Editor,
I write this letter not to offend anyone but to express my deep outrage at the duplicity of the Government of Meghalaya in its selective use of public funds for religious celebrations. As a devout Christian I should be happy at it, but as a responsible citizen who believes in the spirit of secularism I ought to express my views for readers here to introspect. Every year, the state spends lavishly on Christmas lightings and decorations, projecting it as a matter of pride and tourism. Yet, when it comes to festivals of other faiths—particularly Seng Kut Snem and Shad Suk Mynsiem, which are central to the indigenous identity of our people—such recognition and support are conspicuously absent.
It is undeniable that the majority of citizens in Meghalaya are Christians. However, as a secular government, it is duty-bound to respect and uphold the traditions of all communities equally. The double standards are glaring during pujas when the district administration imposes strict rules on pandals and immersion ceremonies, citing law and order or environmental concerns. But during Christmas and New Year celebrations, no such restrictions are enforced, and instead, public money is freely spent.
The government may justify its expenditure on Christmas lighting as a tourism initiative. Yet, Seng Kut Snem and Shad Suk Mynsiem are equally vibrant cultural festivals that attract visitors and showcase the unique heritage of Meghalaya. Why then are they not accorded the same importance? Can public money legitimately be used to promote one religious festival while ignoring others?
This selective patronage undermines the very spirit of secularism enshrined in our Constitution. If the government of Meghalaya truly claims to be secular, it must extend equal respect and support to all faiths and traditions, not just the majority religion. Anything less is discriminatory and erodes the trust of citizens in the fairness of governance and instead of lavish spending for decorations govt should utilise the amount to help the poor and needy during Christmas.
Yours etc.,
Graceful M Lyngdoh
Shillong-1
The Ghost of Centralisation
Editor,
Apropos to my previous letter titled, “The Systematic Dismantling of Regional Radio Identity”, published in this column on January 3, 2026 , a recent technical observation from the southern tip of India, Rameshwaram, provides a sobering warning for us in Meghalaya. It proves that the “merger” of regional identities is not a closed chapter of 2023, but a lingering policy that refuses to die. Akashvani Rameshwaram FM (100.9 MHz), which operates a formidable 20kW transmitter, twice the power of many regional FM channels, was found to be relaying Akashvani Chennai A (the primary channel) until as late as Wednesday, January 7, 2026. It was only at 8:30 AM IST that it finally reverted to relaying Akashvani Madurai. This delay in restoring regional autonomy is significant for three reasons that affect us here in the Northeast. Firstly, the persistence of the “Primary Channel” Merger. Most of us believed the 2023 policy of merging FM Rainbow and local FM stations into primary channels had ended with the restorations in early 2025. The Rameshwaram case proves that Prasar Bharati is still “testing the waters,” keeping high-power transmitters tethered to centralized state or national feeds rather than allowing them to serve local interests.
Secondly, the Tragedy of the “Relay” Label. Despite its massive 20kW reach, Rameshwaram remains a mere relay station. This mirrors the situation of many of our own transmitters. A 20kW transmitter is an asset that should be the heartbeat of a full-fledged local station, producing original content in local dialects. Instead, it is treated as a hollow pipe for distant programming and lastly, the risk to the North Eastern Service (NES). If a high-power station in Tamil Nadu struggled to regain its regional feed until this week, what hope does our North Eastern Service have? We are being told that Shortwave is “obsolete” and FM is the future, yet the FM infrastructure itself is being misused as a tool for centralization. When we hear the NES signature tune being drowned out by FM Gold Delhi in Shillong, or Rameshwaram being forced to carry primary channel feeds, we are seeing the same symptom: The fear of regional autonomy.
Prasar Bharati must stop treating its high-power transmitters as mere repeaters. Whether it is Rameshwaram or Shillong, these stations must be empowered to be local voices, not just long-distance echoes of Chennai or Delhi. If we do not speak up now, the “restorations” of 2025 will be nothing more than a temporary pause in a permanent plan to silence the unique sounds of our regions.
Yours etc.,
Hamemanbha Lyngdoh Lawai,
Via email
Four to Five Thousand Pages & 200 Kgs of Paper Weight!
Editor,
Certainly, the government requires more time to carefully examine the report of the expert committee on Meghalaya’s Reservation Policy, but there is no harm in making it public for all to read; it is only a recommendation. After six months, when Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit raised the issue, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, replied by pointing out that the report runs into nearly 4,000 to 5,000 pages and weighs close to 200 Kgs. From the number of pages, it is understood that the committee has done a good job, to ease the process for the government in drafting the policy. However, suddenly I realised that we must go back to school and learn a few basic arithmetic, geometry, and formulae, to find out the number of sheets from the total weight.
Usually, A4 (80 grams per square meter with an area of 0.0625 square meter) is the most frequently used copier/printer paper in offices. When (80 x 0.0625) = 5 grams which is the weight of a sheet. Therefore, to find out the number of sheets from a given weight, (200kgs multiplied by 1000grams divided by 5grams) = 40000. So, in 200Kgs the number sheets are 40,000 (approx.)
I express my good wishes to the Government of Meghalaya and all officers involved in drafting the Reservation Policy that will shape the bright (socio-economic) future of the State.
Yours etc.,
D. Pakyntein,
Via email
