Editor,
June 27, 1937, Abraham “Abe” Karem was born in Baghdad, Iraq; his family later moved to Israel, where he later earned an aeronautical engineering degree from the Technion Institute of Technology. The Pentagon’s DARPA later funded and supported Karem’s drone technology. As the spurt of alleged atrocities being meted in the other side of the 4096.7 Km land border shared with Bangladesh, India sent its best man Vikram Misri, Indian Foreign Secretary to get dialogue and back channels functioning but to everyone’s surprise Bangladeshi Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles were detected to have flown close to Sohra and Shella. Did they violate Indian airspace? These are important developments which the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Defence should immediately take up on top priority.
Northeast India has a credible amount of important assets dedicated to the cause of defending our sovereignty, which has to remain classified. We recall that rogue elements in Manipur deployed drones to drop munitions on security personnel sometime this year. India’s warm relationship with the Americans was witnessed in the signing of an agreement to buy 31 General Atomics Predator high-altitude, long-endurance drones at an estimated cost of $4 billion dollars but the need of the hour is a counter-drone technology, prioritizing funding for these capabilities, training across all spectrum of the military and paramilitary through design and developmental programs to mitigate such threats. It may be mentioned that Adani Defence and Aerospace have been at the heart of weapons development, especially in the division of Unmanned Air Systems, which the Indian Navy recently inducted on the Drishti 10 Starliner.
These issues do affect public safety and privacy; recently, mysterious drones appeared over parts of New Jersey and the East Coast in the US, some suggesting they were part of classified military exercises. As operational procedures and strategies advance, governments must prioritize public concerns, as accountability will eventually be demanded. Unmanning: How Humans, Machines and Media Perform Drone Warfare by Katherine Chandler is a timely book discussing the historical changes in the creation of a technology which needs consistent oversight.
Yours etc.,
Christopher Gatphoh,
Shillong-10
Champion of fearless journalism
Editor
The state beams with pride as Patricia Mukhim adds yet another feather to her cap with the prestigious ‘Saahas Shrestha Award’, presented by Women in Security, Conflict Management, and Peace (WISCOMP) for her fearless journalism. No other intellectual from the region has received such widespread recognition beyond the state as Patricia Mukhim has.
As an avid reader of Patricia Mukhim’s letters and articles since my school days, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming rush of pride and inspiration to pen a few words upon hearing about her recent recognition. Like countless others, I, too, am deeply indebted to her in many ways.
Patricia Mukhim’s indomitable pen and unparalleled integrity have earned her numerous accolades. These include the Chameli Devi Jain Award, ONE India Award, FICCI FLO Award, UN Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award, Siva Prasad Barooah National Award, and North East Excellence Award. Crowning these honours is the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, recognizing her exceptional social service. Needless to say, her recent recognition highlights her steadfast advocacy for gender equality. This cause has been at the heart of her incisive journalism and grassroots activism. Patricia has consistently brought attention to the struggles faced by women in patriarchal societies, particularly in the Northeast. She amplifies their voices and fights for their rightful inclusion in decision-making processes.
What truly sets Patricia apart is not just her accolades but her amazing ability to “connect” with both the nation’s top intellectuals and its most marginalized communities. Her fearless pursuit of truth and dedication to justice elevate her beyond the role of a journalist. She stands as a transformative leader, inspiring countless others to envision a better, more equitable society. Of course, throughout her career, Mukhim has battled many challenges and obstacles. Yet, her inner strength and grit have never wavered. It seems as though divine providence has always stood by her side!
Patricia Mukhim is not only fearless in writing the truth for the larger good of society, but she also possesses the extraordinary courage to tread untrodden paths. She has taken an unprecedented step in environmental activism by fearlessly wading into polluted streams and rivers taking on mountains of filth and waste head-on to clean them. Her bold actions inspired many others, including NGOs and school students, who rallied under the banner of Operation Clean-Up (OCU). Her leadership, particularly in the face of catastrophic “climate change,” exemplifies how action-driven commitment can send a powerful message to society.
I am confident that her remarkable environmental crusade will one day be etched in history. Patricia may well be remembered more fondly for this profound contribution than for any other work she has accomplished.
Her fearless and tireless efforts will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of journalists, environmentalists, and changemakers, leaving an enduring legacy not just in the state, but across the nation. With the deepest admiration, my heartfelt kudos to the fearless lady—Kong Patricia.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Deterioration in STEM bus services
Editor,
The current state of the Government STEMS school bus services is unfortunately on the decline As one of the first parents to use the service when it was initially launched, I was thoroughly impressed with its efficiency and convenience. However, recent experiences have prompted me to raise several issues that I believe require immediate attention.
When the service first began, it was exemplary, with clear and timely communication via SMS notifications regarding bus locations and delays, as well as an effective GPS tracking system. Sadly, these services have become unreliable, with notifications often delayed or missing, and the GPS feature is no longer functioning as it once did. Further, the cleanliness and upkeep of the buses have also deteriorated. Buses are often dirty, and there have been instances of drivers smoking while on duty, which is a serious health hazard.
Another issue I have observed is the inconsistency in the uniforms of conductors, which undermines the professionalism and safety that should be associated with the service. Parents are also facing uncertainty regarding the last date for bus fee payments, and there have been frequent changes in bus assignments, leaving many of us confused and inconvenienced. The customer care service has become less responsive, and although passengers are required to carry tickets, they are rarely checked during the commute, raising concerns about the efficiency of the entire system.
With regards to the admission process for the next school year, a pamphlet was recently distributed to students containing two QR codes for applying and registering for the bus service. This has caused significant confusion among parents, as it is unclear why there is a need to go through the process twice. This unnecessary duplication of efforts has only added to the frustration of already confused parents.
I would like to emphasize that my intention in writing this letter is not to complain but to offer constructive feedback to help improve the service. The Government school bus service, when it was first launched, was a much-needed and reliable resource for students and parents. However, it seems that the focus has shifted from quality to quantity, and the deterioration of service is now evident.
I urge the authorities responsible for managing the service to address these issues seriously and restore the level of quality that was initially promised. Effective communication, attention to cleanliness, proper conduct by staff, and a streamlined admission process are essential to regaining the trust of parents and students alike.
Lastly, I kindly request anonymity when publishing this letter, as I am concerned that revealing my identity could negatively impact my daughter’s experience with the service. Thank you for providing a platform for public voices to be heard. I hope my feedback contributes to a positive change that enhances the overall experience for all those relying on this important service.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request ,
Via email