Tyranny of the majority
Editor,
The 3-day Meghalaya 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival scheduled to start on November 17 and culminating on November 19 (which happens to be a Sunday) has come under strong criticism from a certain section of Christian community who consider Sunday as the holiest day of the week. Undoubtedly Christians are a majority community in Meghalaya. But can a majority community impose their diktat on all and sundry?
Tyranny of the majority happens when a numerically larger group of people enact policies benefiting the majority alone with little or no concern for how these policies impact others. Across the globe we are witnessing majoritarianism in some form or the other. But what is more concerning is the imposition of laws, diktats by religious majority groups with no concern for the rights of the others. We all know too well what is happening in Afghanistan where Talibans enforced the compulsory wearing of Hijab/ Burqa by all Muslim women. The tyranny of the majority is progressively creeping into our country as well and of late in Meghalaya too. There have been attempts to impose milder forms of diktats based on the faith of the majority but nonetheless these milder diktats are still diktats. My humble request to all religious communities is to refrain from imposing their beliefs on all and sundry. The Constitution of India gives us the right to practice our own faith and beliefs freely, but it would be detrimental to society if they are imposed on others.
Yours etc.,
PD Nongrum,
Via email
Church or State? Food for thought
Editor,
As a reader of your esteemed newspaper, I have been reading about the ‘Error’ that has been committed by the government in observing a festival on a Sunday. Much has been written about this by many thinking citizens of our state and I would just like to add my take on it.
What is the hullabaloo all about? I know of many a Christian of our state who do not attend church services on a regular basis. I would like to add that I too am a Christian before finger pointing should happen. I’m sure they have free will and a mind of their own as to whether they’d go for a festival or go to church.
From the letters of the church forum, it looks as if the members of their congregation do not have birthdays or house warming parties and so on, on Sundays nor do they go for outdoor picnics or trips but rather, spend time only in prayer activities.
It would be a sham to think that these church elders would think their faithful not have the discernment to know right from wrong. Is it politicking? I leave it up to the right thinking people of the society.
Let us not hide behind this facade of God for our own material benefits.
Yours etc.,
Angela Lyngdoh,
Shillong -14
Concern over loud music after Pujas
Editor,
I am deeply concerned about the functions that follow the Durga Puja festivities at the Meghalaya Hindu Mission in Lower Mawprem, Shillong. On October 27, 2023, I noticed this recurring issue. I wish to emphasize that I have no objection to music during the course of the puja itself but I have noticed that after the puja, there is a practice of playing exceptionally loud music at around 8 PM. This music has an intensity of nearly 80 dB, as I measured it using my smartphone from a distance of about 150 meters, while remaining inside my house.
While I understand and appreciate the importance of celebrating Durga Puja, I strongly recommend that we refrain from playing loud music in the name of post-puja functions. My concern is primarily rooted in the fact that the school in the vicinity has already resumed its activities, and many students are diligently trying to complete their homework and study during these same evening hours.
It’s crucial to distinguish between the religious and cultural significance of Durga Puja and the continuation of loud music beyond puja hours. The noise level, with an intensity of nearly 80 dB, is disruptive for the densely populated surrounding areas, particularly for students who require a peaceful environment for their studies. These students cannot afford to wait until 10 PM for the music to cease.
I request the concerned authorities and Dorbar Shnong to reconsider and not grant permission for functions with loud music after 8 PM in such populated areas. We are part of a responsible and considerate society, and it’s essential that we respect the needs and rights of all community members, including students who are trying to focus on their education.
It is my hope that we can strike a balance between celebrating our cultural heritage and ensuring a peaceful and conducive environment for the education of our students. The attention of the Dorbar on this matter will be greatly appreciated, and I trust that our community can work together to address this concern.
Yours etc.,
Rahul Mondal,
Via email