Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to highlight an issue that many young girls experience within our education system—the lack of true equality reflected in school uniform policies.
As a student, I am often questioned why uniforms for boys and girls differ so significantly, when the very purpose of a uniform is to promote a sense of equality and unity. Many girls, including myself, were required to wear skirts with straps, which were later modified on the grounds that they were “awkward” or might attract unwanted attention. As we grew older, the uniform changed again to salwar kameez. Meanwhile, boys continued to wear the same practical attire—trousers and shirts—throughout their schooling.
While cultural and social considerations may influence dress codes, such visible differences within educational institutions can subtly shape young minds. Girls are often made to feel responsible for how they dress, how they behave, and how they are perceived. This can unintentionally reinforce the harmful notion that they must constantly guard against attracting attention, rather than addressing the root causes of inappropriate behaviour.
If uniforms are meant to symbolise equality, then it is important to question why such disparities persist. In many cases, these differences reflect long-standing societal norms that continue to define gender roles in limiting ways. Moreover, from a practical standpoint, it is worth considering how comfortable and functional these uniforms are. Attire such as skirts or salwar kameez can restrict movement, making it more difficult for girls to participate freely in sports and other activities.
Encouragingly, some educational institutions have already adopted more practical and inclusive options, such as trousers for all students, prioritising comfort, mobility, and dignity over outdated notions of gender.
Educational institutions should be spaces that nurture equality, confidence, and freedom. Uniform policies, therefore, must reflect these values by ensuring fairness and practicality for all students, irrespective of gender.
I hope this letter encourages meaningful reflection and dialogue on the need for more equitable practices in our schools.
Yours etc.,
Antika Rai
Shillong
The Living Architecture of Bamboo: A Lesson in Resilience
Editor,
For generations, bamboo has been the heartbeat of travel and connectivity in our region. Far more than mere architectural curiosities, our bamboo bridges are the physical threads that bind our villages together.
A quintessential example is the Mawryngkhang Trek in Meghalaya. Starting from Wahkhen village, local residents have engineered bamboo bridges and walkways along sheer cliffs and across rushing rivers using only bamboo and cane ropes. These structures, built without government aid and maintained solely by the community, represent a monumental feat of grassroots engineering. What outsiders view as a thrilling “adventure trek” is in reality, a masterclass in how bamboo serves as a daily lifeline.
While modern urban centers rely on steel and concrete, we depend on nature’s most versatile resource. Bamboo possesses a tensile strength that rivals mild steel, yet it is significantly easier to transport across rugged terrain. Its true brilliance, however, lies in its flexibility. When monsoon rains swell our rivers, rigid concrete structures often crack or succumb to the hydraulic pressure. In contrast, a bamboo bridge sways and yields to the current, surviving floods that would claim modern infrastructure.
The impact of these bridges is measured in more than just distance; it is measured in livelihoods. Before these crossings existed, moving crops to the neighbouring village often required an arduous three-hour trek through the valley. Today, that same journey takes ten minutes.
Furthermore, in an era where “sustainability” has become a global buzzword, our communities have been practicing it for centuries. A bamboo bridge is a zero-waste miracle. When it finally reaches the end of its life, it leaves behind no rusty rebar or crumbling debris. It simply returns to the earth, making room for the next generation of growth.
As the world prioritizes eco-friendly development, these community-driven solutions deserve formal recognition. Authorities should acknowledge these indigenous engineering feats and work alongside local communities to preserve this heritage. To an outsider, it may look like a path made of sticks. To us, it is a symbol of unity and resilience—a reminder that we do not need expensive, imported materials to stay connected. We only need the gifts of nature and a community willing to work together.
Yours etc.,
Philakyntiew Kurbah,
Via email
Of irresponsible parking: Authorities please enforce the law!
Editor,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the growing problem of improper parking, which is making our roads increasingly unsafe and inconvenient for pedestrians.
In many localities, vehicles are parked haphazardly on both sides of the streets, often encroaching upon footpaths meant for public use. Consequently, pedestrians are forced onto the main carriageway, exposing them to constant traffic hazards. This situation is particularly alarming for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, for whom safe mobility is essential.
The problem is further aggravated by the lack of strict enforcement of parking regulations. Narrow roads become severely congested, leading to frequent traffic jams and heightened commuter frustration. More critically, such obstructions hinder the smooth movement of emergency services like ambulances and fire engines, potentially endangering lives.
In light of these concerns, I earnestly urge the authorities to take immediate and effective measures. These should include stricter enforcement of parking rules, imposition of penalties on violators, and ensuring that footpaths remain clear and accessible. The creation of designated parking zones, along with sustained public awareness campaigns, would also go a long way in addressing this issue.
I sincerely hope that this matter will receive due attention and prompt action, in the interest of ensuring safer and more accessible roads for all.
Yours etc.,
Priyakshi Lahkar
Shillong
The Untapped Potential of Floriculture in Meghalaya
Editor,
Meghalaya is a land of unparalleled botanical heritage. From our famous endemic pitcher plants (Nepenthes khasiana) to the vibrant rhododendrons trails that paint our highlands, flowers are woven into the very fabric of our culture. For most citizens in Meghalaya, gardening is more than a hobby; it is a way to create a serene, lively, and “homely” atmosphere that fosters a unique bond between the planter and nature.
However, there is a stark contrast between our love for flowers and the commercial reality of floriculture in the state. Despite our favourable climate, floriculture has yet to become a booming industry. Local cultivators are currently stifled by several critical “bottlenecks”:
• Prohibitive Costs: The high initial investment required for modern polyhouses is a stumbling block. In the past the government encouraged greenhouse technology which is now out of reach for the average grower.
• Knowledge Gaps: There is a significant lack of technical expertise regarding modern hybrid cultivation and pest management.
• Infrastructure Deficits: Without adequate post-harvest facilities, such as cold storage and efficient transport chains, our delicate blooms perish before they can reach lucrative markets.
To bridge this gap, the government must look beyond traditional fresh-cut flowers. By introducing and subsidizing training in Bonsai culture and Dry Flower technology, the state can open new doors for our youth. Dry flowers, in particular, offer a solution to our lack of cold-chain infrastructure, as they have a long shelf life and high export value in the home decor market.
Transforming floriculture from a backyard hobby into a robust economic pillar will not only beautify our state but also provide sustainable livelihoods for thousands. It is time we turn our passion for petals into a profession.
Yours etc.,
Baiahunlang Kharsahnoh
Shillong
