Editor,
Apropos of the report, “All Saints Cathedral becomes a beacon of celebrations in the city” (ST Dec 20, 2024), may I take this opportunity to mention here that the big tree decorated as a Christmas tree in the compound of All Saints Cathedral, Shillong, is not a pine tree. It is a Lebanese cedar, also known as deodar in the Himalayan region. Those conversant with the Old Testament may recall references to the cedar tree in the holy scriptures. Hope this is of interest to readers.
Yours etc.,
Subhasis Tilak Chakrawarty,
Via email
Shillong’s smart city claims: A reality check
Editor,
As I walked through the streets of Shillong, I couldn’t help but notice the numerous boards proudly proclaiming “Shillong is a Smart City”. While the intention behind these boards is commendable, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of irony. Ironically, even some of the boards displaying this message do not work properly. Faulty displays, flickering lights, and broken screens seem to be a common sight. It’s almost as if the city’s “smart” claim is being undermined by the very infrastructure meant to showcase it.
I understand that Shillong has made significant strides in its smart city initiatives, and I applaud the efforts of the authorities in this regard. However, it’s essential to ensure that the basics are in place before making grand claims. I hope the concerned authorities will take note of this and rectify the issue. A smart city is not just about installing boards and claiming to be one; it’s about ensuring that the infrastructure is functional, efficient, and effective.
Yours etc.,
Sudarshan Dasgupta.
Via email
New hope in Meghalaya’s drug battle
Editor,
It is indeed heartening that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has inaugurated the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Police Station at Golf Links recently. The dedicated police station is a ray of hope in our state’s ongoing battle against the devastating drug menace. I believe that the new ANTF Police Station is not just a building; it is a hub of specialized personnel, modern technology, and a focused mission to eradicate drug trafficking and abuse in Meghalaya. Of course, this fight cannot be won single-handedly through government efforts alone. It is imperative that each one of us plays an active role in this war against drugs.
In this regard, I fervently request the department to “encourage” every individual citizen to come forward with “confidential” and valuable information about drug criminals. A dedicated WhatsApp line and an interactive website for the ANTF would certainly empower each individual to anonymously share images and any other evidence about suspected drug peddlers and traffickers. Quick and anonymous communication between the public and law enforcement agencies is essential for prompt action against offenders.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s leadership in prioritizing this issue is highly commendable. His close monitoring of the DREAM Coordination Committee’s reviews demonstrates his strong commitment. But let us remember, the effectiveness of this initiative depends on us. Our vigilance, active participation, and timely sharing of information will determine the success of the ANTF Police Station. Let us act now and stand shoulder to shoulder with our government in this all-out war against the drug menace.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
Discussions on Constitution turns unconstitutional
Editor,
For four days there was discussion on Constitution in both Houses of Parliament but on the fifth day the discussion had become murky after the allegations of Opposition parties against Amit Shah where he is believed to have belittled BR Ambedkar. Amit Shah responded by saying “Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar itna naam bhagwan ka lete toh janmo tak swarg mil jata” (Ambedkar Ambedkar Ambedkar if a person takes the name of God so often he/she would get eternal bliss). The controversy escalated after the Congress shared a video clip of Shah’s speech on social media, alleging that he had insulted Ambedkar.
Shah countered, saying the video was cropped and edited to misrepresent his statements.
Meanwhile, the Congress alleged that some of its leaders received notices from social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for sharing the edited video. The notice was issued at the request of the Home Ministry, it is alleged. While X has not yet taken action, the platform stated it would act upon receiving a legal request from law enforcement agencies.
It is a well known fact that a nation’s present and even its destiny is shaped by the icons of its past and in this regard we can quote the example of Atal Bihari Vajpayee who named Indira Gandhi as Durga after the creation of Bangladesh and also all know that Narasimha Rao sent Vajpayee to the United Nations to lead the Indian delegation on Kashmir. And the deeds of these icons continue to the citizens’ pride.
Sadly the leaders of the present day India are divided on what their true legacy is. There are regular dog-fights which bring shame to their own heritage and to the people of this nation. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comment on BR Ambedkar has ignited a political firestorm, with the Opposition uniting across party lines to demand his resignation and an apology. Shah’s remarks, made during a debate in Parliament on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, were perceived as disrespectful to Ambedkar, the chief architect of India’s Constitution What had been uttered by Amit Shah is mentioned above but this however is not the complete version of his remarks as Shah listed out the Congress’s alleged ‘injustices ‘ towards Ambedkar. Prima facie, his jibe seems to be targeted at the Congress Party rather than at Ambedkar. The video that is being circulated skips the parts targeting Congress. It could be a matter of debate whether the BJP genuinely respects the towering legacy of Ambedkar, one of the finest individuals the nation has ever produced. However, one thing is clear—given the enormous political dividend the name of Ambedkar holds in today’s India, the BJP would never blunder to denigrate him publicly in a deliberate manner! The stature of Ambedkar is too high to be contested by the BJP or, for that matter, any other political party
Since the debate a protest outside parliament resulted in two BJP MPs being hospitalised with injuries as the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi became the centre of the ruling party’s accusations, including one by a woman MP who said he “misbehaved” with her. NDA leaders filed a police complaint against him for “attempt to murder, physical assault and incitement”.
The sordid incident perhaps without parallel started in the morning as BJP and opposition MPs marched towards each other over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on Ambedkar. As the two groups came closer, tempers and voices rose, soon resulting in a melee. Both Houses witnessed massive uproar amid ‘Jai Bhim’ chants from both sides and were adjourned without witnessing any transaction. Congress MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and submitted a complaint against the BJP MPs. Meanwhile, Delhi Police on Thursday registered an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in connection with a scuffle at Parliament. An FIR under Sections 117 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention) of the BNS was registered at Parliament Street Police station.
Whatever has happened even under extreme provocation has lowered the dignity of Parliamentary democracy.
Yours etc.,
Yash Pal Ralhan,
Via email