Editor,
Thank you for providing space in your esteemed daily to express our opinion on the various topics. The Shillong Times has and is still maintaining its intellectual standards on a spectrum of issues concerning the society at large. Prior to declaring the Shillong Times office as a containment zone, the paper has been publishing a number of articles and letters on religion. The topic had generated a meaningful discussion by many commentators and angry rhetoric and personal attacks by some.
Religion can hardly be defined precisely nor is there is a simple definition of fundamentalism – which emerges from orthodox religious cultures. As a result, we have been taught from childhood to believe in one set of ideas and disbelieve others. And when one set of beliefs has been established the brain finds it difficult to integrate the opposing beliefs. As a consequence, we have been indoctrinated by our religious institutions to be more prejudiced and less accepting of others. We tend to see that the belief system of the other group is illogical and fail to see the illogic of our own system. History suggests that religious intolerance is a cultural phenomenon, based on ignorance, fear, xenophobic prejudice, and ethnocentric chauvinism.
Let not propagate a religion or belief system that leads us away from unity and compassion and toward division and strife.
Yours etc.,
Dr Omarlin Kyndiah,
Via email
Congress Party needs a new President
Editor,
Apropos the senior Meghalaya Congress Leader Charles Pyngrope throwing his wish behind Sonia Gandhi as President AICC (ST Aug 28, 2020), I am of the view that the AICC should have a new President instead of Sonia Gandhi who has been President of Congress party for 15 years since 2005. She was forced, so to say, to be the President by senior leaders. She took charge as President of the Congress Party since 1998 till 2017 after the death of her husband Rajiv Gandhi. As a matter of fact, she refused to be the President. Sonia is not of Indian origin but because of her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, she got Indian Citizenship in 1983. Now again, she was asked by her party colleagues to lead the party. This is but a ‘tactic’ of the Congress Party, although Sonia declined as she is not keeping good health. But then on being forced by her party colleagues, she agreed to be the interim President till a new President is elected in due course.
The Congress Party was known for alleged corruption during the time when the UPA Govt. ruled the country and during which time Sonia Gandhi was the President. Because of the alleged corruption and criticism during the UPA regime especially during the launch of central Schemes such NREHAS, RTI, NRHM, SSA, etc., the Party was defeated by BJP which aligned with other small parties in 1998. Now the Congress Party has been cut to size. Most of the states in India have chosen BJP as the party which can lead the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hence the party leaders should think twice and not force Sonia Gandhi to take up the mantle yet again. The Congress party per se is not bad but has lost its character because of poor leadership and dynastic politics. The only way to revive the party is by electing a new President who can lead the Party according to the wishes and aspirations of the people and the country.
There are many aspiring Congress leaders in India such Kapil Sibal, Shashi Tharoor, Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot, Adhir Ranjan Choudhury, Gulam Nabi Azad to name a few. There are many other Congress leaders in India who can lead the Party. Why not one of them be elected as the President? As we all know, Congress Party is known as a secular party unlike BJP. The Congress has never imposed any single language, religious beliefs or opposed minority status for Christians. With a strong and dynamic person to lead the Party, the Congress Party can bounced back and win the confidence of voters and give the BJP a run for its money. With a new, strong President at the Centre, the states too will receive their much needed energy for reviving their cadres.
Yours etc.
I R Dkhar,
Via email
Welcome step
Editor,
We are delighted to know that the government has decided to open three tourist spots for the benefit of the local people. We don’t know about other places, but Wards Lake is going to be a big hit with the people here. Having been living a restricted life for five months or so, we are feeling claustrophobic. It is time for us to venture into open spaces to spend some relaxed time in peace. COVID has taken a huge mental toll on all. With schools and colleges closed, market places are half open, movie halls, gyms, bars and restaurants still closed, the common people have been living a bottled up life. If this continues for long, it might affect some of mentally.
Viewed against this background, the partial reopening of places of recreation is called for. Hope all the beverage stalls will also be open for our benefit.
Yours etc.,
Dominic Lyngdoh,
via email.
II
Editor,
Apropos the news item in ST regarding reopening of Wards Lake, Elephant Falls and Nehru Park for local people only, I am wondering how many local people would go to visit Elephant Falls which they have been seeing all their lives! These spots are a big draw for the tourists who are tired of their concrete jungles where they spend 24x7x12. They look for a variety that Meghalaya provides. Our verdant landscapes coupled with cool clear air, are soothing for them. Obviously, they cannot come to enjoy our natural beauty at least for some time more.
However, my curiosity is about identifying “local people”. Will every entrant have to carry an identity card? Also, will the entry fees be the same as before? Or has the government raised the fees as they were contemplating to?
Yours etc,
T Pakyntein,
Via email