Editor,
Anti cow slaughtering campaign initiated or motivated by certain cultural or religious beliefs for Banning cow slaughter and beef eating in (Meghalaya) can have significant social and political ramifications,Implementing such measures in a diverse nation could disrupt communal harmony and peace.
In a secular country, where the government is expected to maintain neutrality towards various religions and cultures, allowing such campaigning steps that affects specific dietary practices can create tensions. Indigenous Tribal communities, who traditionally consume beef as part of their diet, view such an act as an infringement on their cultural and dietary rights. This could lead to feelings of alienation and resentment, potentially inciting conflict and chaos in this tranquil region
The disruption could be further worsen by economic impacts. In our region where cattle rearing is a primary livelihood, such enactment could threaten the economic stability of local farmers and traders. This might lead to protests or unrest, impacting broader social cohesion.
The diverse fabric of the nation is crucial for maintaining peace and harmony. Balancing religious or cultural beliefs with the rights of individuals is essential for preserving the secular principles of the country.
Yours etc.,
D S Khongwir
Shillong
Blind man deserves government attention immediately
Editor,
I would like to draw attention to the urgent need for government support for families like the one recently brought to light in a letter by Salil Gewali captioned, “Blind Man Selling Kwai-Cigarettes. (ST September 3, 2024).” Gewali’s letter about the blind man, Teilanbok Mawblei, and his blind wife opened the eyes of many, including mine. After reading that letter, my friends and I began collecting contributions to help the couple. On September 15, we visited their home in Mawngap, which is in very poor condition, and handed over the money collected. The couple was overjoyed and expressed deep gratitude to Gewali for bringing their suffering to the public’s attention. They never thought that someone would one day speak up for them and that so much help would come their way.
We also learned that the local MLA had visited the family and provided groceries, which was a wonderful gesture. However, after spending time with the blind man and his blind wife, it became clear that one-time donations are not enough. Their situation remains dire, and they have no guarantee of financial stability. Being 100% blind, they cannot always depend on selling small items like kwai and cigarettes, and their future remains uncertain.
What will happen to them and others like them when the donations stop? The government must implement policies to provide steady support for families that are completely unable to earn a living due to disabilities or other severe physical challenges. While community efforts are appreciable, long-term welfare and rehabilitation programs are a must for such vulnerable families.
Salil Gewali’s letter did an excellent job of drawing attention to this issue, but it is the Government’s duty to ensure that people like this blind couple do not continue to suffer as if no one cares. There should be a sense of humanity in Government departments also. I hope the local MLA will raise this issue with the Social Welfare Minister immediately. The Government should find long-term solutions, such as providing regular financial aid and housing support, for families in such difficult situations. While the government spends money on many non-essential things, it often ignores the struggles of families with physical challenges, like this blind family. I believe part of the MLA scheme funds could be redirected to help those who are absolutely unable to earn a living. It is crucial that these vulnerable families receive the support they need to live with dignity. They too are human beings and have the same rights as any other citizen.
(Any kind person willing to extend help to this blind family, please G-PAY 9077649637 and send your contact details on WhatsApp, indicating ‘For Teilanbok Mawblei ‘.)
Yours etc.,
John F. Nongspung,
Shillong-6
Red & white spray painters in town!
Editor,
One of the best initiatives of the Government of Meghalaya is in acknowledging the talents of the artists of the state in various forms. Several locations in Shillong city are beautified with murals that primarily focus on the state’s cultural heritage. These paintings are displayed at several locations and are admired and praised by many. Often, onlookers pause to appreciate the beauty of these paintings, which are either displayed on Government buildings or public walls. Observers though are left wondering about the stories behind the art. Those familiar with the cultural significance of the State can connect with them; others are left wondering what the stories behind the art are. Unfortunately, not much is available online. However, the tech-savvy ones might click a picture and ask AI to analyse the visuals based on their intelligence. The story behind the paintings are not mentioned in the visuals. Although they say a picture speaks a thousand words, culturally significant tales need to be specific and presented as they are and not left to be assumed based on one’s interpretation. A suggestion for the artists is to include a QR code at the bottom of the painting, so people can scan and read more about it. Meghalaya is blessed with a plethora of folk tales and this could be a great way to share them with the world.
So while the Government of Meghalaya is trying its best to beautify the city in various ways through art and the artists work with dedication to come out with interesting paintings and impressive murals, some appreciate the efforts of the government and the artists while others choose to deface these artworks by rubbing lime on the walls or spitting the walls with red kwai saliva. The same can be seen outside the walls of Sein Jaiñtia at the Jeep Stand.
On January 24th, 2023, when I saw the paintings being shamelessly rubbed with lime, I uploaded them on my social media pages. They caught the attention of Meghalaya’s own RJ Nicky, who has been spearheading the ‘My Shillong, My Pride campaign’ single-handedly for years now. The following morning, he headed to the location and cleaned the lime off the paintings all by himself. Fast forward to the present, and the paintings are once again being defaced with white lime and red paint by the, “White and Red Painters of Town.”
Now, who do we hold accountable for this? What is the least that kwai (betel nut) consumers can do? Do they need to be educated that spitting on walls and in public spaces is unhealthy and defaces the beauty of such space? Should we school them in an awareness programme? Do they even have a sense of civic responsibility? What can be done about this? RJ Nicky did his part once, he might clean it for the second and third time, but for how long can he keep doing this?
Yours etc.,
Emidao Shylla
Shillong-2