Editor,
How can we expect students to compete nationally when we haven’t even given them the means to show up?
The educational infrastructure in Meghalaya is failing its students, and the consequences are dire. Students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are being forced to travel hundreds of kilometres to appear for crucial exams such as the CUET due to the lack of local testing centres. This travel imposes both a financial and emotional burden, especially when students are required to stay in unfamiliar places for extended periods. In some cases, students are opting not to appear for the exams at all due to these overwhelming circumstances, while others are pushed to their limits, battling exhaustion and stress.
This situation mirrors the systemic neglect faced last year by students who went to North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), who also struggled with inadequate resources and logistical challenges. Despite such previous failures, the administration has not learned from its mistakes and has left students struggling once again.
But it’s not just about travel and infrastructure. The curriculum discrepancy between MBoSE books and NCERT for students pursuing political science is another glaring issue. Arts students, who study from MBoSE textbooks, find themselves at a disadvantage as their material doesn’t align with the NCERT syllabus followed by students from CBSE schools. As a result, students are forced to juggle multiple sources of information, increasing their risk of burnout and under-performance.
For students who dream of studying in prestigious institutions, these compounded issues make it even harder for them to succeed. While students in science and other mainstream subjects seem to fare better with a more standardised curriculum, arts students are left to navigate a broken system, a system that demotivates rather than supports, causing many to reconsider or even abandon their aspirations.
If Meghalaya’s educational authorities are serious about improving student outcomes and reducing dropout rates, they must address these issues. It is time for the government to prioritise infrastructure, educational resources, and equal opportunities for all students, ensuring that every learner, regardless of background, has a fair chance to succeed.
Yours etc.,
Krish Marwein &
Josephine Bareh,
Via email
Conrad K Sangma – A Chief Minister who stands with the people
Editor,
In today’s political climate, it’s not often that you come across a leader who truly connects with the people. But Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, has built a genuine bond with the public—one that goes well beyond the usual boundaries of politics. Warm, approachable, and down-to-earth, he’s rightly earned the title of a People’s CM.
One of the key ways he keeps in touch with citizens is through the CM Connect initiative. It’s more than just a government programme—it’s a way for the Chief Minister to directly engage with people from all walks of life, hear their concerns first-hand, and act on them. Rather than staying confined to government offices, Conrad K Sangma makes it a point to travel to even the most far-flung villages, bringing governance closer to the ground and making it feel more human and accessible.
What really sets him apart, though, is that his connection with people isn’t limited to official meetings or speeches. He’s often seen joining in with the everyday lives of locals. A recent and memorable example was when he played a friendly match of cricket with the youth in Rengmalgre village, a village in Garo Hills and in Upper Shillong. It wasn’t just about the game—it was a moment that showed his genuine interest in the youth and his belief in building trust and confidence with the next generation.
Another heartfelt moment came during a visit to Syntung, a scenic village nestled in the East Khasi Hills. There, he was welcomed by a group of local musicians performing. Rather than just watching, he joined them in a jam session—a spontaneous and sincere gesture that left a mark on those present. Deeply moved by their talent, he immediately announced financial support to help them grow their musical journey. It was a touching example of how he values local culture and is quick to offer real support to grassroots talent.
Having a Chief Minister so hands-on and personally involved with people’s lives is both refreshing and encouraging. Conrad K Sangma shows us that leadership isn’t just about policies and plans—it’s about being present, listening closely, and showing care in real, visible ways. Whether through CM Connect, picking up a cricket bat with local youth, or supporting village musicians on the spot, he brings a heartfelt touch to governance.
Meghalaya is truly fortunate to have a leader who doesn’t just lead from the front, but walks side by side with the people.
Yours etc;
Rishanlang Khongwir,
Via email
Pope Leo IV’s election a miracle of sorts
Editor
The impossible has happened. The Vatican has broken its reticence with respect to the US and elected the first ever American Pope — the second from the Americas. Based on the status of the US as a global superpower, this reticence is justified. Given the might a superpower already possesses, it is perhaps too worldly to produce a pontiff. Yet, more than any other nation, a superpower — even one like the US, with its system of checks and balances — stands in need of spiritual guidance and vigilance. So, why did the conclave break with tradition and vote for a US pope — the first ever? Perhaps to deter the abominable four now ruling this nation — Trump, Vance, Homan, and Musk.
Indeed, Pope Leo, the XIV, may be the only person on earth, capable of correcting, reining in, scolding, and guiding the abominable four. A quiet reserved man — modest, humble and self-controlled — Pope Leo appears like the very antithesis of Donald Trump. Unlike politicians, popes are supposed to draw their earthly power — not from money, or votes — but from God. As chief vicars of God, they are supposed to guide human affairs, at a human (not a mystical) level. Yet the more saintly of popes also possess the metaphysical and mystical power to bless human affairs. I fervently believe that it was Pope Francis’ blessing that caused Trump to meet with Zelenski in St. Peter’s Basilica before his funeral.
Pope Leo has been described as a centrist. Like Pope Francis, he is perhaps a humanitarian who transcends Left and Right. One thing is clear. He seems to possess the moral authority (which no college credentials can give us) to take Trump and his minions to task.
Surely this choice of pope was divine dispensation and a miracle!
Yours etc.,
Deepa Majumdar,
Via email
CUET unfair on Meghalaya students
Editor,
This is an appeal from a concerned citizen and student of Meghalaya regarding the ongoing CUET (Common University Entrance Test) crisis affecting students across the state.Due to the lack of proper exam centres within Meghalaya, many students have been allotted centres in distant places such as Jorhat, Dibrugarh in Assam, Mizoram,Nagaland, Kolkata, and more. This has placed immense burden on students—especially those from financially unstable backgrounds—who are now forced to travel far and arrange accommodation, risking their well-being and even missing the exams altogether.
The imposition of such an exam without basic infrastructure is unfair and insensitive. It raises serious questions about inclusivity and access to higher education for students in our region.
Until sufficient centres are established within the state, we urge the authorities to cancel CUET in Meghalaya for this year. This issue deserves immediate attention, and we request all media to highlight this concern in the interest of justice and equal opportunity for all students.
Yours etc.,
A concerned student,
Via email