Editor,
The revelations coming out of the Epstein scandals force people across the world to question the truth about money, power, and politics. Jeffrey Epstein’s life story itself raises serious doubts. He started his career as a private school teacher in the United States, then suddenly left teaching and entered the world of finance. Within a few years, through unclear sources of income and private investments, he became a millionaire and therefore, gained close access to powerful politicians, businessmen, celebrities and academics from both the US and other countries.
In 2005, Epstein was arrested in Palm Beach, Florida, after complaints of sexual abuse of minors. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to charges of molesting underage girls. However, instead of a strict punishment, he received a highly lenient sentence that allowed him to leave jail daily on work release. In July 2019, he was again arrested on federal charges of human trafficking involving minors. Shockingly, in August 2019, Epstein was found dead in prison, leaving many unanswered questions.
It must be noted, Epstein’s power came not only from his money, but from his connections. Over the years, he maintained relationships with well-known figures such as Michael Jackson, Noam Chomsky, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and many others. One of the darkest aspects of the case was his ownership of Little St. James Island in the US Virgin Islands, later known as “Epstein Island”. Survivors have alleged that the island was used for trafficking and sexual abuse of underage girls, and that some of Epstein’s guests were involved. While many people named in the case admit they visited the island for social or holiday reasons, they deny any involvement in abuse. Several others have chosen not to respond at all.
After Epstein’s death, the FBI seized large collections of emails, photographs and videos related to his activities. These files remained classified for years, even as parts of them were leaked online. Names mentioned in these leaks included Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk, Hillary Clinton, Prince Andrew, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and a bunch of others. In 2024, during the US presidential elections, Donald Trump publicly spoke about releasing these classified records. This led to the passing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November 2025, after which the US government released parts of the documents.
Just a few days ago, on 30 January 2026, the US Department of Justice released more than three million pages, including thousands of videos and nearly two lakh photographs. The identities of victims were redacted to protect their dignity. The contents described serious abuse and exploitation. At the same time, many shocking claims circulated online, including extreme allegations involving infants in ritualistic sacrifices. These claims have not been proven in court, but they have deeply disturbed public discussion online.
Another major shock was the mention of foreign leaders and businessmen, including some from India. The names of industrialist Anil Ambani and references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared in alleged Epstein-related emails. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs however, quickly clarified that these references did not indicate any wrongdoing. But still, the files show how deeply Epstein was able to connect with people in positions of global power.
The biggest question remains – What have we really learned from all this? Can we continue to trust the system blindly that has seemed to work only for the powerful while the victims suffer for years at the periphery? Do the Epstein files show that serious crimes can continue for years simply because the accused are rich and influential? If Hitler was once labelled the most evil man to have ever lived, what about the guilty elites of today? I say this because, till now, not even one person involved in the racket has been properly arrested, except Andrew, who has been only stripped off his princely title by Buckingham Palace. The rest are still roaming free, even though law enforcement had the evidence for years before it became public.
As ordinary citizens of the world, we must ask ourselves whether simply “watching the world burn” is acceptable as long as such crimes do not affect us personally. We must remember that the Epstein case is not just about one man abroad; rather, it exposes “evil systems” that have dominated and plagued our world for decades. If we fail to treat these revelations as warnings and remain vigilant, we may regret it tomorrow when injustice comes knocking at our front door to rob us of our own dignity. Let us be awake, always.
Yours etc.,
Sunrise Pohtam, M.Th
Via email
It takes a society to raise a child
Editor,
The concern expressed by Dr B. Laitphlang, published in his letter to The Shillong Times on 30 January 2026, deserves serious attention and thoughtful reflection from all sections of society. What he has highlighted is not an isolated observation, but a growing social reality that many of us quietly witness yet often hesitate to confront.
As Dr. Laitphlang rightly points out, habits are not developed in a day; they are formed gradually, from early childhood, through continuous guidance, discipline, and example. If parents, schools, and society consciously take the pain to instil good habits and moral values at a young age, many of the unpleasant and uncalled-for behaviours seen during adolescence would not take root later in life.
Character building must begin early. Qualities such as respect, self-control, patience, and responsibility cannot suddenly be expected from teenagers if these values were never nurtured in their formative years. When children grow up without clear boundaries and moral grounding, they become more vulnerable to peer pressure and impulsive behaviour.
It may seem far-fetched to cite Japan as an example, yet it offers an important lesson. In Japanese schools, the early years of education give priority to discipline, cleanliness, respect for others, and character formation, rather than academic competition alone. Children are taught habits first, academics later. This approach produces individuals who regulate their behaviour through inner discipline, not fear of punishment.
In contrast, many families today are facing new challenges. The rise of nuclear families and the reality of both parents being working professionals mean that children often receive less time and attention at home. The traditional presence of grandparents—who once played a crucial role in storytelling, moral teaching, and emotional bonding—is now largely absent. In many households, screens have replaced conversations, and digital content has replaced moral narratives.
This is not to blame parents, but to recognise a social shift that demands conscious correction. When family time shrinks, schools and community institutions must shoulder greater responsibility in shaping behaviour and values. Education cannot be limited to textbooks and examinations alone; it must include emotional maturity, ethical understanding, and social responsibility.
Discipline, however, should not be confused with harsh punishment. Consistent guidance, open dialogue, and setting personal examples are far more effective than fear-based control. Children learn more from what adults do than from what they say.
If timely intervention is ignored, minor acts of indiscipline can gradually harden into serious social problems. What begins as casual smoking or defiance may eventually lead to substance abuse or other harmful paths. Prevention, therefore, is not only wiser—it is humane.
Dr Laitphlang’s letter should serve as a wake-up call. Raising responsible children is not the duty of parents or schools alone; it is a shared responsibility of society. If we fail to act early, we risk paying a far heavier price in the future.
The issue before us demands reflection, responsibility, and immediate action—before concern turns into regret.
Yours etc,
Jairaj,
Via email
