Editor,
I congratulate Mr. James Oliver Lyngdoh for the latter part of his letter “Preachers and Schemers” that appeared in your newspaper. The latter part of his letter highlights the need for individuals to have a critical and biblically inclined mindset and to not put on an idolatrous pedestal those who are at the forefront of religious and spiritual matters. A critique of the church leadership is very much appreciated and very much in need, as it would remind the ‘elders’ that they are not beyond public criticism, and that they are actually accountable to the laity and to the LORD.
However, there are certain elements in the first half of the letter that I would object to. Mr. Lyngdoh, in his attempt to advise the electorate, targeted by name the leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), particularly, Mr. Saket Gokhale and Mr. Abhishek Banerjee, cautioning the electorate about the “opportunity that is too good to pass up” as offered by the AITC, undoubtedly referring to the WE Card, and specifically the MYE Card, which in Mr. Lyngdoh’s opinion would possibly mislead the youth. It is here that I would like to remind the readers that there is a great and vast difference between a commitment and a lie that misleads. It is the natural function of any political party to make promises and commitments, and taking into account the prevailing debacle that has manifested itself in the various socio – economic problems and recent unpleasant events that the people of the state are facing, because of the inadequacies of the present government, it is only natural and even moral for the AITC to work towards finding solutions and presenting these solutions as healthy alternatives and remedies. Therefore, to assume that promises are necessarily lies, without examining the overwhelming positive response from the public, and also without considering the fact that the AITC is not part of the ruling coalition, is too cynical and an exercise akin to a carpet bombing of accusations.
Furthermore, if one seeks to objectively warn the electorate of lies and misleading claims, it is only proper to train one’s crosshair at the party in power. The party in power and its coalition partners in the MDA are directly responsible for the formulation of policies and for providing the leadership in the implementation of policies in a manner that would serve the interest of the common man, and provide solutions to the many problems that define our state; but the present government has proven itself to be wanting in this regard; therefore, if there is any caution to be made about things that mislead, one should train their guns at the government of the day, which five years ago made promises and is to be held accountable.
On the other hand, the AITC is at the forefront, challenging the BJP and its overbearing stretch at the national level by raising moral, ethical and direct questions, especially in the Parliament through its eminent and intellectually proficient members of parliament like Derek O’Brien, Mahua Moitra and others; challenging the totalitarian and authoritarian policies of singularisation and homogenisation that the BJP government has been pursuing that endangers the pluralistic nature of India. At the state level the AITC is trying its level best to remove political complacency at the grassroots level, provide viable alternatives and to challenge the proxies of the BJP. Any democrat, conservative or liberal, regardless of their political affiliations should take these factors into consideration before making careless remarks against the AITC.
Yours etc.,
Obadiah Lamshwa Lamare,
Via email
An example for our lawmakers to follow
Editor,
On January 14 last, the legislature of Tamil Nadu has adopted a bill ( Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2023) to make Tamil Language paper compulsory for recruitment to State government service. This bill aims to ensure that only Tamil youth are recruited to all government departments and public sector enterprises.
The passage of this legislation serves as an example for Meghalayan legislators who care about the youth of the state. The lawmakers in Meghalaya can take a similar step by mandating the requirements of the Khasi and Garo language papers for recruitment in all State government services. This will guarantee employment for our youth and the preservation of the Khasi and Garo languages. It will also be taken up as a means to push for the Khasi and Garo languages to be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Yours etc.,
Kenneth Nongsiej,
Via email
On qualified leaders
Editor,
I agree with Dr. Omarlin Kyndiah that our leaders must be qualified, “Needed qualified netas” (ST, January 13, 2023). Unqualified leaders could be the cause of various problems. Again, one with a streak of obstinacy and odd clumsiness is a major disappointment. He can hardly cheer up his bureaucrats. How awful that an academically poor leader could bring the academically rich IAS officer to his knees. Many officers find this beneath their dignity and self-esteem but have to endure the indignity.
Apart from academic qualifications, one wishes our leaders were well-adorned with a high degree of moral rectitude. Even a top leader with higher academic qualifications could be hypocritical, some even aggressively violent. There is no shortage of such examples in the country. Under the cloak of academic proficiency and dignified persona, “some” qualified leaders could only scheme on methods to loot the public exchequers.
Needless to say, the moral bankruptcy among some leaders is clearly taking a toll on governance in modern times. I hope no one disagrees with this. Therefore, incorruptible leaders with human virtues are a great asset to society. It is because they seldom betray those who trusted them. Such leaders readily empathize with the hardships of the underprivileged and shed genuine tears for them. Albert Einstein once said, “The most important human endeavor is to strive for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it.” It is truly a profound thought. How one wishes that as we have incorporated E=mc2 in our technology, we could also incorporate the experienced observation of Einstein in our Constitution. After all, it is a human that deals with another human being. So it would be a great blessing to have a compassionate leader who stands firmly on the robust ground of ethics. They alone honestly put efforts into alleviating the sufferings of the citizen! They alone strive to save society from disaster!
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong