Editor
I was looking forward to reading comments on ‘Education today: Challenges before Meghalaya’ by Patricia Mukhim, (ST June 23, 2023), because education touches all. But laissez-faire seems to sit strongly in us!
I believe teachers of yore will relate to and identify with the writer’s observations, even though it’s harsh, but true. Let me be frank in saying that a lot depends on the Head of a school. If the persons in the chair are honest, truthful, absolutely fair and just and set an example themselves instead of being the problem, believe me more than half the battle is won. So, whether teaching is a last resort or part time till something better turns up, (a universal truth) the head must utilise them efficiently and effectively. I disagree with the suggestion ‘to leave the urban elite schools to themselves.’ They need to be reinvented or restructured both administratively and educationally to be a pride and not an embarrassing shame to the state! In fact, all government city schools need a massive overhauling! Otherwise, what has been playing out over the years in Pine Mount and now Tura Public School, will continue with a greater vengeance and destruction!
And in the rural areas yes, ‘Education must factor in’ a changed approach taking into account the social and domestic weak points. And herein lies the exciting challenge of structure in learning outcomes that use the beautiful outdoors to make learning one big adventure. Automatically, innovative, improvised, inquisitive methods of teaching learning will come into play. Children will take their education beyond their prescribed books and scheduled class time. Because they are so caught up with their surroundings!
I’m surprised to learn that no ‘parent teacher interface’ takes place. I’m sure it is mandated in the Affiliation Bye Laws! It is certainly a recorded event with other School Boards. So too is it in conducting special workshops on teaching skills, classroom management, home assignments, examination skills (including question paper setting and marking scheme), use of technology, et al. Again, I go back to the school head. If the person applies himself/herself diligently to the administrative responsibilities, wonders can be done.
And yes a ‘passion’ is what teachers must inculcate. But that too won’t work totally!
I submit that teachers must first LOVE their profession and children genuinely, then you’ll witness the miracles in your students!
Teachers, all are fully aware of how they are exploited, deceived, cheated, mocked, and given no importance. I wish to share Friday’s message in Our Daily Bread where, ”I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” Philippians 4:12 might bring comfort to our dear teachers.
In closing, I will repeat,”…. that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Ephesians 4:1
Yours, etc.
Kevin Phillips,
Shillong – 19
Are non-tribals foreigners in Meghalaya?
Editor,
As we know, India is a secular country. Every person who’s a citizen of this country is vested with Constitutional Rights such as the right to follow one’s religion; right to earn; freedom of speech etc., but are these rights applicable to Meghalaya, where all non- tribals who were born and brought up in this State are treated as outsiders. I don’t see any secularism in this state and the Government does nothing to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Constitution of India are implemented in letter and spirit. We are mercilessly beaten up during rallies; even children and women are not spared and there’s very little done to punish the culprits. We cannot do business due to restrictions by the District Councils especially the KHADC. Even after providing all documents that every Indian has to submit in order to get a simple trading licence, we are kept waiting for years. Only after bribes are given can I expect to get a trading license and this is a fact that is not even hidden by law makers. People go through depression just waiting for their trade licenses. There are racist remarks made against us, calling us dkhar/khar etc. Shopkeepers are made to pay to most pressure groups out of fear, whereas every small incident against tribals in mainland India becomes a headline. What wrong have we done to receive so much hatred? Like any other person we are only interested to provide a good life to our family. It’s really sad that we call ourselves a Democracy which we are not.
I am indeed sad that my ancestors came here in the first place. One day we will all leave; most have left. Hence I don’t understand the demand for ILP. Tourists are scared; many leave with bad experiences; the Bengalis are openly called Bangladeshis. Well, I believe in God and Karma will one day give justice!
Yours etc.,
Ganesh Vashist,
Shillong – 2