Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to an issue that is both urgent and deeply personal to the people of Bri Hynniewtrep — the gradual decline of Khasi culture and language.
Our language and traditions form the core of our identity as Khasis. However, in recent years, the influence of globalization and modern lifestyles has begun to overshadow our cultural practices. The Khasi language is spoken less frequently among the younger generation, with English or Hindi often adopted as substitutes, both in schools and at home alike. This shift poses a real threat to the survival of our linguistic heritage.
Alongside the language, traditional practices such as folk music, storytelling, dance, and indigenous rituals are being neglected. These cultural elements are not just decorative – they are carriers of our history, wisdom, and values. Without them, we risk losing our existence of community and identity.
Preserving our cultural heritage does not mean rejecting modernity. Instead, it means finding a balance – promoting Khasi in schools, supporting local literature and media in our language, encouraging youth participation in cultural events, and using digital platforms to share our heritage in creative ways. The government, educational institutions, and local communities must work together towards this goal.
As a concerned citizen, I urge readers, especially the youth, to take pride in speaking our language and practicing our traditions. Let us ensure that the richness of Khasi is not only remembered but also celebrated and passed on to future generations.
Yours etc.,
Aibanpynskhem Lyngdoh Mawlong
Shillong
JN Stadium — A Sporting Gem in Need of Better Facilities
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to highlight the immense potential of the Jawaharlal Nehru (JN) Stadium in Shillong, which is widely regarded as one of the best football grounds in India in terms of its natural ambiance, climate, and passionate crowd support. Despite its reputation and historical significance in Indian football, the stadium continues to suffer from a lack of proper infrastructure and facilities.
While players and fans alike praise the quality of the pitch and the vibrant atmosphere during matches, basic amenities such as proper seating arrangements, clean washrooms, floodlights, and media facilities are either inadequate or completely missing. This not only affects the experience of spectators but also limits the stadium’s potential to host national and international-level events.
It is high time the concerned authorities and sports governing bodies take serious steps to upgrade the stadium’s infrastructure. With the right investment and attention, JN Stadium can truly become a world-class sporting venue that continues to inspire generations of footballers in the region and across the country.
At the same time it is important to give the stadium a facelift for the much talked about National Games to be hosted by Meghalaya,
Yours etc.,
Nigel Wanshai Khonglam Lyngdoh
Shillong
Scarcity of water in the town of Nongstoin
Editor,
Through your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the PHE Department to the acute water scarcity in the town of Nongstoin. Water shortage is a recurring issue, particularly during dry seasons. This impacts agriculture and daily life alike. Despite the area receiving ample rainfall during the monsoon season, rainwater harvesting also cannot substitute the demand because of low water supply throughout the year.
People, especially those in the outskirts of Nongstoin, are demanding better development including drinking water supply. The majority of the population in Nongstoin depends on agriculture, and the water scarcity makes it difficult for farmers to cultivate crops.
Several water supply schemes have been implemented in these areas for safe drinking water for residents, but most are not functioning properly, and some projects are delayed.
Yet another hazardous action is the tapping of water sources were being for flow into the main source due to high demand in some areas. Such action not only decreases the supply for other areas but it also contaminates the water storage, besides depleting the existing source. Pilot projects in these areas are not functioning properly, as organizations like the Municipal and PHE are not well-organized to execute these projects thereby compelling the residents to oppose the projects.
In the case of urban Nongstoin, disorganized planning has resulted in most of the water pipes being haphazardly placed thereby causing water leakages and difficulty in repairing such leakages. Further, plumbers who work for particular areas are not organised and are therefore not recognized by the PHED. Hence, they execute the work according to their own terms. This lack of systematic supervision of the entire water supply system could lead to severe problems if not addressed immediately.
Yours etc.,
Vianny Genius Nonglang,
Via email
Rise in number of school drop-outs in Meghalaya
Editor,
In recent years, the number of school drop-outs has rapidly increased in Meghalaya. A study shows that Meghalaya is the highest in the Northeastern Region and second in the country, when it comes to dropout at an annual rate of 21.7% (Classes 9 and10). After the pandemic and with the introduction of the New Education Policy (NEP) students are finding it difficult to pursue their studies.
The reason for this is not mainly due to financial problems. There are other factors as well. Take the rural areas where a large number of students drop out of school after completing the SSLC or some may not even complete their high school. When we look at the school in rural areas, we find firstly that the infrastructure is not well maintained. Some school compounds are very small and do not even have a place for students to play.
When it comes to teachers, many rural schools do not have well trained professional teachers and the ones who are well trained are not being taken care of. Some teachers are not even getting their monthly salaries.
In urban Meghalaya with the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) many institutions are yet to meet the requirements set up by the Policy. Teachers for professional courses are not qualified for the different streams set up by the NEP. If the stakeholders remain as silent spectators, refusing to take action to battle this situation the state will suffer in the coming years.
With the rise in the number of drop-outs the literacy rate will drop and many young people will not have any skills or knowledge in order to earn a day’s meal. Meghalaya will suffer greatly as there are no qualified personnel to take up responsibility for the welfare of the state.
Therefore, I feel that the Government and the Education Department in particular should take steps to tackle this problem. It may not seem to be a big issue today but this phenomenon can turn into a huge problem for the state in the future. The Government can tackle this by providing training courses based on the NEP and also encourage students to continue their studies through the help of social media and other online platforms especially in the rural areas.
Yours etc.,
Shailang Jyndiang
Shillong