Editor,
Any decision of the Government is expected to be based on authentic information, sensitivity towards all communities and sects, and historical facts, particularly when it concerns a historical figure. If the Government approves naming an institution after an individual, it is nothing but an endorsement of that person’s philosophy and practices. There is no scope for selectively eulogizing an individual. A person may have been a propagator of a particular faith, but that does not confer immunity from scrutiny of his actions towards other faiths. No person should be falsely vilified, but neither should anyone be glorified by ignoring authentic historical evidence and records.
The decision of the Meghalaya Cabinet to approve the establishment of a university in the name of Francis Xavier appears to have done precisely that. Xavier’s surviving letters (primary sources), written from India in the 1540s, leave little doubt about his opposition to idol worship and his well-documented related vilifying actions. [Source: Henry James Coleridge (ed.), The Life and Letters of St. Francis Xavier, 2nd ed., 2 vols. (London: Burns & Oates, 1890).] It is, therefore, the responsibility of the authorities to examine the matter in its proper historical perspective and take immediate appropriate corrective measures.
Yours etc.,
D. Bhattacharjee
Shillong- 1
Xavier University Needs Reconsidering
Editor,
The Meghalaya Cabinet’s recent approval to establish a university in the name of Francis Xavier deserves more careful consideration. While Xavier may be celebrated globally as a pioneering Jesuit missionary, his own writings from the 16th century reveal a troubling hostility toward Hinduism. He described Brahmins as “perverse and greatest obstacle against conversion,” rejoiced at the destruction of Hindu temples, and urged Portuguese authorities in Goa to suppress Hindu practices. All these are authentic documented history one can easily verify. Have these factors been considered before approving the name of the university? Is it not similar to naming an institution in Israel after Hitler?
Honouring such a figure with a university named after him risks overlooking this painful history. To revere Xavier without acknowledging his hostility towards Hindu traditions risks perpetuating historical injustice and lacks sensitivity. It is thus quite logical to infer that those who have approved the name of the institution implicitly endorse Xavier’s views about Hindus and Hinduism. Otherwise, they would not have chosen to name an educational institution after him.
The concerned authority must therefore, immediately amend the cabinet decision and rename it after a thinker, reformer, or educator who embodies compassion and harmony across traditions. Such a step would better reflect India’s pluralistic ethos and uphold the dignity of all communities.
Yours etc.,
NK Kehar,
Shillong-3
On the El Nino Effect
Editor,
I read with great concern the special article, “80% Deficit Monsoons: A Looming Shadow of an Approaching Natural Disaster?” by Mr. Toki Blah, published in The Shillong Times on July 8, 2026. I sincerely appreciate Mr. Blah for drawing public attention to an issue that deserves immediate consideration. What makes his article particularly meaningful is that it is not based only on facts and figures but also on his own experience of handling the devastating Bundelkhand drought during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Banda district. His practical experience gives weight to every point he has made.
The article comes at a time when several newspapers, including The Shillong Times (2 July 2026), The Economic Times (2 July 2026), The Times of India (4 July 2026) and NDTV (4 July 2026), have reported the unusually low rainfall received by Meghalaya during June,2026 . These reports leave little room for complacency. Although our State is known for its heavy rainfall, the present situation calls for careful planning before the problem grows worse.
Mr. Blah has rightly referred to the warning issued by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, about the State facing an 80 per cent rainfall deficit. Such a warning, I feel, should not be taken lightly. It is a reminder that preparing in advance is always wiser than waiting for a crisis to unfold.
One point in the article that deserves special attention is that drought does not strike overnight. It develops slowly. Rainfall declines, the soil begins to dry, streams and springs lose water, crops suffer and, before long, people begin to feel the effects. If these warning signs are recognised in time, many hardships can be reduced through timely action.
The suggestions offered by Mr. Blah are practical and realistic. He has recommended the use of drought-resistant crop varieties, promotion of alternative crops, identification of water-stressed villages well in advance, assured supply of drinking water, Food—for–Work programmes and proper monitoring of relief measures. These are sensible steps that can help reduce suffering if the situation worsens.
He has also highlighted the importance of keeping the public informed and ensuring that relief measures are implemented honestly and transparently. During difficult times, people need accurate information and confidence that assistance will reach those who genuinely need it.
Meghalaya has always been known as one of the wettest regions in the world. That is why the present rainfall deficit should concern every one of us. If the shortage of rain continues, it may affect drinking water, dry up springs and rivers, lower groundwater levels, reduce agricultural production and create hardship for thousands of farming families. Above all, it reminds us that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible even in our own State.
Environmentalists have long advised a number of measures that can help protect our water resources. These include preventing indiscriminate felling of trees, planting more forests, conserving wetlands, promoting rainwater harvesting in homes, schools and government offices, restoring traditional springs and water bodies, constructing small check dams and ponds to store rainwater, preventing pollution of rivers and streams, encouraging water-efficient farming practices and spreading awareness about water conservation through schools, village authorities and community organisations.
The Government may also consider preparing a long-term policy on water conservation with the active participation of scientists, environmental experts, local communities and voluntary organisations. Such planning today can help us avoid a much bigger problem in the future.
We all hope that Meghalaya will not face a severe drought. Even so, changing weather patterns remind us that we cannot take nature for granted. Preparing in advance is not a sign of fear ; it is a sign of responsibility. Mr. Blah’s article is a timely reminder that protecting our forests, conserving water and using our natural resources wisely should become a shared responsibility of both the Government and the people.
Yours etc…,
Jairaj,
Via email
