Editor,
The editorial “Women breaking barriers” (ST February 18, 2025) have said it all so well. Iaishah Rymbai’s story is truly inspiring! Here’s a single mother of four daughters and founder of EriWeave, a sustainable silk brand based in Meghalaya, India focusing on producing high-quality, cruelty-free silk fabrics, while empowering women artisans from remote villages. In 2022, Iaishah was incubated by PRIME Meghalaya, which helped her refine her business model and scale her operations. Her journey and dedication caught the attention of investors on Shark Tank India Season 4, where she secured a Rs 20 Lakh investment for 12% equity from Anupam Mittal and Namita Thapar. Thanks to Mittal and Thapar this investment will help EriWeave expand its reach and continue uplifting local artisans.
Women have been breaking barriers in business for years and their impact is significant. Iaishah Rymbai’s perseverance and hard work have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in overcoming challenges, which are crucial traits for success in the ever-changing business world. For a teacher turned entrepreneur who had an army rule at home nothing was impossible. One should also be equally grateful to the present Government of Meghalaya for its hand-holding approach in helping budding entrepreneurs through PRIME Meghalaya so that we can have more and more entrepreneurs in the years to come who will immensely contribute to the economic growth of the state through their businesses. While women continue to make significant strides in business, challenges such as gender bias, unequal pay and limited access to capital still exist. However, ongoing efforts to address these issues are paving the way for even greater achievement.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Stop the assault on our green lungs
Editor,
The remaining patch of greenery between the residence of Chief Secretary and Tapoban bungalow seems to be under severe assault. We can’t really call it a forest anymore as the beautiful trees standing there are being systematically cut down making way for another real estate. The approach is quite simple: burn down the base of the remaining trees in the dead of the night so that the trees die by themselves and fall down.
The latest development is the excavation taking place around its eastern edge along the Bishop-Cotton road. Not only is the earth being excavated intruding into the patch of land but trees are being chopped off systematically. And this has been happening right under the nose of some of the most powerful people who could easily stop this carnage. The patch of forest which overlooked Polo Grounds near Orchid hotel has already made way for the office of a Political Party and it will not be long before this plot between the Chief Secretary’s residence and Tapoban bungalow meets the same fate. Already most of the green patches which form the lung of the city have disappeared and whatever remains are being systematically removed while the Forest Dept. looks the other way.
One often wonders as to what role the Forest Dept. plays in the whole episode of disappearing forests in the State of Meghalaya. Habitation seems to be expanding almost every day into the Shillong Peak forest range and it will not be long before a residential area comes up along the Air Force base. Same is true in Mawroh and Mawpat side. Shillong today seems to be in a self-destruction mode and unless some concrete steps are taken to preserve the few remaining green patches and the trees, we are doomed as a city.
My earnest request to the concerned authorities is to fence out this patch between the Chief Secretary’s residence and Tapoban and start an afforestation programme there. The same can be done for all the green patches which exist in and around the city. If these green patches are under private ownership, laws can be enacted to bring them under reserved forests. If preserved and protected, the value of such assets will be realised by the future generation or else we will have to stop complaining about the increasing temperature in the city.
Yours etc.,
Emica Nongkynrih
Via email
Appeal for immediate attention to St. Anthony’s school infrastructure delay
Editor,
As a concerned parent, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the significant delay in the construction of the new St. Anthony’s LP School building, which has been halted due to an ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL). I believe it is crucial to address the urgent need for a new building. The old structure has already been demolished and is no longer fit for use. Its compromised structural integrity has been a longstanding issue, with the building shaking from the vibrations of passing heavy vehicles and even from the simple activity of children running on the veranda. Additionally, the wooden pillars and floorboards have deteriorated to a point where they pose a serious safety hazard to the students. The delay in the construction of a new building is having a detrimental impact on the quality of education. Many classrooms are overcrowded and the temporary arrangements currently in place are inadequate to accommodate the growing student population. If this situation continues, it will undoubtedly hinder the academic progress of our children, jeopardizing their future prospects. It is imperative that the safety and educational needs of our students are prioritized. Despite any legal hurdles, I urge the authorities to expedite the completion of the new school infrastructure. Our children deserve a safe, supportive and conducive learning environment; and prompt action is essential to secure their well-being and academic success.
Yours etc.,
U Kharkongor
Via email