Editor,
“Facta non verba” translates into deeds, not words. Deeds refer to a conscious and moral decision that is legally binding. But after my recent experience with St. Edmund’s school, I would suggest a new motto “verba non facta” or “words but not deeds”. Let me elaborate on why I have arrived at this decision. In 2022, I had applied for my son’s admission with St. Edmund’s School for class 4 for the academic session 2023-2024 on a simple form and submitted the same with no supporting documents for further scrutiny for those were not asked for.
As a parent I kept my fingers crossed hoping that the best applicant gets selected via a just and fair process. But contrary to the principle of fairness and justice for which St. Edmund’s School is known for, I received a call at around mid-day to inform me that my son would have to attend an interview at the school premises a day later. I was elated because my son has a strong foundation having studied in a Central Government School. I immediately arranged for teachers to coach and prepare him for the interview and was hopeful that he would succeed in the interview and would have be able to study in his father’s alma mater – a fact that my husband is very proud of. In fact he credits his success to his alma mater which has inculcated in him the best value system.
But an hour later I received a call from the same staff of St. Edmund’s School apologizing that there was a miscommunication and the admission was actually open only for Class 3 and not class 4. (Call records available). Needless to say, we were deeply pained but silently accepted that it was an honest mistake on the part of the school. Our hopes were shattered, our spirits dented. As an ex-student my husband was particularly upset. I am not saying that it is the birthright of every ex-Edmundian’s kin to automatically get admission. All I am asking for is a fair and just system where students can compete and be admitted based on merit.
A few months later when the school reopened, I learnt that the son of a prominent political leader of a regional party who is also a cabinet minister was admitted in class 4 of St. Edmunds school in the academic year 2023-2024, the very year we had sought admission for our son. I was appalled, furious but also devastated that whatever my husband had believed in was a sham, This was a nefarious, manipulative and corrupt act on the part of the institution. In doing this the school had compromised some of the most intrinsic value systems for which it is respected and honoured for decades.
The perception created of the present Principal as a strong, disciplined, goal-oriented, go- getter and a man with a vision to restore St. Edmund’s to its glorious days is a sham. This was the school where a teacher was applauded by none less than super star Shah Rukh Khan for training him to become a good actor because of that very teacher’s guidance during his days at St. Columbus. That event was broadcast on national television! Such is the legacy of the teachers of St Edmunds. I strongly believe that this could only happen because the school attracted the best teachers through a fair and just process because during those days everything was transparent. Unfortunately the school has come down to a level beyond my comprehension. Its actions are beyond any moral justification. The Principal should take moral responsibility and conduct a thorough inquiry to find out who is responsible for this misdemeanour. Strict action should be against those involved in this scam. My last wish is that those who had applied for class 4 for the year 2023-2024 should please come up and speak on the matter if they faced a similar predicament. I would also request all the alumni to come together to protect the Institution that has groomed them to be, “Leaders In Every Field,”
Nepotism and favouritism is not expect3ed from a Christian school. It is time we parents stand up for our rights and start questioning such malpractices. If we choose to keep quiet and not to dissect such incidents just because they didn’t happen to us, we are choosing the path of destruction of the state as a whole and I believe that is the very reason that most of our brightest students from IIT’s, IIM’s, Medical Colleges etc., and so many brilliant professionals are no longer here in Meghalaya to help build a strong, dynamic and a sustainable state.
Politicians are public servants, which is to take decisions which are for the greater good of the public at large. Instead, in this case we are allowing politicians to rob us of our rights!
Yours etc.,
Deity H Majaw (Advocate)
Via email
Irony of our system: Common man caught in crossfire
Editor,
In our society where alcohol is seen as a social ill, the common man often finds himself in ironic and unintended trouble. Compounding this issue, certain areas openly engage in the illegal sale of alcohol, a well-known fact among the local population, including the authorities. This article delves into the irony of how the common man finds himself in trouble with the law because the law keepers look the other way. Moreover, the influence of politicians in power adds another layer to this complex situation.
For the common man, alcohol-related troubles often arise inadvertently. Society’s negative perception of alcohol places individuals at risk of facing societal scorn, judgment, and consequences. Unfortunately, these troubles can escalate in places where the animal in man comes to life at night.
As far as alcohol trade is concerned, in our community, it is an open secret that certain areas engage in the illegal sale of alcohol. This clandestine trade thrives despite being known to the local police and authorities. The irony lies in the fact that while the illegal sellers operate with impunity, the common man becomes the primary target for enforcement agencies.
Law enforcers and officials, entrusted with maintaining order, often turn a blind eye to the root of the problem—the illicit alcohol trade. Instead, they prioritize cracking down on individuals who by need or by want find themselves intoxicated in such places. This selective targeting exacerbates the irony and raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of law enforcement.
Political influence by politicians in power further complicates the situation. When politicians dictate the actions of law keepers, their focus may shift away from addressing the underlying issue. Political considerations can hinder effective solutions, leaving the common man trapped in a cycle of unintended consequences.
To break this cycle, it is crucial for law enforcers and authorities to address the root problem—the illegal alcohol trade. A comprehensive approach involving increased surveillance, stricter penalties for illegal sellers, and community collaboration is necessary. Additionally, separating law enforcement from political influence can help restore faith in the system and ensure a fairer society for all.
To conclude, the irony here is that the common man faces unintended troubles related to alcohol consumption while the illegal alcohol trade thrives. This systemic issue warrants attention. By acknowledging and addressing the root problem, improving law enforcement effectiveness, and limiting political influence, societies can work toward a fairer and more just approach to alcohol-related issues. (HBB Bah Jay.) Only then can the common man be spared from the unintended consequences of an inherently flawed system.
Yours etc.,
Balajied Andrew,
Via email