Editor,
The recent action of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in compelling the closure of banks, post offices and other central government offices during the Nongkrem Dance Festival is a matter of concern. The festival is a sacred and proud celebration of our heritage, yet enforcing a state holiday upon central institutions extends beyond legal and administrative limits. Central offices function under national laws and cannot be compelled to close unless officially notified by the Centre.
What is more troubling is that such incidents have been happening repeatedly, yet there seems to be little or no firm response from the authorities. This trend must be put to an end. The police and district administration must act decisively to uphold the rule of law and protect essential services from unlawful interference.
As an educated student body, the KSU is expected to lead with wisdom and reason, not emotion. Cultural pride gains true strength when expressed through understanding, dialogue and lawful means not through force or disruption. Respecting our traditions is important, but equally important is respecting the Constitution that safeguards those very traditions.
Let our actions reflect both our cultural depth and our maturity as a society.
Yours etc.,
Thomas J Wahlang
Via email
Educated but Unemployed
Editor,
In reference to a touching article, “The Tale of Bah Bor from Sohra” by Salil Gewali, published in your esteemed daily on Nov 8, 2025, I wish to appreciate the writer for highlighting the harsh realities faced by our youths today. The story of Bah Bor is not just one man’s struggle. As Gewali rightly points out, it reflects the suffering of young people across the country. Every word in the article deeply touched me personally. Despite earning college degrees like B.A, BBA, B.Tech and M.A., educated youths are unable to find employment worthy of their qualifications. The job market is shrinking, and vacancies are few. As a result, many are forced to accept low-paying jobs just to survive like washing cars, working as salesmen, assisting plumbers and electricians, or doing manual labour at construction sites and motor garages. These jobs are often far below their qualifications, but they have no option.
The ongoing economic slowdown has made things worse. Even employers are struggling and unable to offer good salaries. Poor families invest everything they have to educate their children, hoping for a better future. But when those dreams are met with disappointment, it leaves the parents even more distressed. Due to continuous frustration, youths also indulge in drugs, burglaries, and other illicit activities. We hope the government understands the real plight of the youth and takes meaningful action, not just offering hollow rhetoric.
Yours etc.,
V. Sharma,
Via email
Noble name of RSS under a cloud!
Editor,
Shockingly, it was in the month of 0ctober this year that one 26-year-old Anandu Aji, a software engineer, was found dead inside a hotel room in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with a suicide note for reason of being sexually abused consistently by the RSS’ members! He claimed that such harrowing ordeals had haunted him ad nauseam after joining the RSS disciplinary camp in his childhood days when he was merely 3 or 4 years of age thereby leading him to unimaginable mental health disorders/ distress. Subsequently he was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) consequent to physical abuse. Furthermore, the star-crossed Aji has reportedly scripted in his suicide note, thus, “l’m committing suicide not because of any girl, love affair, debt, or anything like that. I’m doing this because of my anxiety and depressive episodes. Also because of my medicines. l can’t concentrate on my work.” Such harrowing and torturing experiences were literally breathing down his neck times without number, turning him into a walking hell with no beckoning light of hope at hand whatsoever! Without mincing words, the victim had also alleged, ” Never befriend an RSS member. Not only friends, even if it is your family…….They carry so much venom. They are the real abusers.”
In the context of children joining RSS camp, he warned” l know nobody would believe me as l don’t have any proof. But my life itself is my proof. I’m doing this as l don’t want another child to go through what I suffered”.
In the wake of the aforesaid tragic episode, the incumbent President of the Indian Youth Congress Uday Bhanu Chib couldn’t have been more right when he befittingly commented that, “RSS has become a den of exploitation”
Co-incidentally, nearer home, one can definitely never forget how two gullible village boys one from Lyndem, East Khasi Hills and the other from Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills while pursuing their study in an alleged RSS run institution in Karnataka had tragically died owing to food poisoning after consuming contaminated eatable leftovers from the Holi festivals celebrated elsewhere. Additionally, several co- students from our land of Hynñewtrep were also victims of the same incident but fortunately they managed to survive post hospitalization. Such horrific narratives ought to serve as a warning to all and sundry to be aware of the organisation they associate with and weigh the pros and cons before jumping in mindlessly.
Yours etc.,
Jerome K Diengdoh,
Shillong-2
