Editor,
If one reads media reports, 90 percent of what is reported and opined is negative. The media draws its strength from negative reportage and thrives on negativity. For the media, good news is actually bad news. That is their job. The human mind has been subconsciously trained to bite, chew, and digest negativity first. But as someone aptly pointed out, “Negativity is contagious, just as positivity is.” Naysayers go the extra mile to create negativity, making it thrive for their own vested interests. In the face of a negative ecosystem, there must be voices that stand up, speak out, and spread positivity based on facts.
Recently, a friend hurled expletives when he came across the news that Shillong has been named the Top Travel Destination for 2025 by Skyscanner’s “Travel Trends Report 2025.” Shillong was ahead of Baku (Azerbaijan), Langkawi (Malaysia), and others. No other Indian city, hill station, or tourist destination featured on the list. It was Shillong all the way. This is good and big news. But why were some people, like my friend who hurled expletives (which cannot be reproduced here), so negative? What is negative about people wanting to visit our place? Guests are like gods. The customer is king/queen. Perhaps some people cannot accept good news, let alone digest it. Perhaps they are simply not accustomed to receiving good news. It’s a mindset conditioned to believe that good things can’t happen in our very own land.
Under such gloomy circumstances, we are reminded of the wisdom of our ancestors, who foresaw all this negativity. The celebrated poet from our own land, U Soso Tham, aptly pointed out: “Jingstad ngi wad sawdong pyrthei; jingshai ka Ri ngim tip eiei.” Loosely translated, this phrase means, “In search of wisdom, we travel across the seas; we are ignorant of the light in our own land.” Tourism is one of the lights that the Almighty has bestowed on Meghalaya. The potential is huge. Successive governments have worked to market Meghalaya as a tourist destination, aware of the transformative power this sector possesses.
For the naysayers, here’s some statistics. Over the last six years, the Conrad K. Sangma government has made strides in taking tourism to the next level. Under the homestay schemes, more than 600 have been sanctioned, and out of these, around 70 have become operational. Investments amounting to about Rs 1,300 crore from Externally Aided Projects and the Union Tourism Ministry will strengthen our tourism sector. Meghalaya had no luxury hotel even after nearly 50 years of statehood. Now, we have two high-end hotels, Vivanta and Courtyard by Marriott.
The Bah and the Kong selling local produce and other items in tourist spots have multiplied over the years. PRIME tourism vehicles number more than 45 now, in addition to the privately operated ones, which have increased due to the dividends reaped from the sector.
Good things are happening, which may not be to everyone’s liking. Well, there are loopholes and drawbacks but we can always come forward to offer constructive suggestions or give positive criticism. And, hello! Here, we are talking about tourists, not illegal infiltrators. So, let’s not get carried away by negative emotions or jump the gun. Leave your biases behind, come and be a part of the growth story.
Yours etc.,
Lang Lyngdoh,
Shillong – 1
Food safety handling practices by street vendors
Editor,
In response to the Government’s recent order, to relocate 700 street vendors within Shillong to newly identified areas equipped with roofs, washrooms, and water facilities, I would like to raise concerns regarding public health and food safety protocols when it comes to street vendors handling food items. While this initiative aims to improve working conditions for vendors, it also requires vendors to register with the Town Vending Committee. However, there remains a question of whether health and safety measures, particularly concerning food hygiene, will be enforced. I would urge the authorities to conduct health inspections and investigative measures before vendors receive clearance to sell food items and whether these inspections will occur biannually as a regular practice. Also, if assurances have to be given that these protocols will be implemented consistently to safeguard both vendors and the wider community.
Yours etc.,
Benjamin Laloo,
Via email
Yatra that came a cropper!
Editor,
Towards the fag end of September, this year Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj of Uttarkhand proposed to organize a Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat yatra in some NE states of India for advocating a sweeping ban on cow slaughter. However, his much- publicized yatra was nipped in the bud. In Meghalaya, several NGOs had firmly opposed his entry into Shillong, plus the State Government too was against his yatra manoeuvres in Meghalaya. Incidentally, the said Swami’s earlier attempts to land in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also came unstuck as he was shooed away lock stock and barrel!
I don’t understand why the Swami is so concerned about the traditional food habits of the indigenous tribes of India’s North-East? Probably the latter doesn’t know the pivotal fact that ancient Hindu scriptures – hold-your-breath – established beyond an iota of doubt that even upper class Hindus and revered rishis had relished beef consumption in those bygone eras. And wonders never cease that in Bhavabuti’s well-known play, Uttara-Rama- Charitra,written in the 8th century AD, we come across a dialogue between two hermit boys, Saudahataki and Dandayana, at Ayodhya. The conversations shockingly referred to Vasishta, a revered Rishi of three lifetimes, who had heartily munched a poor tawny heifer (a young cow) without any demur whatsoever!
Markedly, the prominent Indian litterateur, Nirad Chauwdhury had written in his book of essays, The Continent of Circe which has been awarded the Duff-Cooper prize in 1966, these iconic words, “Love of cows in the Vedas goes with every possible economic use of cattle, including, of course, their slaughter for food. ” Unfortunately, since 2014 with the assumption of powers by the saffron government even possessing a portion of beef at home has become an ominous taboo as occurred at Dadri village of UP in 2015 when Mohammed Akhlaq was outrageously lynched on mere suspicion of slaughtering a cow!
All is said and done, I hope that Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj is listening
Yours etc.,
Jerome K Diengdoh,
Shillong-2
Concerning the dismantling of St.Anthony’s L.P School
Editor,
It is nice to know that many individuals are expressing their concern about the proposed dismantling of St Anthony’s L.P School at Don Bosco. Definitely, it is one of the unique buildings in the city and all wish to preserve it. Practically every day, concerned people express their opinions in the newspapers and also on different you tube channels. I too am a lover of history and wish to preserve the building at all costs. However, things are created in time and subjected to life spans (philosophy of impermanence of Buddha). Therefore, anything created in time will come to an end or will get old. If the individuals are so concerned about the old building, how many of them are still living in thatched houses? How many of them will come to rescue the management if the building collapses on the children? Or are we just spectators and pen down without knowing the intent of the management? Why do we suffer for months during the repairing work of the Umiam Bridge? Because the bridge is in danger and to prevent it, the government takes a decision to renovate it. And sadly, even today heavy vehicles cannot pass through it.
People wish to build new houses when they have the opportunity, then why not a better school and better facilities for the children? When we look around we see new Churches being constructed and the old ones have been abandoned due to the increase in the number of worshippers. Therefore, if the individuals are so concerned about the old building, let them also go back to thatched homes. Perhaps the management is concerned for the betterment of the students and not about public opinion. If people around the Laitumkhrah area are constructing bigger buildings housing shops and restaurants, why not a new temple of knowledge for the children who are endangered in the old building?
Yours etc.,
Aiborlang Nongsiej
Mawkyrwat