By Riwanki Suchiang
On September 30, 2023, I attended the Motivational Talk of Prof Of Eminence, (Dr.) Sanjeev P. Sahani at Shillong Commerce College. Prof. Sahani is one of the most renowned figures across India and globally. He is the Founder & Principal Director of the Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS) at the Jindal Global University, Sonipat. He is also the Director for “Centre for Innovative Leadership and Change”, “Centre for Victimology and Psychological studies”, “Centre for Community Mental Health”, “Centre for Criminology and Forensic Studies”, Member of the Governing Body and Advisor to the Vice Chancellor at the Jindal Global University.
At the end of his motivational talk, during the question hour, a student asked him whether it is possible for citizens of Meghalaya to work in the State and become successful when the economy and employment rate are both low. Surprisingly, the answer of Prof. Sahani was positive.
Prof Sahani explained that Meghalaya has a very rich heritage of sources and resources to start up any new business with and the only thing needed is to work hard and be innovative. In short, we have to have big dreams and start realizing and executing our dreams.
This answer makes a lot of sense. Having grown up in Meghalaya and also have visited and lived in a few states in India I believe that Meghalaya offers those that can work hard the opportunity to make it big. An analysis of our state informs us that there are many entrepreneurs and successful business persons here – both locals and non-locals. Most of the business is around coal mining, tourism, timber export, marketing, etc. However there are a large number of people in our state who are living below the poverty line. The irony is that some of our citizens have lifestyles that are akin to that of celebrities but right in front of their courtyards, there are families who can’t afford three meals a day. It appears that the phrase, “the rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer,” has been proved true in our State. Now, our state is heading towards what is called, the, “survival of the fittest.”
Our natural wealth has been destroyed; forests have been cleared for timber export and charcoal production. Many of the benefits that come from there go to our neighbouring states. We, instead receive the unpredicted natural calamities that were unheard of in the past. It seems to me that these happen due to the clearing down of forests and the use of unscientific methods in extracting our natural resources.The saddest part is that those rich individuals in our State do not contribute anything by way of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and neither do they invest their wealth for the well being of the poor and the society. They could have built health centers in remote villages or even in the sub-divisional headquarters. This would have benefited society a great deal. They can also set up good colleges and educational centres in those same areas . A great example of that is Woodland Extension (hospital) at Sabahmuswang West Jaiñtia Hills and setting up of Bethany Extension (hospital) at Nongpoh. We all know that they are of great service to the people living in those areas. In terms of educational institutions the Don Bosco College, Byndihati in East Jaiñtia Hills, the Loyola College at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills are a great service to the society as a whole. These are all run by private parties and we are sure the people will benefit from them and similarly the owners of those institutions. They will not end there. They can also pass on their businesses and institutions to their kith and kin in the next generation.
Let me come back to our State. Meghalaya has very high hopes for the future generations in many aspects such as in education, health, sports, economy etc. However, if we are not careful all our dreams will go in vain. Those possessions will be reaped by outsiders. We don’t have to blame them. In fact it’s not right and just to do that. Let us instead introspect on what it is that we are lacking. One common thing that we lack is “work-culture.” Many of us don’t work hard. We only want money. The majority of us want quick money. We work today and want to draw the wages tomorrow. The quality of our work is very poor. We cannot deny the fact that our labourers waste their time in consuming betel-nut (bam kwai) and smoking (dih-duma). We start work only at around 9:00 – 10:00 am and end up by 4:30 pm. Our overall productivity is very low.
The saddest thing is that many of the families here in Meghalaya who are well to do and are financially well equipped to start any business have become bankrupt today. Many such families cannot even educate their children properly. Such families have children that have dropped out of school. I have a friend who told me, “If the Government Of Meghalaya had not banned coal-mining I would not have completed my B.Sc and I would have been a coal-mining business-man now.” Here we can understand that we lack the skills on how to utilize our wealth. Instead of investing on something that will bring lifetime income/benefits, we waste money on extravaganza. Let’s ask ourselves where is all the money that we got from coal-mining?
I want to conclude by saying that we need to do a reality check and start doing something new and not be stuck with unrealistic expectations. Expectation is something we hope to get but we have to work towards that goal. For instance, I may want to become rich, but the reality is that I need to struggle over many years to get there. I also have to follow a trajectory so that I can reach my goal. We cannot achieve our goals if we shun hard work. Let us be reminded of what Gandhiji said, “ In India we don’t lack good people but we have so many good people who have not done anything.” This is very much applicable to our state of Meghalaya.
Let’s be aspirants who want to do something new.