Editor,
We write to draw attention to a pressing issue that affects not only the residents of Umden but also the burgeoning tourism sector in our beautiful state of Meghalaya. The recent recognition of Diwon-Umden as the Eri Silk Village, along with accolades that it is one of the best tourism villages alongside Mawphlang, is a testament to the hard work of our local weavers and the rich cultural heritage we possess. However, the dream of sustaining this momentum is being jeopardized by the deplorable condition of the roads connecting Nongpoh to Umden.
Despite being a mere 19 kilometers apart, the journey currently takes an hour due to the deteriorating state of the road. Travelers often find themselves navigating a perilous path, filled with deep potholes that not only pose risks to vehicles but also to the safety of passengers. It is disheartening to witness a route that should ideally take 25-30 minutes extend into an uncomfortable and time-consuming ordeal.
The impact of these poor road conditions is profound. With the inflow of tourists from across the state, country, and even the globe—eager to learn about the traditional methods of dyeing, weaving, and designing Eri silk—the inability to provide easy access is a significant setback. Local weavers depend on these visitors for their livelihoods; a decrease in tourist traffic has immediate repercussions for their income and the community’s economic health.
Further, it is important to consider the long-term implications. The tourism sector is a vital part of our economy, and with awards and recognitions come increased expectations. Yet, if visitors face discomfort and uncertainty due to road conditions, they may choose to explore other destinations instead. The dwindling number of tourists not only affects local businesses but also undermines the community’s efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage.
A well-maintained road network is crucial for economic growth and connectivity. The current situation is unsustainable, and it is imperative that we advocate for urgent infrastructure improvement. The Government must prioritize the construction and maintenance of a reliable road from Nongpoh to Umden to ensure easy access to this cultural gem.
To conclude, while we celebrate the achievements of our Eri silk village, we must also address the challenges that threaten its future. Let us unite in calling for better roads, which are not just pathways but the backbone of our economy and a bridge to our cultural heritage.
Yours etc.,
Iba Mallai, (On behalf of the concerned citizens of Umden)
Via email
The best religion is serving the needy with compassion
Editor,
We never know where life or destiny will lead us. Tomorrow always remains a mystery, as does the path we will walk, the people we will meet, and the difference we might make in someone’s life. I certainly had no idea that meeting a blind man in the bustling streets of Shillong that fateful day would, in some small way, bring a ray of sunshine to his life.
Thank God for that deep, unspoken push within that inspired me to write about the plight of Bah Mawblei, the blind man from Mawngap. What moved me most was seeing that, instead of sitting on the roadside begging like so many others, he navigated through the crowd with nothing but a simple stick for guidance, shouting “kwai and cigarettes,” which he carried in a small plastic bag in his other hand. The sight was truly heart-touching, something I could not ignore!
Can we, for a moment, imagine being completely blind, even for just two days? Can we picture walking through a world “without light”, where every step is uncertain and every sound unfamiliar? For most of us, that short visualization would be enough to understand the unimaginable hardship blindness brings. Now, just consider the reality of Bah Mawblei’s daily life. He is completely “uncertain” of his next meal, unsure of what tomorrow holds, and facing a constant battle for survival in a world that often overlooks him. If those of us who are healthy and well-off don’t help, then who will?
Yes, something remarkable happened after the publication of my letter in The Shillong Times on September 3, 2024. Many kind-hearted individuals, moved by the blind man’s story, rushed to visit Bah Mawblei and his blind wife in their dilapidated hut in Mawngap. All credit goes to The Shillong Times for making this possible. I can barely describe the outpouring of empathy people felt for this couple living in such difficult conditions. Visitors arrived with groceries, clothes, and money. I believe they didn’t just offer material support; they brought with them empathy, compassion, and love, which no money can ever truly quantify.
Among those who reached out was the local MLA, Matthew B. Kurbah. Not only did he visit the family, but he also arrived with a generous amount of food and financial assistance. I was deeply touched when Bah Kurbah personally called me to thank me for bringing the blind man’s struggles to light. Over the phone, he informed me that both the run-down houses—the blind man’s and his sister’s—would be repaired and renovated. He even mentioned adding verandas, which would provide them with much-needed comfort.
I cannot express my gratitude in words for two heartfelt letters – “Blind man story touched my heart” (ST, September 5) by Jonathan Albert Khyriem and “Blindman deserves Government’s attention immediately” (ST, September 17) by John Nongspung. Reading them made me feel even more humbled. They remind me of the tremendous power in our “collective empathy.” One act of compassion can ripple through a community, inspiring others to act. Every small gesture, whether writing a letter to raise awareness, visiting someone in need, or offering a meal — has the potential to transform lives, including our own. In touching the life of another, we may well reshape our own destiny.
From my personal experience, in helping the needy like this blind man, we are not just aiding an individual in need. We are, in fact, allowing ourselves to evolve into more compassionate beings. Let us never forget that tomorrow, any one of us could find ourselves in Bah Mawblei’s place, totally dependent on the mercy of strangers for survival.
It is only through acts of selfless giving and compassion, without “expectation or discrimination”, that we serve God better than the rituals of religion. This is what allows us to grasp the real purpose of life — our connection to one another and a deeper understanding of our “shared humanity” in this vast universe. I believe that our material possessions and worldly achievements pale in comparison to the growth of our souls as we evolve into truly compassionate human beings. And so, at times, I find myself on my knees, praying that we may continue to serve the needy more, and more, and more.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
One nation, one election
Editor
Apropos of the front-page news, “TMC laps up Centre’s move; UDP and VPP undecided” (ST September 19, 2024) Charles Pyngrope, Member of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and former Speaker of Meghalaya has rightly welcomed the Centre’s one nation, one election move. The country has to save resources, reduce pressure on administrative machinery in conducting elections around the year and save public money. Frequent elections create an atmosphere of uncertainty and impact policy decisions. Holding simultaneous elections would bring enhanced certainty in policy making. The High-Level Committee headed by the former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind is hundred percent correct that “‘One Nation One Election’ ensures ease and convenience to voters, avoids voter fatigue, and facilitates greater voter turnout.” The Union Cabinet has done well in accepting the recommendations of the High-Level Committee headed by the former President of India. It is heartening that the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the “government believes in creating a consensus on items which affect democracy and the nation in the long run. This is a subject, a topic that will strengthen our nation.”
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh
Via email