Editor,
It was an overwhelming sight to see the rich culture and tradition of our beloved State being displayed at the exhibition celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Meghalaya at Loreto Convent, Shillong. The moment we stepped into the school premises we were greeted with the mesmerizing voices of the young school choir singing the melodious song “Meghalaya-sweetest homeland of the clouds” – every little girl dressed in colourful traditional attire – every class right from Nursery had something to showcase from the cascading waterfalls to the living root bridges, from the sacred forests to the ancient art of pottery, the rich flora, fauna ,music ,dance and to top it all the delicious indigenous food items so well laid out …Wow ! Indeed we felt as if we stepped into a mini Meghalaya. This is what we call joyful learning – extending beyond classroom learning. We appreciate this initiative taken up by the school and the credit goes to the whole team of the Principal, the teachers and the little children .
As Meghalaya celebrates this golden jubilee year I am sure this exhibition has helped to inculcate in the children a love and admiration for their own State- Kudos Loreto Convent! Indeed, you have chosen the right theme for the exhibition – “Meghalaya wears a Golden Crown – with gifts and treasures that are well renowned”. Let us hope this legacy passes on to the younger generation and instills in them a love for their motherland.
Yours etc.,
Prof RM Shangpliang,
Via email
Meghalaya’s poor educational ranking
Editor,
The recently announced results of the PIE survey (2020-2021) has definitely not come as a shock to us. We Meghalayans have witnessed for far too long the lackadaisical approach to improve the situation. Meghalaya’s Education Minister has blamed only the poor infrastructure for the dismal results of the PIE, that ‘keen observation’ is not the whole truth. That is just the tip of the iceberg. Education has been in an abysmal state and languishing for decades in Meghalaya. And nowhere in its fifty years has education been given it due. We did not emulate the success stories of Kerala and Mizoram. Instead, Meghalaya indulged in blame games.
Categories of teachers of Meghalaya have been crying hoarse for their salaries for months on end. Their threats finally paid dividends perhaps because of the forthcoming elections in early 2023. Many schools have not had teachers. In yesterday’s The Shillong Times, there was a front page story on a school in South Garo Hill that has been without a single teacher for the past two years. And we haven’t forgotten what was discussed at the previous Assembly session regarding some schools in WGH not having teachers nor classes having been conducted for two years.
The best BEd college in the state, the Don Bosco College of Teachers’ Education, Tura was able to get its license restored only after two wasted years. The management of the DBCTE, ran from pillar to post to reopen their college. Meghalaya has too few BEd colleges. This shortage must be addressed immediately, so that the state can appoint trained teachers and improve the quality of education.
All stakeholders in the state of Meghalaya must display a sense of urgency and dedication and awaken the state from its dormant lethargic condition , if we wish to give our children a fair chance at life. We need to stop this backward slide of our students, if Meghalaya wants to have a better PIE result and a much improved overall quality of life .
Enough is enough. Let’s not squander and pilfer our common resources which are meant for the entire population of the state. Let’s get cracking and eradicate the ills plaguing the state . It begins with electing people who have a ‘vision’ and who are empathetic to the needs of all citizens of the state.
Yours etc.,
Tyrone D’Brass,
Tura.
Well done Loreto Convent !
Editor,
The two-day exhibition celebrating Meghalaya’s 50th year at Loreto Convent showcased the best of the State. Kudos to the students, teachers and management of Loreto Convent. This letter is inadequate to describe the many aspects of the exhibition which must have been the result of months of preparation to showcase the unique beauty of our lovely state Meghalaya. This exhibition shows every detail of Meghalaya’s culture, resources and lifestyles of the people which is not seen in any museum. At least I have not seen this kind of exhibition anywhere. No aspect of the tradition of the three tribes – Khasi, Jaintia, Garo has been left out. The exhibition left me and other visitors overawed. It’s like an unexplored Meghalaya! Everything has been well curated and professionally done.
Thank you Team Loreto for this memorable journey via your exhibition. I request all who can to visit the exhibition which is open on July Saturday 23 to do so. It would also be good for those from the Tourism Department to see this work of art. Perhaps the Department can learn a few tips on how to showcase the original Meghalaya to tourists from all over the world. Meghalaya deserves a Museum like this .
Yours etc.,
Biplob Paul,
Via email