Editor,
Apropos to the article titled ‘ When Freedom Meant Flight: A Grandmother’s Story from 1947’ authored by Nadeen Pakyntein on the occasion of Republic Day, I wish to express my sincere appreciation for this deeply touching and memorable piece of writing.
We celebrate Republic Day every year with pride, speeches, and flags, but very rarely do we pause to reflect on what freedom actually meant for ordinary people in 1947. This article does exactly that. By narrating the life of a nine-year-old girl who was forced to flee her home during Partition, the author reminds us that Independence was not a joyful moment for everyone.
The article stays with the reader because of its simple, honest narration. A child returning from school, a mother sending her to buy curd, and suddenly the streets filling with slogans of violence — these small details bring history alive in a way no textbook ever can. The moment when the father learns that Lahore has gone to Pakistan and rushes home, even cutting his hair to save his life, is painful to read and impossible to forget.
The family leaving behind their home, land, animals, neighbours, and memories overnight shows the cruelty and suddenness of Partition. Running through narrow lanes amid gunshots, hiding through the night, and then escaping with the help of a Muslim neighbour reminds us that fear and humanity existed side by side during those dark days.
The journey towards Amritsar, the threat of being stopped, the fear of imprisonment, and the eventual rescue by Indian soldiers reflect the terror faced by thousands of refugee families. The description of sitting outside the Golden Temple, homeless, surviving on charity, suffering from illness and humiliation, is heartbreaking. It forces us to acknowledge a truth we often avoid — that freedom came at an unbearable personal cost.
What makes the article even more meaningful is how it shows life slowly rebuilding. From Patti to Jalandhar, and eventually to Shillong, the story becomes one of quiet courage, resilience, and dignity. The little girl growing into a woman, starting a new life, and today sharing her memories with her grandchildren is a reminder of the strength carried by an entire generation.
There is no anger or bitterness in the article, only remembrance. That is its greatest strength. It gently reminds us that while the Constitution gave us rights and freedoms, many families paid for it with loss, displacement, and lifelong trauma.
I thank the author for preserving such a personal and important story, and the newspaper for publishing it. Articles like this deserve to be cherished, especially by younger generations who must know that freedom was not free.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj
Via email
Reflections on Compassion, Accountability, and Conscience
Editor,
With utmost respect to our Hon’ble decision-makers, I humbly request a thoughtful re-examination of our national priorities. While considerable public debate is devoted to stray animal issues, far graver matters affecting human dignity, safety, and social harmony continue to demand urgent attention.
Across the country, we have witnessed repeated harassment of the Christian faith, growing insecurity among our Northeast brothers and sisters, distress along our borders, and the persistent menace of illegal immigration that burdens local communities. These realities deserve firm, timely, and lawful action from those in positions of authority.
An incident that has flashed across print media, news channels, and social media has further shaken public conscience. In Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, a Christian pastor was reportedly brutally assaulted, forcibly made to chant “Jai Shri Ram,” and humiliated by being made to eat cow dung. Acts of such cruelty, carried out in the name of ideology, strike at the very foundation of humanity, constitutional values, and social harmony.
Equally troubling is our collective response to crimes against women. As a society, we often fall silent to the cries of rape victims, yet grow uneasy when difficult questions are raised. From childhood to adulthood, survivors continue to suffer, while public outrage frequently fades after candles are lit, profile pictures are changed, and social media comments are posted, only to be forgotten within days. These expressions of concern, though heartfelt, would benefit from being accompanied by sustained and meaningful action.
When governance systems can act swiftly to change currency, convene special parliamentary sessions, or revise official benefits, one is compelled to ask what delays the passage of stronger and uncompromising laws against rape and sexual violence. If an individual is deemed mature enough to commit such crimes, it is reasonable for society to expect accountability without hesitation. At the same time, it must be clearly acknowledged that not all men are the same. Many men stand as protectors, allies, and voices of reason, and their role in shaping a safer society is invaluable.
Equally important is the need for firm and effective laws against those who harass religious minorities, including our Christian community and our Northeast brothers and sisters, whose safety, dignity, and rights must be protected without fear or discrimination.
Alongside these human concerns, compassion must also extend to voiceless beings. Stray animals are not the cause of public disorder; they are a symptom of human negligence. Animal feeders and caregivers who act out of empathy are increasingly harassed, while irresponsible breeders and pet sellers often escape scrutiny. It is a painful truth that many female dogs are abandoned once they fall sick or are no longer profitable. Equally concerning are individuals who abandon their pets due to inconvenience, relocation, or loss of interest. Such actions directly contribute to the rising number of strays on our streets and should be addressed through strict enforcement, penalties, and public accountability. Both irresponsible breeding and pet abandonment must be treated as serious violations of civic responsibility.
Public hygiene and civic responsibility also require honest reflection. We often overlook our own actions, such as spitting, urinating in public spaces, and dumping garbage along roadsides, while placing blame elsewhere. True reform begins with accountability at every level, citizen and authority alike.
This appeal is not about choosing between human welfare and animal welfare. It is about justice, balance, and conscience. Meghalaya, and our nation, can only progress when we protect our people, secure our borders, uphold the dignity of women, respect faith and diversity, and treat animals humanely.
I place this concern with sincere respect, trusting that compassionate governance and decisive action can restore public faith and social harmony.
Yours etc.,
Dr. Amanda A. Pakynteiñ,
Via email
Take politics out of cricket
Editor,
Strained Indo-Bangladesh relations have severely affected cricket ties between the two countries ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board(BCB) refused to send its team to India for the tournament citing security concerns. The trigger for this crisis in world cricket was the BCCI’s decision to drop Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman for next month’s IPL. Following the violence against Hindu minority community in Bangladesh, things went berserk and anti-India radical forces in Bangladesh intensified their agitation against India. The BCCI’s decision to drop the Bangladesh player added fuel to fire and helped the radical elements to gain an advantage. The BCB’s claim that their team faces security risk for their matches in India and their demand that the ICC shift them to Sri Lanka hold no water. In fact, there is no such security threat to Bangladesh players. The Pakistan cricket authorities took advantage of the situation by supporting Bangladesh. Scotland has replaced Bangladesh in the tournament. Given that the Indian team’s tour in September is likely to be cancelled, the BCB faces a huge financial loss. By refusing to play in India, Bangladesh has scored a self- goal.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Kollam
