Editor,
I thank the Shillong Times (Oct 1, 2021) for the splendid introduction of our new Chief Secretary, Ms Rebecca Suchiang. It is noteworthy that a woman has risen to this high office, no doubt through hard work and efficiency. Though the tribal community seems to pride itself on equality of the genders, this has hardly been reflected in the proportion of legislators, ministers and high- ranking bureaucrats in the tribal states of the Northeast.
There are many fine examples of women in leadership positions in India. Many polls and political experts have shown Indira Gandhi to be one of India’s most admired prime ministers. Certainly she was one of the strongest. In countries such as Germany and New Zealand, the best records of good governance have occurred with women at the helm of government.
According to an article in May 2021, Forbes, perhaps the most prestigious corporate magazine, “scientific studies have consistently shown that on most of the key traits that make leaders more effective, women tend to outperform men. For example, humility, self-awareness, self-control, moral sensitivity, social skills, emotional intelligence, kindness, a prosocial and moral orientation, are all more likely to be found in women than men.”
Other research data consistently show that women are better leaders in a crisis, and in enabling economic development. With women CEOs, even corporate profits are higher. Countries led by women are managing the Covid crisis better than their male counterparts in other countries.
An important advantage of women leadership is that health and education indices are given more attention and social justice is high on the agenda. In her interview with the Shillong Times, it is noteworthy that Ms Rebecca Suchiang has highlighted the upgrading of government schools, increasing expenditure on health, and ensuring progress in the Sustainability Development Goals.
So having a woman at the top is just not a matter of gender equality, it means better governance and shifting priorities in the right order. Women in leadership positions are inspirational role models for young girls of our state and region. We are all proud and we wish Madam Chief Secretary all the very best.
Yours etc.,
Glenn C. Kharkongor,
Via email
Disheartening comments against Pine Mount School
Editor,
It is indeed very disappointing and disheartening to read the allegations pointed out by Mr Donald Swer; in your esteemed daily, which has left us wondering as to whether he is a concerned parent or one who is merely trying to put the school’s fair name in poor light. Ever since the COVID pandemic had derailed normal life, the school under the directions of the Government, had initiated online classes via., the services of CR School besides google apps and Whatsapp from Friday, the April 3, 2020. It is also rather surprising that while Donald Swer says there are no classes taken, some parents of the higher classes have complained that online classes are too taxing because the students have classes from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm regularly.
Apart from the online classes for seniors, teachers connected with their respective students through Whatsapp, google apps, power point presentations, zoom classes besides audios and videos. The teachers engage them with lessons, assignments and tests using the various apps.
When the Government permitted offline classes for the senior classes last year the school followed the directions and students came to school batchwise. Teachers were always available for consultations and clearing of doubts of the children in their respective classes. One fails to understand the motive of Donald Swer, as the school has abided by all Government directions and advise. Mr Swer is welcome to verify his observations from the school authorities.
Yours etc.,
Aiom Diengdoh,
Principal Pine Mount School Shillong
How a virus has changed our world
Editor,
At the end of 2019 we were suddenly introduced to a virus that turned all of our worlds upside down. Nothing is sure yet about its existence. While some blame it on China and the lab at Wuhan, with several conspiracy theories surrounding it, nobody can actually say where it came from. But this little virus is here to stay and has crippled the lives of many.
Humanity today is facing one of the biggest challenges with the novel coronavirus having spread rapidly to the extent of it being declared a pandemic across the world. People from all walks of life are in dismay about what is happening and are disturbed to see how this has change peoples’ lives. There is a sudden shift in people’s daily routines that has led to a rise in fears, anxiety, sadness and a sense of irritability all piling up. We have all seen how the year 2020 went by with the lives of students being affected because of educational institutions having to shut down for almost a year. The lives of those associated with the tourism industry has been crippled because of the lockdown and curfews imposed. Farmers are struggling to earn a meagre amount to feed themselves and their families because they cannot sell off their produce and the list goes on. Unfortunately, several lives were lost, which included young infants and children. Families suffered loss of their loved ones, especially in not being able to perform the normal rites and rituals that have been followed for centuries.
Indeed the COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumental in creating a dramatic shift in the lives of people, but the biggest shift that it has brought about is a shift from people’s desire and need to live in mutual association to that of stigmatizing those that have contracted Covid. The stigma of Covid manifests itself in the exclusion of those who are perceived to be a potential source of the virus and who may pose a ‘threat’ to the society. The stigmatization behaviours seem to be guided by the famous adage, “better safe than sorry”. But how safe can we be by stigmatizing others around us? Stigmatization is dangerous because it triggers many emotions along with it and puts everyone at risk. Recently, I came across a neighbour who had contracted the virus and who narrated the story of the stigmatization they had to endure and are still enduring only because they turned out to be Covid positive. Them catching the virus has just made people look at them like they are some sort of untouchables or people who have committed a grave sin. Another incident I came across is also related to someone I know who was afflicted with the seasonal flu all thanks to Shillong’s ever-changing weather. Unfortunately, they too are being looked at askance only because the symptoms are like those triggered by Covid.
I don’t think there is anyone in this world who would willingly give an open invitation to a virus to come and live inside them and affect them. We all love ourselves and our lives so much, up to the point of being selfish. Why is it we forget this, then? We have been known to be loving, kind and generous people, willing to go out of the way to help others. “Ka Ri Tipbriew Tipblei” is what we are known as, so where then is this, all gone? Have we lost all humanity that now we have begun to stereotype those affected by Covid? For years, we have been pointing fingers at others and also at people in other parts of the country- calling them racist and for stigmatizing us from the North East. Unfortunately, the seeds of the same have been planted within us too and that is over-shadowing our very own conscience and sense of humanity.
Your etc.,
Cassandra K R Gatphoh
Shillong – 14