Editor,
Through your esteemed publication, I would like to express my views regarding the recently concluded Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong. While the festival has gained popularity, attracting tourists from far and wide, it is disheartening to see the lack of sufficient cherry blossoms in the city, leaving many visitors disappointed.
It is no secret that most of the cherry trees seen in and around Shillong have grown naturally, with little to no visible effort from the government. Over the years, despite the festival’s growing significance, there appear to be no concrete measures undertaken to ensure a flourishing population of cherry trees.
I recall a sapling plantation drive along the Mawiongrim damsite stretch some time ago. Unfortunately, many of these saplings did not survive due to soil dumping during road-widening activities. This reflects poorly on planning and management. Instead of such half-hearted measures, why can’t the Government adopt a dedicated hill or land area to plant cherry trees exclusively?
The defence establishments, such as the Eastern Air Command in Upper Shillong, offer another opportunity. These areas could host massive cherry tree plantations without compromising operational needs, as these trees remain small and unobstructive. A collaborative effort with the armed forces could create an impressive showcase of blossoms, benefitting both tourism and the environment.
To truly make Shillong the Cherry Blossom capital, the Government must step up its game and take visionary steps. Initiating large-scale plantations, maintaining them, and protecting them from urban developmental activities can ensure that the festival lives up to its name.
Yours etc,
Abiran Gogoi,
Via email
AFSPA: A thuggish law or Damocles’ sword?
Editor,
In August 2023, the Caravan magazine carried an in-depth story on the Manipur imbroglio, ‘Ethnic Cleansing in Manipur,’ putting more focus on the reportage from the ground and as to why the BJP government at the Centre did become and still is a silent spectator. There is so much at stake in the Northeast, and when foreign players watch this unfold, they would be interested in working their strategy on this grand chessboard to change the geopolitical climate for furthering their vested interests.
Political masters at 7, Race Course Road are detached from realities, and it’s clear that the fog of war has clouded the minds of strategic experts at the National Security Council, causing them to continue supporting the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958. David Kilcullen, a former counter-insurgency advisor to General David Petraeus in Iraq during 2007 and 2008 for stability operations, pressed on the need to defend and secure the population because the people are the centre of gravity. The need to understand the civilians, addressing their frustrations and expectations. Securing the trust of the population should be the larger part of the mission parameter, but with AFSPA in the wrong hands, this could spiral into a Bosnian type of massacre.
Sudeep Chakravarti’s The Eastern Gate: War and Peace in Nagaland, Manipur and India’s Far East should be an essential reading for all policymakers and military planners to understand the very complexity of regional dynamics as time is the essence in this serene part of what we call Northeast India.
Yours etc.,
Christopher Gatphoh,
Shillong-10
Steps to do away with VIP cult
Editor,
The editorial “VIP cult and complacent Citizens” (ST November 19, 2024) made interesting reading. VIP culture refers to the practice of giving special privileges and preferential treatment to individuals who are considered “Very Important Persons” (VIPs) due to their high social rank, status, influence or importance. In many countries, including developing India, VIP culture is prevalent and often criticised for creating inequality and undermining the principle of equal treatment for all citizens. VIP culture is less prevalent in countries that emphasize equality and have strong democratic institutions. Known for its egalitarian society, Sweden has minimal VIP culture. Everyone, from CEOs to cleaners, are treated equally, and name-dropping or queue-jumping is considered extremely poor taste. New Zealand prides itself on its lack of hierarchy. Even high-ranking officials and celebrities are expected to follow the same rules as everyone else. VIP culture is not prominent in Japan, the law is strict, and even celebrities and politicians are held accountable for their actions. The United Kingdom has a no-nonsense attitude towards VIP culture. Even minor royals do not receive special treatment, and bribery or name-dropping is strictly punished. These countries have managed to maintain a more egalitarian approach, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
VIP culture does exist in Singapore but is not as pronounced as in some other countries. Singapore is known for its exclusive private clubs and high-ended social scenes where the wealthy and influential often gather. These clubs offer luxurious amenities, fine dining and networking opportunities for their members. However, Singapore also has a strong emphasis on equality and meritocracy in its public services and governance. The government strives to ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law, and there are strict regulations to prevent corruption and misuse of power. So, while there is a VIP culture in certain social circles, the overall societal structure in Singapore promotes fairness and equal treatment for all.
How to debunk VIP Culture? Debunking VIP culture requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both societal attitudes and systemic practices. Here are some strategies: 1. Emphasise the importance of equality and fairness in all aspects of society. Public campaigns and education can help shift societal attitudes towards valuing equal treatment for all. 2. Implement policies that limit special privileges for VIPs. This could include regulations that prevent queue-jumping, exclusive access and other preferential treatments.3. Ensure that government and public institutions operate transparently and hold officials accountable for any misuse of power or privileges. 4. Raise awareness about negative impacts of VIP culture, such as corruption, inefficiency and social inequality. Media and genuine civil society organisations can play a crucial role in this. 5. Foster a culture of civic engagement where citizens actively participate in governance and hold leaders accountable. This can help reduce the power imbalance that VIP culture creates. 6. Encourage leaders and public figures to set an example by rejecting special privileges and advocating for equal treatment. By addressing these areas, societies can work towards reducing the influence of VIP culture and promoting a more equitable and just environment.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email