Editor,
I had always liked and was equally charmed by the voice and charisma of Tipriti Kharbangar, a powerful musician indeed. Thanks to social media I came across an interview of Tipriti Kharbangar on YouTube carried out by Batesi TV that was aired last year in July 2024. Though a year late yet I would like to thank Batesi TV for the interview and an even bigger thank you to Tipriti.
Glued to the screen, I listened attentively to every word she said and my admiration for her has only increased. I had only heard her sing in Khasi and English but have never heard her in conversation with anyone and I must say, my respect for her has increased manifold. She spoke in the language that she was born and raised in, the “ktien Smit ktien Nongkrem ktien Malki,” that defines her. Towards the end of the interview she spoke of the need for a wake up call for parents and the people of Meghalaya to value the wealth of our language and not let it die out. Encouraging us to speak in our own Khasi language and dialects especially amongst ourselves, she reminds us about how much we need to treasure our language that defines us and our identity. This is very important to take note of because a great many of us seem to be ashamed of speaking in our mother tongue lest we appear uncivilized, uncouth and unpolished. Some who reside in other parts of the country or even abroad have gone to the extent of not being willing to communicate with their children in their mother tongue leave alone teaching them.
Tipriti Kharbangar has made a name for herself not only in the state and the country but also internationally yet she has not forgotten her roots, her identity and her sense of belonging. I for one am truly inspired by her values and principles. Thank you Tipriti for taking our state to rest of the world and for keeping yourself rooted firmly to your land, your language and your people.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
Roadside parking near schools creating daily traffic jams in Shillong
Editor,
I am writing to highlight a growing traffic issue in Shillong that many commuters experience daily — the problem of roadside parking near schools during peak hours.
In areas like Laitumkhrah and Dhanketi school zones become highly congested during morning and afternoon hours due to cars and bikes parked on both sides of already narrow roads. This severely disrupts the flow of traffic, causing long delays and frustration for everyone, especially office-goers, college students, and residents simply trying to get from one place to another.
This congestion also creates safety concerns, particularly when pedestrians are forced to walk on the road due to blocked footpaths.
To ease the situation, schools in these busy areas could work with the traffic authorities to arrange proper pick-up and drop-off zones within or just outside the school premises. Enforcing time-limited parking and deploying traffic personnel during school hours could also improve traffic flow. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help encourage more responsible parking habits around sensitive areas.
Shillong’s roads are not designed for the volume of traffic we see today, and small, well-planned interventions like these can make a significant difference.
Yours etc.,
Kaushik Das,
Shillong
Women’s empowerment and prevention of sexual assault
Editor,
I write this letter with deep concern and hope, to draw the attention of the society about this critical issue of empowering women and the urgent need to prevent sexual assault in our society today. Despite commendable progress in various areas and women across our country (even in Meghalaya) continue to face harassment, discrimination, and violence. Recent incidents in our own region have once again brought to light the vulnerabilities that women face not only in remote areas , but even in a so-called progressive city like Shillong ( Umsohsun) .
Empowerment of women is not merely a slogan—it is a necessity for the holistic development of any society today. This involves ensuring equal access to education, employment opportunities, and safety, where every woman has the right to feel safe—at home, at work, in public places and even at school.
More importantly, we must build a culture where respect for women Is taught from a very young age, where victims are heard without blame and where swift justice is delivered in case of sexual assault. Awareness in the community , stronger laws , police trained to handle such cases properly and proper education about gender and safety in all institutions are integral to achieving real women’s empowerment.
Through this letter I would urge the authorities, educational institutions, civil society organizations, media platforms etc., to take an active role in spreading awareness , and break-the silence of the heinous crimes against women and girls. I also urge the Meghalaya Police to take swift and strict action against the perpetrators and ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied. Every woman has the right to feel safe— be it at home, at work, and in public places. Empowering women is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal responsibility.
Yours etc.,
Jerry Jeffrey K Marak,
Via email
A safer Meghalaya for tourists with one scan or call
Editor,
Every year, more and more travellers come to Meghalaya, drawn by the living-root bridges, crystal-clear rivers and misty hills. For many, it’s the trip of a lifetime. But for some, things don’t always go as planned. A wrong turn on a hiking trail and the tourist is lost in a remote, unfamiliar area. Then there’s a language barrier in case of a medical emergency. These moments of panic can happen to anyone, anywhere and in those moments, quick help can make all the difference. That’s why Meghalaya should consider installing QR codes at key tourist points, from taxi stands and waterfalls to homestays and trekking routes. When scanned, these codes could instantly connect visitors to help with emergency numbers, safety tips, or directions to the nearest police station or hospital.
Even more important is having a dedicated Tourist Helpline Number, one number that anyone, from anywhere in the state, can call for guidance or urgent assistance. Friendly, multilingual support, available 24/7, could be a lifeline for someone who feels lost or scared in an unfamiliar place. Of course, safety needs to be smart. These QR codes should be tamper-proof, clearly marked with government branding and placed where they’ll be seen and trusted.
With regular checks and some public awareness, they can be both safe and reliable. Tourism is a gift to our state and our responsibility in return is to keep visitors safe. With just a scan or a call, we can offer peace of mind, show we care and make sure every tourist leaves Meghalaya not just in awe but with a sense of safety and gratitude. Because sometimes, that little sign on a wall and a voice on the other end of the phone can change everything.
Yours etc.,
Zaman E. Tongper,
(Faculty, Department of Tourism and Travel Management Martin Luther Christian University)
Via email
Impact of Reality TV on childhood
Editor,
Through this column, allow me to draw the attention all concerned regarding the impact of Reality TV shows on children. This is a cause of concern with the increasing number of such shows starring particularly children. These programs usually aim to entertain adults rather than the kids they promote, and many showcase competitions, reluctantly accepting kids with promises of fame, riches, and recognition. In most cases, the young participants are actually fulfilling their respective parents’ desire who push the innocent kids to compete and in return depriving them of their childhood and shattering the innocence that surround children at that age. Thus children are thrust into harsh reality shows, constant competition, and careful observation which can inflict trauma on them in case they fail to win the prize. .
The promise of quick cash prizes and careers easily seduce parents, and some go as far as to disregard their child’s educational and developmental needs. Down the years the children could suffer from:
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Loss of childhood innocence
• Negative impact on academic performance
• Unhealthy competition and pressure to perform.
I strongly believe that parents should be counselled on the potential effects of exposing their children to reality TV shows. It is essential to prioritize children’s well-being, and development over the allure of fame and fortune.
To address this issue, I suggest:
• Implementing stricter regulations on child participation in reality TV shows
• Providing support and counseling for parents and child participants
• Promoting awareness about the potential consequence of Reality TV on childhood.
• The shows should be filmed only during the school holidays.
• The working hours should not be more than 4 hours per day.
By taking these preventive steps, we can somehow protect the innocence and well-being of our children and ensure that their childhood is not ruined by the harsh realities of reality TV.
Yours etc.,
Lamshwa Nathaniel Kharmyndai
Via email