Editor,
In opening a serious discussion on this matter, I would like to point out first that westernization in any manner should be forbidden. From now onwards, (1) The name of any Khasi who can avail Scheduled Tribe Certificate should be in traditional Khasi Name (2) Spelling of names and titles should be in Khasi alphabets and lastly, (3) The Khasi children need to be given the surname of their mother to strengthen the matrilineal society for which we are known.
It is evident that as per Sections 3 and 12 of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Khasi Social Custom of Lineage act, 1997 saying that only those following the custom of using their mother’s surname will be identified as Khasi. If we show our disrespect to our own Social Custom of Lineage Act, how can we expect our Governor to give his assent to the Act formulated by representatives of our District Councils? Let us value the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage act, 1997 passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council by not debating on the Act which is yet to be given assent to by the Governor to get the recognition by a court of law. Let us not forget the fact that giving the surnames of the father to our children is also an inclination towards westernization which is not supposed to be acceptable to us.
Again, our great grand uncles, our great grandfathers have observed that at the time of birth of a baby, there is a navel which connects the new born baby with the mother which needs to be cut off after birth. Due to this connection, they have used their wisdom to accept and made mandatory that the Khasi children need to be given the surname of their mother to strengthen our matrilineal society. Till date, there is no accepted scientific theory saying that giving the surnames to children from the father’s side is better than our matrilineal system. As of now, let us accept whatever we have been practicing for so long.
Thanking our concerned Authority in anticipation for an expected prompt reaction
Yours etc.,
Louis Pyngrope
Via email
Despicable attitude of DG Assam Rifles
Editor,
Areas around schools/colleges are often places of hustle and bustle especially during rush hour. Pedestrians as well as drivers require to be mindful and cautious. Vehicles need to slow down and in some cases, hit the brakes to allow pedestrians to move safely especially in areas where there are no footpaths.
On the morning of May 15 at around 10.15am, as I was walking opposite St. Anthony’s College, a car from behind drove on the wrong side of the road and brushed against me from behind. Fortunately, I was not injured. Later, with the help of my friends, I found out that the white Scorpio with the number plate ML05 Q 9197 belongs to the DG, Assam Rifles.
This officer probably thinks the road belongs to him. May I remind you Sir that this is not a battlefield where such valour of overpowering pedestrians is appreciated. Not only was he driving on the wrong side of the road but he spared his honk probably because he didn’t want to startle the pedestrians!!
There’s not much point dwelling on this since such despicable attitude will continue in the future but I, as a pedestrian would like to request the government to construct more footpaths especially along the stretch from AG’s office to IGP point. Since that road happens to be a one-way traffic zone, drivers compete to win the Grand Prix!!
Further, the height of the footpath along St. Anthony’s College up to the Gurudwara is very high, thereby preventing pedestrians to use it. Besides, there’s minimal space to walk on the footpath as the hawkers and their customers take up all the space. Since the government is currently repairing the footpaths around the city, I hope it would take up this issue to prevent any untoward incidents in the future.
Yours etc.,
D Lyngdoh
Shillong- 3
Congress’ victory should ensure a better tomorrow
Editor,
Life is never a bed of roses; uncertainty brings forth what one hardly thought of. The overconfident BJP lost the present election in Karnataka. This was not surprising. The BJP had pleased some while offending many others during its term in office. Hope this victory of the Congress party brings about more positive changes in the country.
Yes, soon after the announcement of the stunning victory of the grand old party, people were seen in a triumphant mood across Karnataka. They were ecstatic and dancing, shouting, and cheering. It is how people celebrate the victory. However, outside a vote counting centre in Tilakvadi, Belagavi of Karnataka, groups of people from the crowd were shouting – Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad with full gusto. I am doubtful if this is a good indication. A good omen should not turn into a bad omen.
It may be mentioned that during Rahul Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” several anti-national shouts were heard. I don’t think such a serious instance should sink into oblivion. The easygoing and complacency could prove detrimental later. Moreover, Pakistan has never been India’s well-wisher. With impunity for several decades, Pakistan has been supporting and instigating diabolical forces with arms to create instability and disturb communal harmony in the Indian territory. One conspicuous example is Kashmir.
We must learn from the bitter experiences and “innumerable” bloodbaths the nation has previously endured. Of course, we can love our enemies and extend our hands for better relations, but we cannot “trust” them. Hence, the citizens of the country expressing extra love for an enemy country might end up in disaster. One hopes that the“Bharat Jodo Yatra” will not end in, “Bharat todo yatra”. With honest efforts and everyone’s cooperation, the market of hatred must be closed and stores of love must be opened. No matter what, the integrity and sovereignty of the nation should not be shaken.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong