Editor,
Under-graduate results 2018 had been released by NEHU recently. But the ‘Merit List’ has not yet been released till date. Now it’s time for students to apply for book grants and merit scholarships but the dilemma before them is that they do not know where they stand in the merit list. Without that knowledge how will they know if they are eligible to apply for the same. The situation is problematic and confusing for the students who are entitled to apply for scholarship schemes sponsored by the state or central government. NEHU has been amiss in this and does not even seem to bother about this gross misdemeanour. Will the Vice Chancellor please explain these lapses?
Yours etc.,
SK Lyngdoh
Shillong- 2
Making a mark in the Assembly
Editor,
In the just concluded five day Autumn Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly held from Sept. 21 – 27 (with a days’ break) many MLAs took part in the proceedings of the House but those who were more active and who ultimately stole the show were the first timers – SK Sunn, H.M Shangpliang, George B. Lyngdoh and Maralbon Syiem. These members actively participated during question hour, motions and resolutions. Moreover, their performance was more than satisfactory and at times quite good if not excellent. They are adept with the businesses of the House. It is hoped that they will perform even better in the days to come. Other first timers who made their maiden attempts were Rakkam Sangma member from Siju-Rongara constituency and Pius Marwein, MLA from Ranikor constituency during call attention motions and question hour respectively. Another older member who was most active in the House was Process T. Sawkmie, MLA from Mawlai constituency. Every time he would rise up to raise questions or other issues. Among the ministers of this MDA Government, the performance of Banteidor Lyngdoh, MLA from Mawkynrew constituency and Samlin Malngiang, MLA from Sohiong constituency left much to be desired. Even Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma was found wanting as he stammered on several occasions. He needs to do a lot studies and homework to come out with flying colours in the future sessions.
Yours etc.,
Philip Marwein,
Via email
Watering down Section 497
Editor,
The recent news on section 497 of the Indian Penal Code has created confusion among the people. Many have questioned the decision of the Supreme Court. The decision for striking down this Section is a very well thought-out one by the four Justices and Chief Justice of India, Deepak Mishra. However, Section 497 has not been struck down completely. While it is no longer a criminal offence it is still a civil offence which means a man committing adultery will no longer serve a prison term but will be liable to compensation only.
The law has been criticized for being unfair to men, as the woman who cheats on her husband does not fall under this Section and unfair to the wife who is cheated since she does not have the right to file for adultery under this Section against her husband. It is said to violate Article 14 – ‘Right to Equality’ a fundamental right of the Constitution. It has been seen that there is no more ‘fear of punishment’ in people but ‘fear of money’ still exists to some extent. A civil offence means that there is no limit as to how much compensation is to be paid by such husband to the aggrieved wife, which creates a fear of money in people.
Whether this decision is really helpful or not is hard to tell. Only time will show the results.
Yours etc.,
Reakor Shisha Kharkrang,
Shillong,- 9
Tagore’s poem resonates with Lennon
Editor,
Rabindranath Tagore’s masterpiece ~ chhito jetha bhayshunyo ~ a poem written in Bengali in 1910 was translated into English ~ Where the mind is without fear ~ in 1912. The poem has made a profound impact on the freedom loving people all over the world. Interestingly, we have heard, as it were, the essence of this poem in the chart-topper song ~ Imagine. It was written and sung by John Lennon in 1971 ~ fifty-nine years after English rendering of chitto jetha bhayshunyo. Tagore imagined a world without boundaries ~ “Where the world has not been/ broken up into fragments/ By narrow domestic walls”
This has got, so to speak, a beautiful response in Lennon’s song ~ “Imagine there’s no country / It isn’t hard to do/ Nothing to kill or die for/ And no religion, too”
The poem is totally against the falsehood of divide in the land ~ “Where words come out from the depths of truth/ Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection”
The song seems to have been responded with the lines ~ “Imagine no possessions/ I wonder if you can/ No need for greed or hunger/ A brotherhood of man”
The poem has described a land which is free from all forms of violence ~ “Where the mind is without/ fear and the head is held high” Whereas Lennon told us to ~ “Imagine all the people/ Living in peace… “
The poem cries for freedom from superstitions and mechanical rituals that distribute passports for a heaven of myths and prays for a land ~ “Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way/ Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit”
Whereas the song is also against religious ethics and myths ~ “Imagine there’s no heaven/ It’s easy if you try/ No hell below us/ Above us only sky/ Imagine all the people/ Living for today…”
In his song, John Lennon repeatedly said, ~ “You may say I’m a dreamer/ But I’m not the only one” Perhaps he meant Tagore as the other one! Some of us may say that John Lennon was a dreamer. But he was certainly not the only one.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata