Editor,
I have been serving in one of the reputed hospitals/institutes of the state but realising the change of time and the need to upgrade oneself I decided to undergo further studies. That is when I joined the Nursing college in NEIGRIHMS for my post-graduation. I thought I had made a great decision and initially it proved to be that way. The teachers were great and the Principal and other fellow students were also nice. But then as weeks went my once great experience became a nightmare. I was made to undergo a tortuous path which tormented me day in and day out. I was mentally abused by one of the lecturers there and this abuse was so horrific that I suffered from anxiety and frequent panic attacks and ultimately ended with depression. I also had episodes where the stress was just too much and I had even decided to harm myself. These events made me discontinue the course that I was pursuing as the agony due to the hostility I faced were just too overwhelming.
By God’s grace I was able to get help through my support systems. I was taken to a professional who counselled me and I was also given some medication. I thought I would just let this pass but then I realise that I should not, because I do not want others to suffer the same fate as I did. Thankfully I received help. But what if I did not? Then the narrative would have been a different one altogether. Others may not be able to come forward and seek help as I did and this would cost lives.
As one who has suffered, I would like to recommend that NEIGRIHMS set up a regulatory body or any agency that will look after the mental well-being of students. This is the most important aspect yet it is neglected because had I not been fortunate enough to have a good support system I would not have been alive today.
I would also like to mention here that the teacher who inflicted the trauma on me lacks all the qualities of an ideal teacher and her professionalism is also questionable. She lacks the quality to listen; despises patience; makes learning teacher-centred and is very critical and hostile towards students. She would often verbally abuse students with words that hurt to the very core of their being. This is not a one-off instance; it is an ongoing thing that ultimately made me suffer to such an extent that I was not able to eat, sleep or even think right.
This should not happen to anyone. I have put this up with some officials of the State Government and some NGO’s to look into this issue and ensure that no student is made to undergo what I am undergoing and to suffer the same fate. As our profession teaches us, “Prevention is better than Cure”.
This letter is to create public awareness of what is happening in the Nursing College in NEIGRIHMS now and to bring about change before it becomes too little too late. I hope this will shed light on the current situation and the Director will work earnestly to bring about change to prevent any disaster.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
(Msc. discontinued student)
Quick response by SBI
Editor,
First of all I thank you and The Shillong Times for publishing my letter ‘Lackadaisical Attitude of SBI 3rd mile staff” (ST Sep 3, 2022). I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the senior management of the SBI Meghalaya for their prompt action in looking into the matter on the morning of the Sept 9, 2022 itself. In fact, I was taken by surprise when Mr Shyam Kharjana PS to Mr Amit Kumar, Deputy General Manager (B&O) Shillong, called just before noon to say that the DGM himself wanted to have a chat where he expressed his disappointment at what has happened besides assuring that such attitudes by the staff of SBI will not be tolerated.
The prompt action and humble gesture from the senior management of SBI Meghalaya is an example to all that this is the need of the hour to make our institutions work for the welfare of the public at large.
Thanks to the ST and to the DGM (B&O), SBI Shillong.
Yours etc.,
BJ Syiemlieh
Nongkseh
Roads in Garo Hills
Editor,
Meghalaya is celebrating its 50th year of statehood. It is a time to rejoice and be proud of the fact that we have become a state with the right to rule and govern itself. Meghalaya with its rich heritage and prominence, certainly needs to feel proud at this moment of history. Its scenic beauty and the topography is marvelous. The beautiful rivers, mountains and meadows would attract anyone to the state. The capital city of Shillong is known all over the world as it is called the ‘Scotland of East’. The other name ‘The abode of clouds’ is very apt for Meghalaya as we receive rains in abundance.
Such a beautiful state, one of the most attractive one for tourists, is lamentable to a great extent, mainly because of the road conditions. It has to lament every time when the citizens struggle to move on the road.
My main point of reference is Garo Hills, particularly North Garo Hills (NGH). I made almost a round trip in NGH and all the roads are in the same condition. There are big and small gutters all over. Daily if you make a trip, you don’t need any other physical exercise and your spine will be under repair within a short period. I found most of the roads are in a very pathetic condition.
Road tax, passenger tax, etc are collected regularly. Where is the allocated money spent for different road works? When we celebrate the 50th birthday of the state, is it not the right of every Meghalayan to have proper roads to travel? The school going children find it extremely hard, especially during the rainy season. When they are walking or cycling to school, other vehicles pass by splashing water as though from a fountain. Whom can the poor children blame, the car owners or the government? I believe they have the right to walk or move on a clean and smooth road to their schools. Their health is also getting affected due to poor road conditions. In the case of elderly persons it is still worse. North Garo Hills became a district in the year 2012 and 10 years have passed but it looks as though nobody really cares for the welfare of the citizens. This state of affairs is true in all other districts of Garo Hills. The culpability is not only that of the present government but the previous ones also need to take the responsibility. It’s time to awake, arise and act positively for the welfare of the district, Garo Hills and the State of Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Bro K J Jose
Principal, Montfort School,
Jonglapara, NGH