Inspiring MBA Pursuits and Expanding Horizons in Shillong
Editor,
As the September 20th deadline for CAT registration draws near, I find myself pondering how many aspiring students from Shillong have contemplated pursuing an MBA for their career advancement or have taken the initiative to fill out the registration forms.
In case there are any doubts among potential candidates, I would like to encourage them to register and consider embarking on a three-month self-study crash course aimed at strengthening their skills in verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. Here are some suggestions for a 90-day CAT preparation plan:
First 30 Days: Establish a well-structured study schedule.Focus on grasping key concepts.
Allocate dedicated time to each section, including verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. Incorporate regular mock tests into your routine, with a minimum of 2 tests per week. Each mock test should span 2 hours, followed by a 1-hour session for self-evaluation and analysis.
Next 30 Days: Set a target percentile of 80+. Concentrate on refining your skills to achieve this target.
Last 30 Days: Raise your target to 90-95+ percentile. Fine-tune your preparation to meet this higher benchmark. Throughout your preparation journey, you will come across numerous blogs and posts offering valuable insights into effective study strategies. I strongly encourage prospective candidates to leverage this content to customize their preparation to their specific needs. Additionally, I recommend utilizing CAT coaching institute materials, standard reference books, and the last ten years’ solved CAT papers as valuable resources to enhance your readiness for the CAT exam.
It is imperative for students in Shillong to recognize the abundant opportunities that pursuing an MBA can provide for career growth and development. With dedication, a well-structured study plan, and access to the right resources, success in the CAT exam can be attainable for many.
Furthermore, as an alumnus of IIM Bangalore, I am deeply committed to helping students achieve their dreams. I firmly believe in the importance of exploring opportunities beyond an MBA. Therefore, I encourage students to consider a broader range of academic studies, which can open doors to diverse and promising career pathways.
Yours etc.,
Gracel Joe Kharmawlong,
IIM-Bangalore Alumnus
Via email
Are we defending public disruptions and civilian disturbances?
Editor,
I write to express my deep concern regarding the recent arguments made by the VPP legislators during the Autumn Session on the subject of law enforcement in our state, Meghalaya. While the freedom to protest and gather is an integral part of our democratic fabric, it is essential to strike a balance between the exercise of these rights and the preservation of public peace and order.
The VPP, which has so far stood and extensively spoken for the rights of the people, has somehow missed out on the nerve of the public in this very matter. In the Assembly session on Tuesday, September 19, the legislators spoke extensively about the perceived failures of our state police, arguing that they, “cannot handle the slightest provocation.” They have raised questions about the police response to public disruptions and civilian disturbances, particularly in the context of “peaceful protests.” While it is important to scrutinize the actions of our law enforcement agencies, it is equally crucial to consider the broader implications of defending activities that disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens.
In recent times, we have witnessed what are labelled as “peaceful protests” in Meghalaya, which have resulted in traffic disruptions, businesses being forced to pull down their shutters, and, in some cases, innocent civilians being subjected to violence. It raises the fundamental question: What are the police supposed to do in such scenarios? Is it reasonable to expect them to stand by idly while public order is disrupted, businesses suffer, and citizens are placed at risk?
The Indian Constitution indeed guarantees the freedom to protest and gather peacefully, but it does so with the understanding that these rights come with reasonable restrictions. The imposition of such restrictions is not an affront to democracy but a necessary safeguard to ensure that public peace and the rights of all citizens are respected. When so-called peaceful protests cross the line and disrupt the peace of the public, it is the duty and responsibility of the police to take appropriate action to restore order. Hence in such circumstances, playing to the gallery does not always work.
While advocating for the rights of NGOs and protesters, the VPP must realise that businesses — primarily small ones — and livelihoods of people have suffered due to such activities in recent years and this is to be seen in the light of Meghalaya currently not faring particularly well with regards to ease-of-doing-business. Hence economic stability is at stake in the long-term.
It is my hope that our VPP legislators, who have so far been vehement for the people for all the right reasons, will engage in a constructive dialogue to strike the right balance between the exercise of democratic rights and the maintenance of public order, ensuring that Meghalaya continues to be a place where peaceful coexistence and progress thrive.
Yours etc.,
Patrick Kurbah
Via email
Self-serving legislators!
Editor,
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has proposed to reduce the qualifying years of 2 years and 6 months as contained in the proviso to section 3(1) of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Act, 1977 in order to enable MLAs who fail to fulfil the qualifying years to receive pension. Isn’t this ridiculous? The government had done away with pensions for government employees who joined regular services after 2010. Why must pension be given to MLAs who most probably have amassed enough wealth and made the best use of their position for personal gains and for their families during their tenure, be it half term, one term, two terms and so on and so forth? Is it valid that the Assembly Session should on the very first day be discussing their pension when there are many critical issues that are serious and crucial? Why not for a change act like public servants and serve the people who have voted for them rather than try to stabilise themselves and secure their future?
While glaring truths about school teachers who fail to be given their hard earned monthly salary to fend for themselves and their families, traffic congestion that has become a frustrating daily affair, bad roads and connectivity, poor health care and sanitation, unemployment, education etc., stare us in the face our legislators find them as problems too old to tackle in all earnestness. Here too there will be lukewarm references to serious matters if at all. As for the pension issue, even the Opposition will agree and stand united with the government. After all, they too stand to gain. Alas! hypocrisy!
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email