Editor,
The Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association’s (MCTA) call for the boycott of First Semester Classes opposing the implementation of NEP 2020 has confused and upset the students and parents. Through this column, on behalf of the student community, I request the MCTA to reconsider its stand in opposing the implementation of NEP by NEHU in the interest of student. While some colleges did implement NEP and classes started from 1st August 2023 without any disruption from any quarters, we cannot afford NEHU to roll back its decision to implement NEP. Hence, we the students who have attended classes under NEP curriculum request the University authorities to remain firm on their decision for NEP is a better undergraduate program compared to the old curriculum. NEP 2020 provides us with flexibility and holistic education. I write this on behalf of the student community.
Yours etc.,
Rikynti Sawkmie,
Via email
An Apology
Editor,
In connection with my letter published in your esteemed Daily (ST, August 12, 2023) on “Glaring Ignorance of Geographical Location,” I would like to state that I owe an apology to the Nongpoh MLA, Mayralborn Syiem as the ‘Clarification’ (though not so clear to me) published in your Daily (ST July 28, 2023) with regard to the news item appearing on the previous day (ST July 27, 2023), had escaped my notice.
Yours etc.,
Prof. P.M. Passah,
President, Jaintia Hills Solidariry & Welfare Union
Via email
Kashmiri pundits too are displaced people
Editor,
The Editorial captioned ‘India’s Tryst with destiny’ (ST 15th August, 2023) has rightly highlighted the disturbing trend of displacement of minority populace in our country particularly in Manipur and Haryana on the basis of their ethnicity. History of independent India is witness to the fact that minority community and vulnerable sections in many States had been cleansed ethnically including our State Meghalaya. In our own backyard, the capital town of Shillong had witnessed large scale ethnic cleansing in Mawprem, Wahingdoh, Riatsamthiah and Malki area just few decades ago and the victims never got any support or sympathy or justice from the Government. Surprisingly, the editorial forgot to mention India’s greatest ethnic cleansing post independence which displaced thousands of Kashmiri Pundits from Kashmir valley who are still living as refugees in their own country.
Yours etc.,
N.K. Kehar,
Shillong-3
Kudos to The Shillong Times
Editor,
It is great that The Shillong Times daily completed its glorious 78 years on August10, 2023. It is no doubt a victorious journey! In this connection I convey my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the administrators of ‘The Shillong Times’ Shillong for felicitating me, in the dignified gathering, held in the Pinewood complex on 12th evening, though I sincerely feel, I am not worthy of such a big honour ! With all humilities once again I utter, ‘I owe you’!
The Shillong Times, daily is just like my morning tea. I can’t imagine my day without having a look on ‘Shillong Times’. I am personally indebted to The Shillong Times for publishing my write-ups on different topics in different times since 1979, when it was the only English Journal from Shillong. Prior to 1979, I started with ‘Letters to the Editor’ column, and was encouraged to continue that contribution by (L) P.N Chaudhuri, the then Proprietor of the Shillong Times. I am indebted to the great soul.
I wish this newspaper every success and pray to God for its long-long victorious journey.
Yours etc.,
Uma Purkayastha
Shillong – 4
A Legacy of Unity and Progress:
India’s 1947 Declaration of Independence
Editor,
When our beloved Tricolour was unfurled on August 15, 1947, with the Red Fort serving as a backdrop, we were overcome with emotion. But this is a tribute to the innumerable individuals who sacrificed their lives, hopes, and goals in favour of a single goal: a free and unified India.
The fight for independence in India was more than just a political movement. It served as a tribute to their perseverance, togetherness, and sacrifice. The courageous stories of Bhagat Singh, Rani Laxmi Bai, Subhas Chandra Bose, and countless other unsung heroes continue to ring in our ears. their vision? India free from restrictions, where each person lives proudly and with respect.
In the present, a nation that had previously been wiped out by colonisation has been rebuilt. India, a nation with more than a billion dreams, is now seen as a symbol of optimism, harmony, and development. Its development has been remarkable.
Every brick erected in our contemporary buildings, each line of code written in our booming IT sector, and each song of unification flowing from our multifaceted culture are a tribute to the daring individuals who believed in the concept of India. By being a global leader in many fields, from space exploration to initiating digital revolutions, we have carried on their heritage.
However, the Indian population’s hearts and brains have undergone the most dramatic transformation. Our strength rather than a source of conflict has been our diverse tapestry of languages, religions, and civilizations. We have repeatedly demonstrated that our ability to work together in difficult times is our greatest strength. The peaceful coexistence of numerous traditions and beliefs in India is a daily celebration of its enduring ethos, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to “the world is one family.”
But assuming that our road has been without obstacles would be false. We have experienced times of reflection and reckoning, just like any evolving creature. India has overcome these challenges, though, and its people have banded together to make sure that progress never stops.
Remember, every Indian reading this, that our freedom was more than just a shift of power; it was a promise—a promise of a better tomorrow, created in unity and cooperation. Let’s be sure to uphold the legacy of our freedom fighters as we continue to achieve new heights. We hold the key to realising their vision of a united and thriving India. Let’s treat it with respect, take care of it, and pass it down as the most priceless heirloom.
India lives on in the echoes of Jana Gana Mana, the energy of every festival, and the unity of every movement. Let’s maintain the spirit of 1947 by standing tall and proud, walking hand in hand, and speaking heart to heart.
Yours etc.,
Shubro Paul
Via email
Felicitating meritorious students
Editor,
The declaration of this year’s board results was followed by different programmes and functions organized by Government, NGOs, different Dorbar Shnongs, political parties and numerous groups who wish to felicitate the meritorious students of the state. Such initiatives to inspire and motivate the hardworking students are well appreciated by all especially the concerned students and their families alike.
However, in my personal observation, I have noticed that in most if not all of these programmes, attention is given mostly to students who pass out from MBOSE while those who clear the equivalent exams from other boards like CBSE and ICSE are often ignored. Equally deserving of the accolades and recognition are those candidates who manage to clear their NEET/JEE with relatively high marks. Considering the shortage of MBBS seats from the Government quota such students who manage to excel at the All-India Entrance Exams by securing seats for themselves from the all India quota need to be acknowledged.
My humble suggestion to the Government and other respective organisations is to accommodate all meritorious students in their felicitation programmes in the near future irrespective of their boards and achievement. May I also request the media electronic and print to give such students due recognition and equal attention to all.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email