Editor,
I recently read the special article, ‘The Choices Working-Class People Make: When Education Is a Luxury,’ authored by Bhogtoram Mawroh and published in The Shillong Times on June 11, 2026. The article is a deeply moving and thought-provoking account of the author’s journey from a modest working-class background to earning a PhD, while also highlighting the challenges faced by countless young people in Meghalaya.
What I found most inspiring was the author’s determination to continue his education despite numerous obstacles. At a time when many of his friends believed that education would not necessarily lead to employment and that opportunities were largely reserved for the privileged sections of society, he refused to give up. Instead, he persevered and eventually earned a PhD, becoming the first person from Nongmynsong to achieve that distinction. Such an achievement deserves admiration and respect.
There is certainly some truth in the author’s observation that opportunities are often concentrated in the hands of a privileged few and that family background can influence access to education, employment and social mobility. However, his own life story also demonstrates another important truth—that hard work, perseverance and commitment are never wasted. Success may not come easily or quickly, but determination, dedication and self-belief can help overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
The article also sheds light on a serious concern: the growing number of students who discontinue their studies because they do not see education translating into better opportunities and a brighter future. Unless young people are given hope, encouragement and a fair chance to succeed, the problem of school and college dropouts will continue to persist.
I would like to sincerely congratulate the author for such a heart-warming, honest and inspiring write-up. His story is not merely a personal success story; it is a message of hope for every young person who comes from humble beginnings and wonders whether education is worth the sacrifice. The author’s life itself provides the answer. While privilege may open doors for some, perseverance and education can still transform lives and create opportunities that once seemed impossible.
I am confident that this article will resonate with many readers and inspire students to continue striving towards their goals despite the odds.
Yours etc,
Jairaj,
Tura
We Need Our BSF Jawans Now More Than Ever
Editor,
It took me a while to decide whether or not to write this appeal through this column. But on behalf of all the Indian villagers residing along the Indo-Bangla border – especially the borderline between Bangladesh and Meghalaya, stretching from the Garo Hills to the West Jaintia Hills—I finally decided to do so. This is an appeal for “the guardians of our border.” My thoughts were sparked after I was informed through news outlets about recent clashes along the Indo-Bangla border near Mahendraganj in South West Garo Hills. This, of course, was not the first time it has happened, but it highlighted the frequent, existing tension along the border. We also see through the media a supposedly sane elderly man, along with a group, who were at the center of the clash. But as I have said, that was just a snippet of the overall border tension.
From time to time, Indian people residing along that borderline have experienced various troubles from abroad. From petty theft to missing cattle, and from smartphone snatching to the loss of precious family property, these incidents occur frequently, especially during the rainy season. This is done mostly by Bangladeshi miscreants. But how do they manage to cross the Indian border? You will be surprised to know! The main reason is that the BSF has neglected its custodian duties, alongside other local factors that pave the way for these individuals to enter Indian villages. The common criticism, however, states that our Jawans never really perform their duties to their full potential. Are our Indian border villages being left helpless to these onslaughts? Most likely, the answer is yes. Why does the BSF seem to think the Meghalayan border residents are not worth saving? Is it just because the majority of them are Christians? No, Sirs, that is not how it is supposed to work. Those villagers near the Bangladesh border really need you, in fact, more than ever now. And you also need to be their best ally, and not a stranger to them. Please stand by your oath to protect.
Just a few minutes before penning this piece, I watched a news headline from a leading social media news outlet reporting that a Bangladeshi right-wing political group is calling for an alliance to form a ‘Human Shield Border March’ on June 12 and June 15, possibly along the Meghalayan border, to protest BSF actions against those attempting to cross into India. It might sound reasonable to them, but we all know it is just a teasing opportunity created by those groups to trouble our people and further escalate border tensions. These miscreants are confident in whatever plots they made against our people because their own Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) supports them. I even saw a Facebook video yesterday where a BGB personnel was arguing and shouting at some Indian border fencing officials at an unnamed location. I didn’t understand what he said, but I do know he was trying to act bossy around our officials to show power. Such audacity is unbelievable and should not be tolerated.
A friend of mine who lives near the border told me that just a few weeks ago, a group of Bangladeshis, along with the BGB, came with lathis (sticks) to halt the construction of a border road from Amsku to Dawki – a road that legally belongs inside Indian territory! When irritating situations like this occur, we are left asking questions like: “Where is our BSF that is supposed to protect us from these morons?” “Has our BSF forgotten how to use its power?” “Do our BSF does not know how to use their weapons, or have their bullets rusted?” Or do they still think of Bangladesh as a weak nation that poses no threat to India, particularly to the residents of our border villages? Simply sitting for hours without patrolling the borderline will not save the border or the surrounding Indian villages. This has only created a rather comical situation where while the BSF is at a watch-camp on the lower side of a village, a Bangladeshi smuggling team simultaneously shows up on the other side. It is funny, yet deeply concerning. Therefore, through these snippets, I urge our BSF Jawans to be diligent in their duty to guard our border. We count on you. We count on you for the safety of our children, our villages, our region, and our country. We need you now more than ever. Respect. Jai Hind. Blessed be our Mother India!
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
