Editor,
The demise of Neil Nongkynrih has left us grieving. Not just because a precious life has been taken away; the tragedy is so much larger. The Shillong Chamber Choir was the pride of Meghalaya, it gave visibility, respect, and prestige to the musical traditions of our community. Neil’s musical genius and flair for classy showmanship melded the music of the northeast with Bollywood pop, and created an irresistible genre that entertained the nation. It provided the best of our youth with a platform to showcase their musical talent.
In one of the poorest states of India, our youth have very little. The miserable state of education ensures high dropout and low employability. They see little hope in their situation, so little to dream about or aspire for. For many, music offers solace, escapism, and maybe hope. For black children in America, sports offers an escape from the ghetto. Perhaps music can do the same for our gifted youth. The success of the Shillong Chamber has shown that it is possible to achieve the extraordinary.
Music, art and poetry are the soul of society. Yet we hardly honour our musical maestros, artistic legends, or literary savants. There are holidays for political personages, freedom fighters and even religious figures. Yet there is no holiday or memorial for Soso Tham or Homiwell Lyngdoh. With our misplaced priorities, we have only deprived ourselves and our children.
With Neil’s death the majesty of our music has diminished. What’s more, a measure of hope has been lost. But his life and work can be the inspiration for others to emulate his accomplishments.
A verse from Longfellow’s poem: “There is a reaper, whose name is death, and, with his sickle keen, he reaps the bearded grain, and the flowers that grow between.”
Yours etc.,
Glenn C. Kharkongor,
Via email
Neil Nongkynrih gone too soon
Editor,
I am really shocked and grieved on learning of the sudden demise of Neil Nongkynrih, a musical icon of Meghalaya who had created a niche for himself and his troupe not only nationally but internationally also. It was not time for his departure from this earthly dwelling where the future held more achievements to his credit. His void can hardly be filled.
I on behalf of the Police Bazar locality send my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and in particular to the parents and sister who also is a renowned name in the musical field and to the members of the Shillong Chamber Choir.
I wish Neil eternal peace. May God take this soul in his arms unto eternity.
Yours etc.,
SL Singhania,
President, Police Bazar Welfare Society
Shillong
Chanda culture in Assam
Editor,
As per media reports, the present Chief Minister of Assam seems to have instructed the Police to take steps to end the “chanda” culture in the State. Bravo!! While voluntary donations may be welcome, forceful or pressure created to donate in cash or in kind is definitely not a good sign.
However, even without a survey, people in Assam, in general, would opine that the organisations and people involved most in forceful donations (“chanda” in local parlance) are within the State Government, be it the Police and others. These are experienced or come to notice to even the most lay person in the State, and an average citizen in the State experiences harassment in dealing with governmental and law-enforcement agencies. Further, many culprits go scot-free, by way of “donations”. For the people associated with public life and political life, these are “games” that are played at a different level. That, of course, does not imply that everyone is involved or corrupt.
Our honourable Chief Minister would do well to introspect and cleanse the system within. If that succeeds even to a partial extent, people would have the courage to refuse “chanda”. Today, “chanda” culture has developed because many layers, within the Government and outside, work hand-in-hand, so that each one is benefitted, and people do not get the courage to speak out against this culture. This needs to be addressed positively.
Yours etc.,
D Bhutia,
Guwahati – 24