Organizational governance & challenges in NEHU
Editor,
The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is an esteemed institution that plays a pivotal role in education and knowledge dissemination in Meghalaya. However, recent events have raised concerns about the effectiveness of its internal organizational structure. It is imperative to understand that an organization’s success is contingent upon the obedience and compliance of its subordinate staff to its leadership.
In the realm of defence organizations, this principle holds a special significance, where the orders issued by a commanding officer are followed with unwavering dedication, akin to a divine decree. The commanding officer’s authority is considered unquestionable, fostering a culture of absolute adherence to orders. This steadfast obedience is a key element in the successful operation of defence units.
While the operational dynamics of a civil unit may differ from those of a military one, the fundamental principles of effective command and control remain consistent across all types of organizations, whether they are government entities or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Recent headlines in the media have drawn attention to a perceived deficiency in this aspect at NEHU.
It is vital for NEHU, as an academic institution, to uphold the same principles of governance and obedience to its leadership as any other organization. The current situation calls for introspection and rectification to ensure that NEHU’s mission of providing a temple of learning and wisdom is not compromised.
In conclusion, the issues facing NEHU should be addressed promptly to restore confidence in its organizational structure and uphold its status as a revered centre of education and knowledge in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.
Krishna Chettri
Shillong -2
A disparate I.N.D.I.A
Editor,
The editorial “Frosty INDIA ties” (ST September 3, 2023) is an incisive analysis of the INDIA coalition. The editor is right in saying that “there is no indication that I.N.D.I.A is cohesive” and correctly analysed that “if the Congress fails to win two of the five states going to the polls, the BJP would continue to hold its heads high”. Damodar Narendra Modi has found a way to connect with an ordinary Hindu voter in a way almost nobody has been able to do, not necessarily with the urban educated voters. They are people in the 2nd tier or 3rd tier cities who have some education but not a college education but are now upwardly mobile and have a sense of pride in this upward movement. The Prime Minister has been able to speak to and resonate very powerfully with the bulk of these Indian voters. He has been able to powerfully represent their aspirations, sense of progress and pride. You cannot deny his achievement which is extraordinary. Yes, chances of being re-elected after 10 years become difficult because in democracies there is a thing called “voters’ fatigue”. But the Prime Minister seems confident that the BJP solely depends on him. To defeat him would require the entire opposition to come together in a cohesive way. It will have to be BJP versus the Opposition coalition. At present I.N.D.I.A does not seem to have a unity of purpose. To defeat Modi’s BJP, they will need to have an alternative charismatic leader. Right now, the opposition that is strategically united and disciplined is not visible at all.
Yours etc.,
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Urgent measures required to combat Delhi’s pollution crisis
Editor,
The recent resurgence of severe pollution in Delhi is an alarming concern that demands immediate attention from both authorities and citizens. The detrimental impact on public health and the environment calls for urgent, collective action to mitigate the crisis. The closure of schools for two days, alongside construction bans and car usage restrictions, though commendable, remain only a temporary solution to a persistent problem. It’s imperative that more proactive and sustained measures are implemented to address this critical issue.
I urge the local authorities to adopt a comprehensive, long-term strategy. This should include, but not be limited to, stricter regulations on industrial emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, expanding green cover in the city, and implementing stringent vehicular emission controls. Additionally, greater public awareness campaigns on reducing individual carbon footprints can significantly contribute to the cause. Delhi’s inhabitants are enduring the adverse effects of this pollution, facing serious health hazards, especially among the vulnerable sections of the population. Our responsibility as a society is to act swiftly and decisively to alleviate the pressing environmental crisis. It’s high time for a collaborative effort where government initiatives, corporate responsibility, and individual commitment come together to combat this pressing issue and secure a cleaner, healthier future for Delhi’s residents.
Yours etc.,
Maimul Safui,
Via email
Holy religions never divide us
Editor,
Published articles by mature writers do not go to waste. Discerning readers can quickly figure out what the writer is up to. The recent letter “Time to end Hindu-Muslim divide” (ST, dated October 31, 2023) by Sujit De also gives a certain kind of curious impression. Can we sincerely work to bridge the divide between Muslims and Hindus? It will be the best thing if ever possible. However, mere writing will not be helpful until we “identify” the underlying issues and take significant action to address them. Sujit De has beautifully discussed the thoughts of Swami Vivekananda. No doubt Vivekananda’s works always come in handy in performing “surgery” not just for the external world but also for the internal world. They inspire each of us to look within and seek the real meaning of life, which is so transient and beyond one’s control. Most of the thoughts of Vivekananda exhort us to practice spiritualism with all earnestness rather than parroting the holy scriptures without committing to them. That is why, on the auspicious day of Mahasaptami of Durga Puja, Swami Vivekananda knelt to touch the feet of a poor Muslim girl. It was intended to kill the ego and cleanse the self.
Hence, unless we practice the doctrine of the “universal brotherhood,” God keeps eluding us. Racial discrimination, gender discrimination, and religious discrimination are the biggest stumbling blocks in the pursuit of God’s realization. My God, Your God, has done greater harm. Here is the million-dollar question. Are we doing anything to end the existing discrimination in society and the eye-for-eye attitude among believers of different faiths? Are we practicing seeing each human being, irrespective of his/her religion or race, as the creation of the same God —very crucial in promoting peaceful co-existence and love? How quickly one gets spiritually evolved when one begins to believe in “Nar (human being) is equal to Narayan (God)” – the fundamental doctrine of Upanishads. Alas! Discrimination and hatred have become the hallmarks of some religions. Is the blatant gender discrimination in Afghanistan, now ruled by Taliban, not a serious concern for world leaders? Just google to know how women are being so oppressed and terrorized there, not less in the countries under the control of certain extremist forces. Even Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai has raised this concern, particularly gender discrimination, on various platforms. Can we objectively analyze what led to 22-year-old Mahsa Amini’s death in Iran and the nation-wide protests and unprecedented bloodbath thereafter?
With the increasing “misinterpretation” of Islam and the rise of extremist forces, a very renowned Islamic scholar of Kuwait, who is the author of “The Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists”, Khaled Abou El Fadl, says that it’s disheartening to witness fellow Muslims committing such atrocities. We should be ambassadors for Islam, not advocates for terror. Hope Sujit De also agrees with disillusioned Khaled Abou. Nothing is more dangerous than those who use religion as a springboard to further their diabolical ambitions. If we try to close our eyes to the cruelty on humanity, peace on earth will be completely impossible.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali.
Shillong