Editor,
The article, “Shad Suk Mynsiem: Going beyond the festivities,” in the Shillong Times, Apr 14, 2023, by Patricia Mukhim is of existential consequence to the Khasi community. These issues need to be reflected upon and discussed at length, a deep delve that cannot be accomplished in a newspaper article, much less in a letter to the editor.
The article makes a reference to the book Ki Jingsneng Tymmen, the teachings of elders, by Radhon Sing Kharwanlang, ably translated into English by Bijoya Sawian. Written in two-line verses, the book has 109 stanzas in 629 couplets. This epic poem covers broad swathes of wisdom, timeless counsel for our community, specially addressed to the younger generation. It is comparable to the sage teachings of the holy books of other religions, and is both philosophical and practical.
Patricia Mukhim quotes Noah Harari’s stance that all religion is fiction, that we have been brainwashed to believe. Perhaps it could be considered that the belief systems of tribal people around the world is not really a religion in the heavily ritualized manner of mainstream religions, but is a creed of ethics and etiquette for an exemplary way of life.
The Bettakurumba tribals of the Gudalur Valley in Tamil Nadu, have a food book that contains a chapter on ethical hunting. The killing of pregnant or young animals or those who are drinking water is prohibited. Their system of ethics extends to the natural world, while honey-gathering, they leave some for the bears. The tribal religion, if one were to call it as such, teaches harmony with humankind and nature in a profound and practical manner unlike any other religion.
However, ancient texts and teachings invariably reflect the norms of those bygone societies, yet are passed down as gospel truths. The primary example of outdated social norms is patriarchy, a malady found in almost all religious writings. The Bible contains numerous such verses. Liberal Christians adapt teachings to modern values of gender equality, but conservatives hang on to outdated interpretations.
Ki Jingsneng Tymmen contains several passages that are prejudicial to women. Verse 8 of Part 2 says, “A woman who doesn’t have a feminine mien, is like a cow who has been maimed…Widows no children have borne, virtuous they may be, but they are cantankerous and intemperate”. There are harsh verses about handicapped persons, “When you are pregnant, it is a law, not to look at those who have a flaw, or the unborn child will surely be affected” (Verse 31). Certain categories of people, such as barren widows and handicapped persons are excluded from religious rites and government.
Such prohibitions are hard to accept, and are often passed on to the next generation. Surely, we must engage with and adapt certain traditional mindsets for the good of all.
Yours etc.,
Glenn C. Kharkongor,
Via email
A fair and just Meghalaya
Editor,
A government riddled with charges of misgovernance, scams and corruption is re-elected and is back in the driving seat of the ‘bus.’ As prophesied, it’s a jam-packed ‘bus’ with some of its associates standing in the footboard and some clinging on its top. A newbie creates a sensational debut – hums the right notes, the right tune (pun intended) and raises the decibel levels at the altar of the state’s democratic setup. The opposition are opposing each other. The debutant, also in the opposition, thunders to take matters back to the streets after its President claimed that the government is not giving the Assembly a chance to discuss the Roster System issue. If issues can be resolved and won in the streets, what is the need to have elected representatives in the State Assembly?
The State Reservation Policy and the current Roster System are issues that need to be deliberated and must take priority in the political discourse of the state. But looking at the demography of our state and the extent of the roster system affecting the political aspirations of an individual/party, it’ll take nth number of Solomons to come out with a pragmatic solution to the issue.
We need to establish a ‘fair’ and a ‘just’ society which provides equal opportunity to all and sundry. As some political parties and individuals are drooling on how to milk the issue in their best interests, why not also explore the idea of the creamy layer (when the annual income exceeds a certain amount) of our society forsaking reservation and thereby provide a level playing field for the less fortunate. As in the case of OBCs, the creamy layer of the OBCs cannot stake claim to any reservation.
Successive governments in our state have failed to create large scale employment in the public sector. So even if we eventually have an accepted form of the Roster System, unemployment shall continue to bite our backside. The state players need to stress on the importance of providing uninterrupted power supply, high speed internet with increase bandwidth and find ways to attract investors to support young entrepreneurs and to open up new avenues for the educated unemployed youths. Issues like the current Roster System should take center stage but we cannot be blinded by it and allow other opportunities slip past us.
Yours etc.,
Banphira Lang Basaiawmoit,
Nongkseh, Upper-Shillong
Reservation Policy -Quota & Roster system
Editor,
Apropos of the news report “GSU deprecates call for change in quota system” (ST April 11,2023), I would like to point out that the Reservation Policy which was notified on January 12, 1972 before the creation of the state of Meghalaya on 21st January 1972 which we celebrate every year was the wisdom of the founding fathers of Meghalaya and cannot be diluted or deviated from. Of course, as a young first-time voter I am a bit confused how the Reservation Policy was notified even before the state was created? However, I still admit that it was the wisdom of our forefathers though it seems like “putting the cart before the horse”.
Our respected founding fathers earmarked a Reservation Policy that provided 40% reservation in employment/education for the Garos and 40% for the Khasi-Jaintia communities which was published before the state was born. The Policy specifically, explicitly and unequivocally stipulated that amongst others, “The reservation on account of deficiency shall not be carried forward for more than a year. After the expiry of the second year, the reservation shall be treated as lapsed (ST. April 5, 2023 Article by Prof. Lakhon Kma). In other words, the shortage of Garo candidates who qualify for a certain post in a particular year cannot be carried forward beyond one year. It implies therefore after the lapse it falls outside the purview of the Roster System. Therefore, going deep into this condition as propounded by our founding fathers, mathematically the year to be prepared for the Roster System ought to be commenced with prospective effect from the year 2024. As opined by the GSU any attempt to dilute, or alter/deviate the Policy 1972 of its rules and conditions should not be allowed till the legislature reviews the new Reservation Policy to be known as Meghalaya Reservation Policy Act.
Yours etc.,
Svetlana Wankhar
Shillong-1