Escape route for Khasi men
Editor,
I read Kitdor Blah’s interesting article with rapt attention but it appears that yet again he is peddling the Khasi male viewpoint. I was expecting other Khasi women to give a rejoinder for or against the article by Patricia Mukhim -KHADC: Why trample on women’s constitutional rights? (ST Sep 1, 2023) but knowing Meghalaya, this important issues which needs to be publicly debated will only become a topic of gossip or banal discussion and forgotten. Samuel Swett in his letter, “Much ado about nothing” (ST Sep 5, 2023), had correctly stated that the reason why Meghalaya has such poor governance is because of the tacit silence of the majority of citizens. Also, among the citizens that speak up from time to time, most are men. It’s almost as if Khasi women have no political views at all. Yet there is a substantial of educated and well-placed women in this society. Do we take it that these women don’t know what it is to face hardships because they come from the elite society? Even from the leading university like NEHU, Khasi women academics are muted. If educated women are unwilling to speak up on matters concerning themselves, why do we wonder why the fate of large sections of Khasi women is so pathetic. We are a selfish society and speak up only when it affects us personally. The rest of the time we happily ignore what happens around us and live with the notion that all is well with our lives.
Kitdor Blah brings in the notion that Khasi men have no responsibility in their parental home and also in their wives’ homes and hence lack the moral responsibility to take care of their wives and children. It is because of this lack of morality and ethics that the KHADC is expected to come up with strictures to Khasi men that happily abandon one partner/wife and quickly take on another without a care for the children they procreate. Personally, I am not convinced by his arguments which are intended to find an escape route for the Khasi male.
Yours etc.,
Ambrose Kharkongor,
Via email
On Sanatan Dharma
Editor,
Two news items “Did INDIA bloc’s Mumbai meeting plan to target Sanatan Dharma, ask BJP” and “Udhayanidhi row: Congress says it respects all religions” (ST September 5, 2023) made interesting reading. In the light of these two news items let us examine what are the main teachings, fundamental concepts of Sanatana Dharma, how this Dharma views other religions and does it glorify birth-based varna vyavastha?
So what are the main teachings of Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma is a way of life based on cosmic order and duty. It is a term that refers to the eternal truth and teachings of Hinduism. The duties or religiously ordained practices incumbent upon all Hindus, regardless of class, caste, or sect are referred to as Sanatana Dharma. Different texts give different lists of the duties, but in general Sanatana Dharma consists of virtues such as honesty, refraining from injuring living beings, purity, goodwill, mercy, patience, forbearance, self-restraint, generosity, and asceticism. Sanatana Dharma is also used to describe Hinduism as a unified and non-sectarian world religion.
Fundamental concept of Sanatan Dharma: Karma is a fundamental concept in Sanatana Dharma. It is the idea that every action has a consequence, and that these consequences can affect the individual in this life or in future lives. The law of Karma is based on the principle of cause and effect, and it is believed that every action, thought, and word has a karmic consequence. The concept of Karma is closely linked to the idea of rebirth, which is another fundamental concept in Sanatana Dharma. It is believed that the actions of an individual in this life will determine their future lives, and that the cycle of birth and death will continue until the individual achieves moksha (the transcendent state attained as a result of being released from the cycle of rebirth). The concept of Karma emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life and performing one’s duties with detachment from the fruits of one’s actions.
How does Sanatana Dharma view other religions? Sanatana Dharma is not a religion in the conventional sense, but rather a way of life that encompasses all aspects of human existence. It is an inclusive philosophy that recognizes the validity of all religions and spiritual paths. Sanatana Dharma teaches that all religions are different paths to the same ultimate goal, which is the realisation of the divine. It emphasizes the importance of respecting other religions and their beliefs, and encourages individuals to seek the truth in their own way. This dharma recognizes that there are many paths to enlightenment, and that each individual must find their own path based on their unique circumstances and experiences.
Sanatana Dharma glorifies birth-based varna vyavastha. The concept of varna vyavastha is a much-misunderstood concept. It is often equated with the ‘caste’ and the ‘caste system’ and is considered as the root cause of discrimination and oppression present in Indian society. However, a thorough examination of Hindu scriptures will clearly reveal that the scriptural conception of varna has no resemblance to the present practice of the caste system. Sanatana Dharma perceives human life as very precious, which an individual gets after great effort. The importance of human life lies in the fact that humans alone have a fully developed intellect and free-will, which they could use to fulfil their desires and attain happiness. But, desires, by their very nature cause bondage and sorrow. People forever hanker behind different desires, some they achieve, some they don’t. When desires are not achieved, they lead one to sorrow; even when desires are achieved, happiness will not stay for long! In either case, there is no attainment of permanent happiness for those who single-mindedly pursue worldly desires. Therefore, to attain a state of permanent happiness, one must transcend desires and reach desire less. The varna system is based on the principle of svabhava (own-being), which means one’s inherent nature or disposition. It recognizes that individuals have different qualities and abilities that are suited to different types of work. The four varnas are Brahmana (priestly class), Kshatriya (warrior class) , Vaishya (merchant class), and Shudra (servant class). These classes are not based on birth but on one’s inherent qualities and abilities. The varna system is not meant to be rigid or hierarchical but rather flexible and dynamic. In conclusion, Sanatana Dharma does not glorify birth-based varna vyavastha (a concept that appears in Hindu scriptures. It is often misunderstood as the caste system, but a thorough examination of Hindu scriptures will reveal that the scriptural conception of Varna has no resemblance to the present practice of the caste system). Instead, it emphasizes the importance of righteous duties or dharma (denotes behaviours that are considered to be in accord with the order and custom that makes life and universe possible) in fulfilling one’s life goals and attaining permanent happiness.
Yours etc.,
Vijay K Lyngdoh,
Via email
Footpaths are for pedestrians
Editor,
The letter, “Hawkers on footpaths: A perilous menace for Laitumkhrah residents” by R. Lyngdoh, (ST Sep 2, 2023) is a reminder that the government is still untouched by the need to address the problem that hawkers pose with each passing day. The number of hawkers that seem to be on the increase are indeed a menace, whether at Laitumkhrah, Civil Hospital, Police Bazar, Motphran etc. Hawkers spread their wares unabashed and with no consideration for pedestrians. If at the makeshift eating joints at the Civil Hospital gate, have captured the footpaths, at Motphran hawkers are spreading their wares on the road itself. Thus, pedestrians, vehicles and hawkers seem to be colliding with one another. Granted that the Meghalaya Street Vendors Act, 2014 permits hawkers to occupy public spaces like sidewalks, footpaths et al but that does not mean that they can inconvenience anyone. I for one have nothing against the hawkers and I feel that the State Government must provide them space so that they can carry on with their trades without imposing any hassles on others. If a space is provided for them the footpaths and road would be free. After all, the pedestrians have a right to the footpaths as much as vehicles to the roads. Will the State Government wake up from its slumber?
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email