Editor,
Apropos of the letter by the Sein Raij leader, K lato, we agree with him that though Meghalaya has a majority Christian population it should respect the sentiments of the indigenous faith by refraining to consecrate the new Captain Williamson Sangma University in Christian dominated Garo hills with Christian traditions. We also agree with him on maintaining the secular nature of this State, however I find it far-fetched for Lato to demand that Education Minister, Rakkam Sangma should resign from his post. It is interesting that the same Mr K Lato maintained a conspiratorial silence on the blatant act of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi consecrating the new Parliament complex in Hindu rituals. Mr Lato cleverly maintained silence on this, so will the Sein Raij now please demand an apology from the Prime Minister of India and ask him to resign for breaking the very secular fabric of India?
It’s a fact known to the whole world that India under this present government is no longer maintaining the secular fabric of this country as it was during the erstwhile governments. Will Mr K Lato please demand in the same secular spirit that the Central Government should step down due to the recent atrocities committed on Christians during Christmas celebrations in various parts of India? The various atrocities committed by those Hindu organizations that disrupted places of worships of of both Christians and Muslims, spreading terror among minorities while the hatred infested organizations that break up the very secular fabric of India commit these acts without fear of the law because they are aware of the current situation in this country. Whilst we wholehearted agree with K Lato on his urging to make Meghalaya a secular State, his silence on the recent consecration of the Parliament with Hindu rituals make him look biased.
Hope that we as the people of Meghalaya with our diversities work towards making this State and the rest of India a safer place for people of all faiths to coexist and respect one another
Yours etc.,
E.K Challam,
Via email
Of religion and politics in a diverse society
Editor,
The special article “The dangerous nexus: Religion and politics in Meghalaya” by Bhogtoram Mawroh (ST January 4, 2025) made interesting reading. The author has brought to the fore many important points on the subject. My uncle, a Khasi song composer, used to work as a manager in the Industries Department in Mawsynram during 1964-65 and we would go to stay with him there. I am now 70 and while in Mawsynram I was just 10 years old and remember going to Mawjymbuin for picnicking with my cousins. It is strange how people have converted this place into a place of worship which is a misplaced practice. We are living in the 21st Century in the age of the fourth industrial revolution. I wonder whose stupid idea it is to convert this picnicking site into a place of worship.
The Khasis do not worship idols but believe that the Creator has given a Khasi three commands. 1. To know oneself and one’s fellow humans and then know God. 2. To honour and respect relatives on the mother’s side and the father’s side of the family. 3. To strive for righteousness. (In Khasi the three commandments are: 1. Tip Briew Tip Blei. 2. Tipkur Tipkha. 3. Kamai ia ka Hok).
What does ‘to know oneself’ and ‘know God’ mean?
“To know oneself” is a phrase that often refers to a moment of self-realisation or self-awareness. It means to gain a deeper understanding of one’s true nature, values, and purpose. This can happen through introspection, life experiences, or significant events that prompt a person to reflect on their life and choices. In essence, it is about reconnecting with one’s authentic self and gaining clarity about who they are and what they want in life. This process can lead to personal growth, a sense of inner peace, and a more fulfilling life.
“To know God” can mean different things to different people, depending on their religious beliefs, spiritual practices, and personal experiences. Generally, it refers to having a deep, personal relationship with a higher power or divine being. Here are a few interpretations: From a religious perspective knowing God involves understanding and following the teachings, commandments, and scriptures associated with that faith. It often includes prayer, worship and participation in religious rituals. From the spiritual standpoints, knowing God means experiencing a sense of connection with the divine through meditation, contemplation or other spiritual practices. It can involve seeking inner peace, wisdom and a deeper understanding of the universe. For some, knowing God is a personal journey that involves moments of revelation, insight or profound experiences that lead to a sense of closeness with the divine. This can be a deeply transformative process that shapes one’s values, beliefs, and way of life. Philosophically, knowing God can involve exploring the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and the concept of higher power. It can be an intellectual pursuit that seeks to understand the divine through reason, logic, and philosophical inquiry. Ultimately the meaning of “knowing God” is deeply personal and can vary widely based on individual beliefs and experiences. It is a journey that many people find enriching and fulfilling in their own unique ways.
What does ‘know a relative from the mother’s side and from the father’s side’ mean?
“Knowing a relative from the mother’s side and from the father’s side” refers to understanding and recognizing one’s family members from both the maternal and paternal lineages. In many cultures, knowing and maintaining relationships with relatives from both sides of the family is important for preserving family heritage, traditions and support networks.
What does ‘to labour for righteousness’ mean?
“To labour for righteousness” means to work diligently and consistently towards living a morally upright and virtuous life. It involves striving to do what is right, just and ethical in all aspects of life. This includes personal conduct like being honest and having strong moral principles, showing kindness and empathy towards others and recognizing one’s own limitations and valuing others. As a social responsibility, justice demands working towards fairness and equality in society, helping those in need and contributing to the well-being of the community, standing up for the rights of others and promoting positive change. As a spiritual commitment faithfulness demands to stay true to one’s beliefs and values; devotion is engaging in practices that nurture one’s spiritual growth and being obedient to the teachings of one’s faith. In essence, labouring for righteousness is about making a conscious effort to align one’s actions with ethical and moral standards and to contribute positively to the world around us.
The intersection of religion and politics can indeed be a complex and potentially volatile mix. When religious beliefs influence political decisions, it can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. On one hand, religious values can inspire leaders to promote justice, compassion, and ethical governance. On the other hand, it can also lead to divisiveness, discrimination and conflicts, especially in diverse societies where multiple religious beliefs coexist. In a state like Meghalaya, where there is a rich tapestry of cultural and religious diversity, it is crucial to maintain a balance. Ensuring that political decisions are inclusive and respectful of all religious communities can help foster harmony and prevent conflicts. Ultimately, the key is to promote a secular and inclusive approach to governance that respects the separation of religion and state while ensuring that all citizens’ rights and beliefs are protected. Balancing religion and politics is a delicate act, but it is crucial for maintaining harmony in diverse societies.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email