Editor,
Through this letter I wish to draw the kind attention of the State Government and esteemed NGOs who felicitate meritorious students. A notable category of students, who excel in one of India’s most challenging exams, NEET-UG, deserves special recognition. These students not only achieve remarkable scores but also demonstrate altruism by donating seats to fellow batch-mates with relatively lower scores, since they themselves have qualified for the All India Quota(AIQ) through MCC counselling.
I urge the Government and felicitating organizations to acknowledge and appreciate these students’ selfless contributions. This recognition would encourage more students to qualify for All India seats, alleviate the Government’s burden, and help fulfil the dreams of aspiring medical students with lower scores who cannot afford private medical college seats.
Particular appreciation is due to tribal students who qualify from the unreserved category, showcasing exceptional merit and dedication. By recognizing these students, we can foster a culture of generosity and community spirit among our youth.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Metal Music: An Uncharted Territory
Editor,
Metal music has long carried a taboo globally, and also in India where Bollywood melodies have ruled. In the North East as well, the majority still perceive metal genres negatively, especially religious communities.
The misunderstanding may be due to its loud sound, dark imagery, and theatrical style, which often make it seem rebellious or even demonic. But much of this (from what I could find out) is only a facade. Beneath the growls and heavy riffs lies a genre that speaks with surprising honesty. And for beginners, some metal subgenres are not even dark at all. For example, many symphonic metal bands have women as the lead vocalist, and often they include orchestral elements that sound very much like a church choir, coupled with epic fantasy lyrics that speak of the triumph of Good over Evil. This is perfect for the real-world longing, for the good society we all wish to see. So where is the demonic in this?
Unlike mainstream songs that celebrate love or glamour, metal lyrics often deal with real struggles such as depression, injustice, loneliness, and identity. For listeners, this raw truth feels relatable. Far from spreading negativity, this type of music acts as a release. What may sound aggressive to outsiders often gives fans a sense of peace, helping them confront emotions rather than hide them. What if it is, in fact, a form of therapy in the world of noise created by the rampant negativity in our society today?
Our very own North East is already a bedrock of music, both traditional and Western. Shillong in particular, often called the “Rock/Music Capital of India,” has given rise to metal bands that go beyond mere viral entertainment. Their songs speak out against social evils, corruption, ethnic identity, and even political matters. They have taken up issues that neither the celebrated artists of the 2000s nor the current wave of love-song artists have cared to address. In doing so, these bands have carried a sense of responsibility towards our society, proving that metal music can be both powerful and meaningful. This is something our region can truly be proud of.
To end this note, we must understand that metal music is not a path of, or to, evil, but simply a strong way of expressing light through struggles. Therefore, it is time for the general public to look beyond the stereotypes and recognise it for what it truly is. May this also encourage existing band members to never let go of their beautiful craft. After all, it feels better when music sounds chaotic yet true, rather than being glamorous and soft just to suit the uninformed.
Yours etc.,
Sunrise Pohtam, M.Th,
Via email
A Call for Fairness in MPSC Results for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officers
Editor,
Through your esteemed newspaper I wish to voice the deep sense of disappointment and frustration felt by many regarding the recently declared MPSC interview results for the post of A.H. & Veterinary Officer on August 28, 2025.
For years, several candidates have been serving the Department tirelessly on 3F and contractual appointments, working in farms, dispensaries, and district establishments under challenging conditions. They had hoped that their years of experience and dedication would be valued when the time for regular recruitment arrived. Sadly, the results tell a very different story.
The entire selection process was conducted only through a personal interview, omitting a written examination. While this intent should have benefited those already working in the Department, the outcome has turned out to be just the opposite. Many candidates with little or no practical experience — some who only completed their degree a few months ago — have been selected, while those who have served the Government faithfully for years have been left out.
Adding to the pain, candidates with strong academic merit, even Gold Medalists, toppers from different colleges, Masters degree holders were not selected. And among the selected candidates, those with years of experience and good academic score were ranked lower, while candidates with backlogs, supplementary exams, or very low GPAs were ranked higher.
What is most disheartening is that the Department had earlier recommended giving priority to in-service contractual officers in a fair, batch-wise manner. This was not followed. Instead, junior candidates from recent batches were chosen over seniors who have been in service for a long time. Even the rights of state-sponsored candidates were overlooked, as one candidate not sponsored by the state was selected. Such lapses have left many feeling betrayed and disillusioned.
This is not just about jobs — it is about fairness, respect for hard work, and justice. When a process that should reward merit and experience turns into one that sidelines them, it erodes trust in the system. When those who have already proven their commitment to public service are ignored in favour of the inexperienced, the system itself loses credibility.
At a time when the Hon’ble Chief Minister has emphasized hiring skilled people from Meghalaya, the question must be asked—is this how the government intends to fulfill that vision?
This is an appeal to the concerned authorities to look into this matter with urgency. Experience, service, and merit must count — otherwise, the very spirit of fair recruitment stands compromised.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email