Editor,
It is with deep concern that I write about the moral decline I see in today’s society, both locally and globally. Change may be part of life’s journey, but what troubles me most is the growing lack of empathy and the confusion about what is right and wrong. I am not a psychologist nor a moral teacher, yet as a theologically trained person I can clearly sense that many of us are becoming less patient, less compassionate, and less connected to one another.
For generations, families and communities were built on love, care, and a strong sense of belonging. People stood by each other because they knew that unity meant safety and meaning. These values shaped our behaviour : good character was respected, while harmful actions were discouraged. This moral foundation helped societies survive and grow for centuries. But today, those values seem to be fading. The modern world we live in often rewards image over character, wealth over meaning, and so on. In fact, we appear more divided than being united. And on the personal level, we have created more enemies rather than forming more allies. Speaking of this, I am reminded of a scene from the famed The Lord of the Rings trilogy. When the wizard Gandalf reasons with his fellow wizard Saruman, who attempts to use dark power to gain control. Gandalf asks, “Since when did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?” That movie moment for me was not ordinary, but rather it speaks volume to our thoughts and against our perpetual actions every day.
What is more concerning is how easily our society now shrugs at things that once disturbed our peace. We take dishonesty as cleverness, selfishness as self-care, and cruelty as personal redemption. Most of us no longer ask whether something is truly right or wrong, but only whether it is convenient or popular. Gradually, this careless attitude pollutes our moral sense and leaves us spiritually confused, drifting without any clear direction for goodness. We are slowly becoming a generation of people who do less, feel less, and care less for others.
These problems are clearly visible at the family level. A friend of mine who is a police officer often shares cases they have taken almost every day – cases that arise from petty issues between husbands and wives. This shows how love, patience, and respect within the home are weakening. Besides that, relationships, dating, and marriage are becoming harder as ego, social media, materialism, and unrealistic expectations distort our very understanding of love and affection. And with that, Jesus’ End times prophecy in the gospel of Matthew 24 says, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” What we can grasp from the prophecy here is it feels painfully real day by day, as it is not a silly joke made up by somebody.
Finally, despite of all these, I believe hope will, and still remains as one of our nearest ally. But much depends on our willingness to nurture it too! If we care enough, we can protect our humanity by choosing kindness, by sticking to strong and meaningful values, by listening more than we speak, and by valuing a person over status. If we can return to these simple yet powerful principles, we may be able to preserve empathy, morality, and love during these difficult times – without compromising our conscience and moral integrity.
Yours etc.,
Sunrise Pohtam, M.Th,
Via email
Delay in implementing JJM Scheme
Editor,
I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities of the prolonged delay in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Mawiong. I have been residing in Mawiong for many years with the hope that the administration would eventually address the basic needs of the people living here. Unfortunately, till date, there is no clarity or communication regarding the rollout of the JJM scheme in our locality. While the scheme has successfully covered many rural areas across the state, it is disappointing that Mawiong— which can now be considered a semi-urban area—has been left out.
It is all the more concerning as access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic right of every citizen. I understand that certain issues, including pending dues from earlier phases, may have contributed to the delay. However, these administrative challenges should not result in the continued deprivation of the residents of Mawiong.
I sincerely request the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and the concerned authorities to look into this matter at the earliest and clearly communicate the reasons for the delay, along with a concrete timeline for the implementation of the JJM scheme in our area.
I hope this letter will prompt the authorities to take necessary and timely action in the interest of public welfare.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Church Cannot Be Weighed with Silver or Gold
Editor,
I deeply appreciate Toki Blah’s timely letter, “30 Pieces of Silver, Still Going Strong It Seems”. As a regular worshipper at the English Service Church I was unhappy, discomfited, dismayed and felt a sense of betrayal, at this bit of discouraging news. But I am at the same time comforted by a knowledge that the members of the Presbyterian Church in the State and indeed various sections of the Shillong citizenry will surely come together to protect this special place.
This church building has been standing for over a hundred years. It is one of the structures which stands witness to the heritage of the city of Shillong. With the huge growth of tourism, this small church has been an attraction to many visitors from different parts of the country, who are drawn by the quaint and appealing architecture. Many, however, simply respectfully walk in for a time of quiet prayer or meditation. For Shillong citizens it has served as a welcoming and homely church where all are warmly received, a place where they find solace, or answers to many questions of life, or meaning to experiences they encounter.
The plans to modernise the city had raised apprehensions among many worshippers about a year and a half back. The Chief Minister had however moved swiftly to assure believers, that the government has not made any decision to relocate any place of worship.
There is a need to modernise but to do so while preserving the history and culture of the city. Our children need places which they can identify with and be proud of. There is the example of the arch bridges which were on our roads. Yesterday I was dismayed to see the last arch bridge in Mylliem dismantled. Such bridges are examples to simple yet sturdy construction; structures which are pleasant to the eye and need no maintenance for ages. The one at Mawsmai spanning a beautiful clear stream was knocked down several years ago by over-eager constructors who did not value its aesthetics, or the physics lessons such constructions hold for school children.
While the English Service property is owned by the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly the church has been adopted by many as their own local church. In order to take care of this century-old wooden structure members of the congregation have been sharing the burden for its maintenance with an attachment and devotion reflecting their commitment to this church and their trust in God.
Their trust and commitment have proven to be successful as worshippers strive, in the spirit and of Jesus Christ, to have this church serve all who enter its gates.
Yours etc.,
Barkos Warjri,
Via email
