By Tipriti Khonglam
There was a time when the Meghalaya government understood that every public decision carried a message beyond the immediate event. Every school inaugurated, every teacher honoured, every scientist celebrated, every athlete felicitated, and every artist chosen to represent the state silently communicated what society ought to admire. The government did not merely administer roads, hospitals, and budgets; they also shaped public aspirations. In a democracy, this influence must never become coercion, but neither can it be dismissed as insignificant. The personalities elevated by the state become symbols, particularly in the eyes of the young, who are constantly searching for examples worthy of emulation.
It is for this reason that many citizens of Meghalaya are increasingly questioning whether their government has begun to confuse popularity with virtue, glamour with achievement, and spectacle with genuine public service. The concern is not born out of hostility towards entertainment or personal freedom. Rather, it stems from a deeper anxiety that the government appears to be investing more energy in attracting celebrity culture than in inspiring the next generation through education, scholarship, innovation, and moral leadership. Meghalaya has always occupied a unique place in India’s cultural landscape. It is not merely a geographically beautiful state blessed with breathtaking hills, waterfalls, forests, and living root bridges. It is a society built upon strong communal traditions, respect for elders, family values, and an ethical framework deeply influenced by both indigenous Khasi philosophy and the Christian faith embraced by a large section of its people.
The Khasi principle of “Ka Tip Briew Ka Tip Blei” has long represented more than a phrase. It reflects an understanding that knowing humanity and respecting God are connected through values of dignity, compassion, responsibility, and moral conduct. Whether viewed through a religious or cultural lens, the message remains relevant: societies progress when character matters, when service is valued, and when integrity is placed above temporary fame. It is therefore understandable that many citizens feel uneasy when government-sponsored events appear to celebrate personalities whose public image is primarily associated with glamour, controversy, or vulgar social media popularity rather than meaningful contributions to education, science, public welfare, or community development. This debate should not be misunderstood as an attack on the entertainment industry. Entertainment has an important place in every society. Cinema, music, dance, and the performing arts bring happiness, create livelihoods, and contribute to cultural expression. Artists deserve respect for their talent and professional achievements. However, there is a difference between appreciating entertainment and presenting entertainers as symbols of aspiration for an entire generation. Governments are not private event organisers competing for attention. They are institutions entrusted with public resources and public responsibility. When a government chooses whom to invite, honour, or promote, that decision carries symbolic importance. It communicates what kind of achievements deserve recognition. Citizens therefore have every democratic right to question whether these choices reflect the long-term interests of society or merely satisfy a short-lived desire for publicity.
The issue becomes even more significant when viewed from the perspective of young people. Today’s youth live in a world where social media has transformed fame into a commodity. Followers, viral videos, and online visibility often appear to matter more than knowledge, discipline, or service. In such an environment, governments should be among the institutions that remind young people that true success is not measured only by popularity. A state that genuinely cares for its youth must celebrate those who represent dedication and contribution. Teachers who transform classrooms, scientists who expand human knowledge, entrepreneurs who create employment, athletes who demonstrate discipline, environmentalists who protect nature, and social workers who uplift communities are all examples of people whose lives provide powerful lessons. When such individuals receive less public recognition than celebrities whose appeal is based largely on entertainment value, parents and citizens are justified in asking whether society’s priorities are changing in the wrong direction.
Supporters of celebrity appearances often argue that famous personalities help promote tourism, attract attention, and generate economic opportunities. There may be practical value in such partnerships. Many governments around the world collaborate with public figures to promote destinations, festivals, and campaigns. However, publicity should never become the sole measure of success. Meghalaya does not need to borrow identity from outside celebrities. The state already possesses extraordinary cultural wealth: its indigenous traditions, music, languages, craftsmanship, natural beauty, and resilient communities are treasures worthy of national and international recognition.
A stronger vision would place local talent and local achievements at the centre. Imagine a Meghalaya where young students hear the stories of outstanding teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, musicians, farmers, conservationists, and community leaders from their own land. Imagine a government that makes excellence, knowledge, and service fashionable among the youth. Such an approach would create inspiration that lasts far beyond a single event. The deeper issue is not about any particular individual. It is about the philosophy behind governance. Every government faces limited resources and competing priorities. Every public programme reflects choices about what deserves attention and investment. When education, employment opportunities, youth development, and institutional improvement require urgent focus, citizens naturally question whether celebrity-driven events represent the best use of public energy and resources.
The greatness of a state is not measured by the number of famous people it can attract for an evening. It is measured by the quality of its schools, the strength of its institutions, the opportunities available to its youth, and the values it passes on to future generations. At the same time, a democratic society must avoid becoming a place where governments dictate personal choices or where artistic expression is unfairly restricted. People are free to admire different personalities and enjoy different forms of entertainment. The role of government is not to control private preferences. But public institutions must also understand that official recognition carries meaning. With influence comes responsibility.
Citizens who question these decisions are not necessarily opposing entertainment or modern culture. They are asking a more fundamental question: what kind of society are we trying to build? Meghalaya stands at an important moment in its journey. It has a proud heritage, a vibrant culture, and a young population full of potential. The responsibility of leadership is not merely to create moments of excitement but to cultivate a vision for the future. The young people of Meghalaya deserve to see excellence celebrated in all its forms, especially those that encourage learning, discipline, creativity, compassion, and service.
Governments may change, political leaders may come and go, and public attention may shift from one celebrity to another. But the values planted in the minds of young people today will shape the society of tomorrow. The question, therefore, is simple but important: are we promoting personalities who merely attract attention, or are we promoting individuals who inspire achievement? For a state with such a rich cultural foundation and such high hopes for its youth, the answer deserves careful consideration. I have kept the article in a strong opinion-editorial voice while avoiding unverified allegations against individuals, so the argument rests on governance, values, and public priorities rather than claims that could weaken its credibility.
(About the Author: Tipriti Khonglam is currently based in Kolkata, India. She teaches at a school for the underprivileged. She is also passionate about social issues and aims to contribute something good to society).
