Editor,
Through your esteemed paper, I wish to highlight an often-overlooked truth that a well-organised literary festival is far more than a gathering of authors and readers.
Cities and towns that host literary festivals typically witness a surge in tourist footfall, extended visitor stays and renewed interest in local heritage spaces. Such events create a virtuous cycle – drawing acclaimed writers/authors, scholars, students and culture enthusiasts, whose presence invigorates hotels, cafés, transport operators, artisans, and bookstores. More importantly, they elevate the intellectual profile of the destination, branding it as a hub of creativity, dialogue and artistic exchange. For Meghalaya, which is striving to diversify tourism beyond the usual nature-centric, instagrammable-sight offerings, this cultural pivot is particularly valuable.
A telling example of this transformation can be seen at Ward’s Lake. Once regrettably stereotyped as a dilapidated jogging track by morning and an open bar by evening, the venue has been reimagined in recent years – and we have the Shillong Lit Fest to thank for this. The space has now been infused with music, poetry readings, author meet-ups, children’s workshops and indigenous storytelling. What was once an after-hours hangout has now evolved into a vibrant cultural commons that families, tourists and local residents proudly reclaim. The shift is not merely cosmetic as it reflects a deeper societal aspiration for refined, responsible and community-oriented public spaces.
Investing in literary festivals therefore yields multidimensional dividends cultural enrichment, economic stimulation, youth engagement and the revitalisation of iconic public landmarks. It is time we recognise festivals not as expenses but as long-term assets that strengthen the cultural identity and tourism appeal of our destinations.
Yours etc.,
Lamshwa Nongrum,
Via email
Why is the military holding land in the heart of Shillong?
Editor,
We the people of Shillong are going through traffic jams like as if it is part and parcel of our daily lives. So much time is lost in traffic jams every day of our lives yet those who can make life better for all citizens are unyielding. To ease traffic is all that we the common people pray for and hope that our prayers would be answered. It is gratifying to read that the State Government is trying to extend the vital overpass from Rilbong to Barik. This new plan will only materialise if the Defence land is handed over to the National Highway Infrastructure and Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Defence Land in the heart of the city does not really make sense. Besides, the stretch starting from Barik to Umshyrpi bridge is no less than a battle ground that we have to go through every single day. The Defence land leading to Lady Keane College and exiting at the Civil Hospital is one that could help ease the traffic congestion.
The way things are now, the army authorities in the cantonment road prohibit vehicles from using that alternate route thereby adding to the traffic mess. It is a sight to behold especially during school hours. The guards have been issued such strict instructions from their superiors that even during heavy rainfall, as we are experiencing now, no vehicles are allowed to use that road. But why should a public road be converted into an “army-only” route? If the army is unwilling to allow civilian movement along that stretch, then perhaps it should consider shifting to less congested areas and allow the public the right of access to these routes. It is unreasonable for the army to remain permanently stationed in the heart of the town at the expense of public convenience.
For too long, the army has taken an unyielding stance regarding cantonment areas, behaving as though they operate above public concerns, while the Government seems to have conceded to their demands. This time we hope that the State Government takes up this issue with all sincerity and the Defence land is handed over to the NHIDCL to ease the persistent traffic congestion.
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar,
Via email
Why non-white Christians are more Christian than white Christians?
Editor,
0n 0ctober 30, 2025 India achieved one of the greatest victories in the women’s world cup cricket semi-finals by defeating the mighty Australian women team in as much as in chasing the highest record target of 339 set by their counterparts in a semifinal match. And it can’t be over stated that the heroine of this match was none other than Jemimah Rodrigues, named after the most beautiful of the three daughters of Job in the Holy Bible. She scored an unbeaten 127 runs to stun the defending champion and thereby enable India to storm into the women’s 0DI world cup final. Incidentally, India had never successfully chased more than 265 in 0DIs.
After the match, in an interview Jemimah squarely attributed her phenomenal 127 runs for her match-winning contributions in the India against Australia game to Jesus Christ. Furthermore, she asserted, without mincing words, that she couldn’t have achieved such a milestone on her own as Jesus carried her through the gruelling innings. She intrinsically articulated these words, “Firstly, l want to thank Jesus, l could not do this on my own”. During the final stages of the innings at the crease she confessed that she kept repeating a Bible scripture from the book of Exodus highlighted in verse 14:14 which recounts,”Stand still and God will fight for you.” These words were uttered by Moses, preceding the miraculous splitting apart of the Red sea to enable the fugitive Israelites to escape the hostile pursuit of the Egyptian army , but alas, it ended in a watery grave! But lo and behold, Jemimah Rodrigues’ reference to the Holy Bible has in turn, set the teeth of Christians’ baiters of our country on edge!
Correlatedly, in the London 0lympic games in 2012, when Meseret Defar from Ethiopia won a gold medal in the Women’s 5000 metres race she was asked by the journalists the rationale behind such a unique feat. She, instead, dug out from her pocket an icon of Virgin Mary bearing the child Jesus in her arms! By means of this gesture, Defar told the press personnel that she owed her success to Virgin Mary and dedicated her gold medal to none other than the mother of Jesus herself!
In earlier decades, we witnessed hordes of Christian missionaries from Europe coming to India to enlighten us on the essence of the Gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ. Now, conversely, the grammar has dramatically changed where Indian priests/ missionaries have landed in Europe to become ambassadors of Christian legacy. Recently, a young and handsome catholic priest from Nagaland has been reportedly authorized to proceed to one of the parishes in Romania. Nearer home, I have been given to understand that even from our land of Hynñewtrep, Khasi priests have been appointed as missionaries in South America. These uncanny equations have amply demonstrated the enigmatic ways of the Almighty God! And we none the wiser.
Yours etc.,
Jerome K Diengdoh
Shillong-2
