advisory. And then, there are some who hang a mask around their neck, but without caring to cover both mouth and the nostrils. This serves nobody’s purpose.
Therefore, the question is, whose specific responsibility is it to pull up those who defy this critically essential public behaviour? Maybe, it would be a good idea to entrust this task to the policemen, including the traffic cops who in any case have a hawk’s eye on the traffic movement. Talking of masks, we read in the newspapers about mask, sanitisers etc being distributed on a daily basis to various health workers and related institutions. Without minimising the import of such thoughtful actions, I feel attention needs also to be given to the poor families who either have no access to masks or use an unclean one day after day. They can’t afford to buy sanitisers and soaps either. Maintaining health hygiene is certainly not their priority in life. This exposes them to vulnerability of contacting Covid infection. My appeal therefore is to identify these poorest of the poor and extend this bare essential support for the safety of all concerned. The bottom line is: water the roots rather than the leaves!
Yours etc.,
One who feels,
Name withheld on request
Suicide an extreme step
Editor,
The suicide of a famous Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput is a big loss for our country. This suicide case raises an important issue which is neglected by our society. We also live in a virtual world where many friends connect with us through social media. If any person goes into depression, anxiety and fear, the family member’s and friends’ responses are not supported. They are unable to understand the problems faced by that person. Counselling and mental health facilities in the country are not adequate. Suicide is an extreme step and affects the family and society. It is a sign that we are living in a world where we are incapable of sharing our problems freely with a close friend or confidante. It’s important for family members too to understand and detect signs of depression among their family members and to seek professional help. Friends and family can talk to the person and try and give mental support and encouragement. This might save the lives of many people.
Yours etc.,
Amit Singh Kushwaha,
Satna (M.P.)