Editor,
The special article “Stories, metaphors that matter to our knowledge system,” by Їasaid Khongjee (ST May 14, 2025) is excellent. Stories and metaphors are essential to our knowledge systems because they shape how we understand the world, communicate ideas, and make sense of complex concepts. They serve as cognitive tools that help us process information in a way that is engaging, memorable, and deeply meaningful. Metaphors play a crucial role in both science and philosophy, helping to explain complex ideas by relating them to familiar concepts. They serve as cognitive tools that shape understanding, communication, and discovery. Metaphors are more than just figures of speech—they shape how we think, learn, and innovate.
What struck me most in Khongjee’s article is about the young man from Khat-ar-Shnong who said, “U briew ba dang wad Blei, dei uba khlem Blei.” In English this translates to, “One in search of God is an atheist,” This is a profound piece of Khasi wisdom! It suggests that the very act of searching for God implies doubt about his existence – making the seeker, in a way, an atheist. It challenges the idea that faith is unquestioning and instead presents the pursuit of truth as an essential part of belief. The Khasis have a rich philosophical tradition, often blending spirituality with nature and deep introspection. Their wisdom reflects a nuanced understanding of faith, where questioning and seeking are not signs of disbelief but rather steps toward deeper understanding.
Does searching for God make someone an atheist, or does it make them a true believer? The question really gets to the heart of faith and doubt! Searching for God suggests an openness to discovery, an acknowledgement that one’s understanding may not be complete. In some ways, it challenges the idea that faith must be unquestioning and instead frames doubt as a necessary part of belief. Some might argue that only a true believer feels the need to seek God, as it reflects a deep longing for connection and understanding. Others might say that this search itself indicates a lack of certainty, which could align more with atheism. The Khasi wisdom beautifully captures this paradox – the seeker, though searching, acknowledges their uncertainty, which can be seen as both faith and scepticism intertwined.
Khongjee has also beautifully dwelt upon another fascinating piece of Khasi wisdom, the idea that humans and animals once shared a common language which appears in many indigenous traditions and myths worldwide. It suggests a time of deep harmony between all living beings, where communication was not limited by species but was instead a universal exchange of understanding. In Khasi folklore, this belief reflects a worldview in which nature and humanity were once interconnected in a profound way. It could symbolize a lost era of coexistence, where humans respected and understood the voices of animals, trees, and the earth itself. Some interpretations see this as a metaphor for intuition – perhaps early humans had a heightened ability to interpret animal behaviour, sounds, and signals in ways that modern society has lost.
Interestingly, modern science has uncovered remarkable ways in which animals communicate, and some researchers even explore the possibility that early humans had more direct interactions with wildlife. While we may not speak the same language today, the idea that all creatures once shared a common tongue remains a powerful reminder of our deep connection to nature. The last two paragraphs of Khongjee’s article are profound.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh
Via email
Why is Aadhaar compulsory for opening bank accounts?
Editor,
Of late l have learnt that all the banking institutions in Shillong are refusing to open a bank account unless the client possesses an Aadhar Card for personal identification. But was it not the intent of the BJP Government to enforce the Aadhar biometrics in order to ensure that societal benefits accrue to those in dire need of such benefits, from authorized fair price shops. The Aadhar was meant to establish the bona-fide poor sections of the society. In this noble venture the concerned authorities should be complimented.
However, it befuddles me as to why banks should insist on the Aadhar for opening an account to deposit the savings earned from the sweat of our brow after prolonged hard work and unwavering patience. Indubitably, we, the bank account-holders, do earn an interest benefit after a certain period of time but the lion’s share of net interest- benefits are appropriated by the commercial banks by way of lending personal loans and to manifold sectors at much higher rates of interest than what is being paid out to savings account holders.
By opening a bank account, the clients/account holders are enabling the banks to lend out their money at far higher rates and that is how banks earn. That being the case, will the experts of the banking institutions answer why they have made Aadhaar biometrics a mandatory instrument for opening a bank account. I hope to get the answer sooner than later so that we are all better informed about the need for an Aadhar Card to open a bank account.
Yours etc.,
Jerome K Diengdoh,
Shillong-2
A step ahead!
Editor,
Upon reading the VPP’s remarks regarding the CM IMPACT guidebook, I found their assessment to be both inaccurate and unjust. While I acknowledge that no educational resource is without its flaws, describing the guidebook as an absolute failure is neither fair nor reflective of its actual impact.
The jump in the SSLC pass percentage from 55.80% in 2024 to 87.10% this year says a lot. That kind of progress doesn’t just happen overnight, and it certainly isn’t just a number to gloss over. It reflects the hard work of students, the dedication of teachers, and yes, the real impact of support tools like the CM IMPACT guidebooks.
Living in a state where many students—particularly in rural areas—have limited access to quality learning materials, I witnessed first-hand the positive difference these guidebooks made. In regions such as the Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills, where textbooks are often shared, electricity is inconsistent, and online learning remains a distant privilege, the guidebooks proved not merely helpful, but essential. They were written in simple, understandable language. They offered summaries, important questions, and clear direction. They didn’t replace teachers, but they gave structure to students who were otherwise struggling to find their footing. For some students, they became the very reason they could prepare confidently for exams.
Yes, there’s been criticism—some say the guidebooks focus too much on exam preparation, others talk about political branding. These concerns are fair and worth discussing. But for the many students who saw their names on the pass list this year, many of them the first in their families to do so—none of that mattered. What mattered was that they finally had the tools to succeed. And they used them well. Let’s also be clear, these guidebooks weren’t rolled out on their own. They were part of a larger effort to build stronger academic foundations, ease exam pressure, and support students who needed extra help.
I truly believe we need to keep working to improve the quality of education in our state. There’s always room to do better. But throwing out a resource that has already helped thousands of students take a real step forward would be a mistake. We should be building on what works, not tearing it down because it isn’t perfect.
Yours etc;
Jack Syiemlieh,
Via email