Editor,
The world has lost two great stalwarts — Dr Manmohan Singh, and Jimmy Carter. Both were gentle humanists and ideal servant leaders. Modest, humble, and selfless, they both left their mark on their times. Unlike many American presidents, Jimmy Carter, a devout and true Christian, never waged war, or shed blood. If his presidency was remarkable, his post-presidency humanitarian works were even more so.
In his capacity as finance minister and prime minister, Dr Singh’s contributions to India include — economic liberalization, abolition of the crippling “License Raj,” the RTE and RTI Acts, plus humanitarian measures taken to uplift the most vulnerable sections of society. By balancing economic liberalization with humanitarian acts, he struck a middle path — in between vulture-capitalism, and state-sponsored socialism.
Jimmy Carter is credited with many altruistic measures that fostered humanitarianism and peace, both domestically, and worldwide. Especially remarkable, are his emphasis on human rights in US foreign policy, his establishing diplomatic relations with the Peoples’ Republic of China and his arranging the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.
Both leaders were statesmen. Both were exemplary public servants. Both left the world a better place. As if things were not bleak enough — with Trump-2 about to begin, and a global trend towards authoritarianism — the world has just lost two great stalwarts.
Yours etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email
How kindness made a difference
Editor,
Just last week, while watching PCN, I was deeply touched by the story of a blind man from Mawngap. He told the media how a stranger’s kindness, who is a non-Khasi, changed his life. About four months ago, I had read a letter written by Salil Gewali, which detailed his chance meeting with that blind man near the Jeep Stand at Iewduh. The blind man must have encountered many people in his life, but it was Salil Gewali’s compassion and awareness that made a difference. Mr Gewali noticed the blind man’s struggle in the market, selling kwai and cigarettes in small plastic bags, and shared his story in The Shillong Times through a letter to the editor. Without that effort, no one, not even the local MLA, Matthew Kurbah, might have known about the blind man’s plight.
After the story was published, many people visited the blind man and his blind wife, offering help. Inspired by this, MLA Matthew Kurbah not only promised to build a new house for the blind family but also extended his support to three other families in desperate need of shelter. Last week, in the presence of the local headman, secretary, and elders, the MLA inaugurated the newly built houses. It was a heartwarming moment that left everyone deeply touched.
What I find even more touching is the blind man’s statement to the media. He said, “It’s not just me. There are many others who are equally helpless and in need of support.” His words remind us of the importance of extending kindness to those who are struggling.
I also want to thank Salil Gewali for inspiring us regularly with his letters to be more compassionate. His frequently published letters in The Shillong Times highlight the plight of the poor and serve to raise awareness. They are touching, emphasize the importance of treating hardworking villagers, who come to the market to sell their vegetables and fruits, with kindness and respect. It is unfortunate that urban buyers usually exploit them by bargaining excessively, leaving them with barely enough money to cover their bus fare back home as if they do not have a stomach to feed. It is heartbreaking to see these poor families struggle for basic survival, unable to send their children to school because of financial problems. Instead, these children end up working in the fields or as labourers.
I sincerely hope more leaders will follow MLA Kurbah’s example and step forward to help the needy and underprivileged. If those of us who have the means don’t offer support, what is the point of our wealth and comfort? Let us all find every means to make a difference in the lives of those who work tirelessly just to survive.
Yours etc.,
Albert Khyriem
Shillong
Denouncing Violence and respecting the sanctity of all places of worship
Editor,
I am writing to express strong condemnation of the recent incident at the Church of Epiphany in Mawlynnong, where an individual trespassed into the church and shouted slogans. As a Hindu, I am appalled by this senseless act of disrespect and violence. This incident not only violates the principles of our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and protection of places of worship, but also goes against the basic tenets of my faith. Hinduism teaches us to respect and tolerate all religions and to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.
I am particularly disturbed by the fact that the individual involved claimed to be acting in the name of Shri Ram. As a devotee of Shri Ram, I can say with certainty that he did not teach us to desecrate places of worship or to promote hatred and intolerance. On the contrary, Shri Ram’s teachings emphasize the importance of compassion, empathy, and respect for all beings.
Such people, who engage in acts of violence and hatred in the name of religion, degrade the name of the religion and its adherents. They bring shame to our community and undermine the efforts of those who work towards promoting peace, understanding, and harmony.
I urge all Hindus to join me in condemning this incident and to reaffirm our commitment to the values of tolerance, respect, and peaceful coexistence. We must not allow misguided individuals to hijack our faith and use it to justify acts of violence and hatred.
Let us work together to promote a culture of mutual respect and understanding, and to build a society that values diversity and inclusivity.
Yours etc.,
Sudarshan Dasgupta,
Shillong-4