Editor,
A month before the announcement of the presidential candidates, there were discussions on National Televisions on the probable candidates that were doing the rounds. The two prominent names were those of former President APJ Abdul Kalam and the then Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee. Some of the ‘experts’ and politicians gave their opinions based on personal preferences. I clearly remember a Mukherjee loyalist distinctly stating that he would be proud if a fellow Bengali is elected President of India. Fine! No dispute! Nothing wrong! Others who preferred Kalam did not specifically state why, but inference could be made that they chose him because of his religion.
There are two points here: Religion and Regionalism. At that time PA Sangma was nowhere in the picture. There was no hue and cry about region and regionalism coming to the fore in the presidential election. As soon as PA Sangma (a tribal and Christian) decided to throw his hat in the presidential race all hell broke loose. Opposition flew thick and fast. Some respected personalities even mocked him. The number one minister in the state even got personal terming him ‘a rogue element’. I looked at a Garo Dictionary and found that the meaning of the word is unpleasant to say the least. Are such people fit to occupy the topmost post in the state? Some self proclaimed patriots wanted an “Indian president” as if Christians and tribals are aliens. As pointed by someone that the write-ups appearing in this newspaper smack of intolerance, dislike and a conspiracy to keep tribals, who also happen to be Christians, under subjection for many more centuries.
Agreed that religion (is personal), race, place of birth, language, etc. are accidents. They are not important. We should give importance to the personality, stature, achievements, capabilities, experience and qualifications of a person. In a word we should focus on merit. However we do not live in the air. We live in flesh and blood. We are humans. We are bound by religion, race and region. We live in a real world. As a matter of fact we live in a multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-linguistic society. Religion, language, race and region cannot be ignored. All are equal and are given equal opportunities. All are given the chance to shine. All are allowed to fulfil their dreams, ambition and aspiration.
While listening to the said discussions on Television I thought it was only natural for every Indian to want a person from his own region and race to become president of India or to occupy some such prestigious post. There’s nothing wrong in it. It does not mean we are against other regions or races. I had a little problem with religion (India being a secular country). But even here it is perfectly normal to see a fellow Christian or Muslim or Hindu doing well. It does not mean we hate other religions or that we are fanatics. Fanaticism and fascism are displayed differently. You can be liberal even as you stick to your roots.
When PA Sangma’s name came up all of us who expressed our support to him in writing want to demonstrate our happiness that a fellow Christian and tribal has a chance to occupy the highest post in the country. Our spirits were lifted. No hatred or intolerance for any region, religion or race was expressed. We support him for possessing the requisite qualities and qualifications and who is also a tribal. Those who oppose him do so for playing the tribal card despite having the necessary qualities and qualifications.
An able tribal like PA Sangma can be president of India. There should be no issue at all. The other issue raised against Purno is his accepting the support of the saffron party. On this count I think most tribals (at least Christians) disapprove. Yes, it is unfortunate that he has to bank on a communal party. The other supporting parties too are not known to be for tribals and Christians. J Jayalitha passed the anti conversion law while Naveen Patnaik’s record is pathetic. Remember Kandhamal? He has lost all popularity among the tribals of Odisha. By supporting the Christian tribal candidate they look to redeem themselves. In this sense they are using PA Sangma for their own benefit. He is a victim. He is forced to accept their support as the so-called secular parties do not want a tribal Christian in the Rashtrapati Bhavan!
Accepting or refusing the support of the BJP in particular – Was it a dilemma for PA Sangma? It would have been for me and I would prefer the latter.
Yours etc.,
Albert Thyrniang
Mendal Village
No retirement for some!
Editor,
If our youth don’t have a job, Forest Department is one department to be blamed as most of its retired staff are still enjoying the perks of the Department. Some who have retired five to six years ago, are still holding the best table which concern the schemes and expenditure of the Department, using the staff and drivers of the Department. The retired Head Assistant for instance continues in the same post. Who pays these retired incumbents? The Forest Department! And the reason given is that if these incumbents are not working then nobody can do the work. Hard to believe, but true. There may be other Departments with similar arrangements.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
