Editor,
I recently came across the letter dated July, 19 2025 criticising CUET and calling it flawed, and as a student who appeared for and cleared the CUET examination successfully, I feel compelled to share another perspective.
It has become a common refrain by many who could not clear CUET to dismiss it as luck-based or rote learning. But as someone who prepared for it diligently, I can say with confidence that CUET is not about luck, it is about preparation. A student with genuine knowledge of their subject can clear it. Mugging up blindly or depending on chance does not fetch good marks in such a highly competitive exam consistent study and conceptual clarity do.
The claim that multiple-choice questions test only memory is inaccurate. In reality, MCQs test not only recall but also presence of mind, speed of application, and accuracy under pressure. Literature, for example, is not only about writing essays but also about knowing movements, authors, contexts, and theories. Without this factual foundation, one can hardly write any meaningful analysis. CUET tests this foundation. Those who call it superficial perhaps lack this base. Also, one cannot fill the answers blindly since it has negative markings.
I also disagree with the argument that undergraduate marks should alone decide postgraduate admission. Our college exam systems are not uniform, marking standards differ greatly among universities. Some institutions are lenient, others very strict. CUET provides a common, equal platform for everyone across India. If someone who did not score a first division earlier clears CUET now, it does not mean the system is faulty, it simply means the person got another chance to prove themselves. That is fairness, not injustice. Also, we need to remember that there are many bright students who have financial issues and have to work right after class and some with health problems and some from rural areas which lack resources. These problems are unavoidable and hence those students face a lot of difficulty in getting first division in their undergraduate exams.
It is always easier to blame the exam as an excuse. But the truth is, thousands of students ‘do’ clear CUET each year not by rote learning, not by luck, but by preparation, effort, and discipline. We must stop dismissing their hard work by demeaning the exam.
Yes, there is scope for improvement. Maybe subjective questions or interviews can be included at later stages to test analytical skills. But to say CUET itself is meaningless is unfair. For me, CUET represented an opportunity and I took it seriously, worked hard, and achieved success. If I could do it, others can too.
In Meghalaya we took things for granted and did not work hard enough like students from other parts of the country. Therefore, instead of blaming the system for personal failure, it might be more constructive to accept the challenge, prepare better, and compete fairly. After all, real education is not only about knowledge, but also about resilience and adapting to the system we are in. Always remember “Education is not just within the four walls of a classroom ”
Yours etc.,
Name withheld of request Via email
Time to Act Unitedly Against the Drug Menace in Meghalaya
Editor,
This is with reference to the news article titled “Huge consignment of drugs seized from MTC bus, two arrested” published in The Shillong Times on August 19, 2025.
This shocking incident is a strong reminder that the drug problem in Meghalaya is no longer on the margins — it is spreading fast and destroying lives. Despite frequent seizures and arrests, the drug trade continues to thrive. This is not just a law-and-order issue. It is a deep social crisis threatening our youth, our families, and our future.
The reasons are clear: massive profits for traffickers, slow justice, and a culture of silence driven by stigma. Most worrying is that our young people — students, workers, even schoolchildren — are the ones paying the highest price.
Let’s be honest — policing alone cannot solve this. What we need is a people’s movement. There are lessons to learn. In Mizoram, the Young Mizo Association helps keep communities alert and involved. In Punjab, treatment clinics have given addicts a second chance. In Kerala, schools and parents work together to catch the problem early. These efforts prove that change is possible — when society takes ownership.
Our state’s true need is a mass public movement against the drug menace, supported by effective programs. Public transport systems—especially buses and parcel counters—should have regular and thorough checks. Village heads, churches, youth clubs, and NGOs could be empowered and trained to spot early warning signs and report suspicious activities without fear. The government might consider expanding rehabilitation centres and deploying mobile counselling units to reach every corner of the state. Equally important is investing in youth through sports, arts, and skill-building programs to provide hope and purpose. Careful financial monitoring and action against drug funding could weaken traffickers. Above all, media and faith leaders can help create a supportive atmosphere, replacing shame with hope and silence with open conversation.
This crisis affects all of us. The solution will require all of us. Let us come together — firmly and compassionately — to save our youth and protect the future of Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj Chhetry,
Tura
Rise in Drug Abuse & Related Crimes
Editor,
I write with deep concern about the escalating problem of drug abuse in Shillong and the Northeast at large—a crisis gnawing at the social and economic fabric of our region. What once may have started in casual corners, as some youthful posturing to feel “cool,” has now mutated into a full-blown epidemic. The disturbing reality is that many drug abusers, desperate to maintain their habits, are becoming thieves. This trend is not only eroding family and community trust but is directly contributing to the rising crime rate in our towns and villages. A crucial factor underlying this calamity is the persistent lack of economic opportunity and aspirations among our youth. With few viable avenues for purposeful employment or creative engagement, many young people are left vulnerable, seeking easy escapes from the drudgery of daily life.
It is instructive to examine history. China, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, was systematically weakened by the deliberate flooding of opium—a strategy employed by imperial powers to sap the nation’s vitality and will. We must remain vigilant against similar strategies in today’s hyper-connected world. From an economic perspective, it is evident that societies with dynamic growth, inclusivity, and widespread happiness have lower rates of substance use disorder. Prosperity breeds purpose; engaged minds and hopeful hearts have little need for such destructive escapes. If we can foster sustainable economic activity, stimulate entrepreneurship, and open avenues for the youth to aspire and achieve, the allure of drugs will crumble in the face of genuine, rewarding alternatives. Coordinated efforts—by government, civil society, families, and communities—are the only way to reverse the present tide.
Yours etc.,
Shekhar Singh,
Shillong