Editor,
The recent tragic passing of our beloved Dr. Ricky A. J. Syngkon, Member of Parliament from our State, reportedly due to cardiac arrest, has left the people of Meghalaya in shock and deep sorrow. Beyond the grief and condolences, however, this incident compels us to reflect on a pressing question: Could timely intervention by trained bystanders have made a difference?
Sometimes as a layperson I wonder whether certain lives can be saved or certain deaths can be prevented, if at the critical moment between life and death, an intervention can be made or tried. An intervention in the form of administering basic life-saving procedures as per the medical situation.
What if those fellow players with Dr. Ricky Syngkon at the time he suffered cardiac arrest knew how to administer CPR and followed certain Do’s and Don’ts at the spot while waiting for professional medical assistance to arrive or on the way to a health care facility which can significantly improve the survival rate. I believe CPR is one of the initial procedures administered in case of Cardiac Arrest amongst other things (Medical Experts can correct me if I am wrong in this case). By knowing certain basic life-saving skills, I believe some lives can be saved because during these moments, time is very critical – the time between the cardiac arrest until the time medical help arrives or till the time the patient reaches a hospital. This ‘in between’ time is very crucial. It decides the fate of the suffering person. It is during these precious minutes that bystander intervention can prove decisive.
This tragedy, along with other untimely deaths we have witnessed in recent years, highlights the urgent need for widespread awareness and training in basic life-saving skills among the general public. CPR, for example and knowledge of essential Do’s and Don’ts during medical emergencies are not skills that should be confined to healthcare professionals alone. They are skills that ordinary citizens can and should learn. People should be taught these skills; they will come in handy and be very useful when such situations arise.
For this to happen, a holistic approach is required involving everyone’s participation and collaboration, right from Government Departments like Health, Police, Home Guards, SDRF, etc., and schools, colleges and the community as a whole. Training programmes can be designed and implemented in collaboration with Government Departments.
At the community level, institutions such as the Dorbar Shnongs can play a pivotal role by organising training sessions for residents. Community halls and local gatherings can serve as practical platforms for demonstrations and workshops. When knowledge is shared collectively, confidence grows collectively.
Schools and colleges should incorporate basic life-support training into their curriculum. Young people, in particular, can quickly grasp and confidently apply such skills when properly trained.
Making life-saving training accessible and widespread is not merely a medical initiative; it is a social responsibility. It fosters a culture of preparedness, compassion and civic duty. More importantly, it empowers ordinary individuals to act decisively in medical emergencies.
While not every tragedy can be prevented, some lives can indeed be saved through timely intervention. Saving one life means preserving a family, a future and a contribution to society. Let the recent loss serve not only as a moment of mourning but also as a catalyst for a meaningful change.
Together we can collectively make a difference – a difference to someone’s family, a difference to the society.
Your’s etc.,
Gordon Lyngdoh,
Shillong 2
Tribute or Threat?
Editor,
The passing of Dr. Ricky AJ Syngkon is undoubtedly tragic. Any public representative who dies in service deserves dignity and respect. A holiday as a mark of respect is within the prerogative of the government. However, when such decisions appear inconsistent, questions naturally arise.
Dr. Ricky AJ Syngkon had not even completed two years as a Member of Parliament. Yet, on his funeral day, a public holiday was declared by the National People’s Party-led government in Meghalaya. In contrast, when former Chief Minister D.D. Lapang- a four-time Chief Minister who dedicated decades of his life to public service passed away in September 2025, the government declared three days of state mourning and accorded a state funeral, but no public holiday was announced on the day of his funeral.
This contrast invites serious reflection. If the yardstick for declaring a holiday is the stature and contribution of a leader, then the legacy of a four-time Chief Minister surely warrants equal, if not greater recognition. If the yardstick is political affiliation, then the public deserves clarity. Governance must not operate on selective standards.
Equally concerning is the conduct of Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) the so-called “non-political organisation” that allegedly forced the closure of shops and commercial establishments, Central Government Offices like Post Office and Banks across the city. Respect cannot be manufactured through coercion. Mourning is meaningful only when it is voluntary. Forcing daily wage earners, small shopkeepers, and business owners to shut down their livelihoods in the name of respect is not tribute. It is intimidation.
No organisation, regardless of its claimed neutrality, has the moral authority to override the economic rights of citizens. If they truly believe in honouring a departed leader, they should lead by example through peaceful observance, community service, or memorial programmes not through pressure tactics that punish ordinary people.
The government, too, must clarify its stance. Was the closure officially mandated? If not, why was it allowed to happen? If yes, why was similar treatment not extended previously? Consistency in state decisions is the cornerstone of public trust. When standards shift depending on who is in office or which political formation is in power, suspicion of political motivation becomes inevitable.
This is not about diminishing one leader to elevate another. It is about fairness, proportionality, and institutional integrity. Public grief should unite citizens not deepen perceptions of political favouritism.
A transparent explanation from the government would help restore confidence. And organisations claiming to be “non-political” must prove it through their conduct, not just their labels.
Yours etc.,
Tynshain K Lyngdoh,
Via email
Drastic Steps Needed for Cleaning Our Surroundings
Editor,
Cleanliness of our surroundings is an issue that must be viewed from a broader perspective. It is no longer just a local concern but a national responsibility. The Government of India must introduce stricter laws and enforceable policies against littering, spitting, and indiscriminate disposal of waste in public places.
Garbage is often thrown carelessly on sidewalks, footpaths, roadsides, and even from moving vehicles. In many areas, household waste and commercial waste generated by shops are dumped directly onto streets, riverbeds, and waterfronts. Such practices not only damage the environment but also reflect a serious lack of civic sense.
It is time for stricter enforcement. Without clear laws, penalties, and fines, meaningful behavioural change is unlikely. Civic sense cannot develop through awareness alone; accountability is equally necessary. If we truly want to see a clean and beautiful India, people must understand that public spaces belong to everyone and must be respected.
Festivals are another major concern. After celebrations, many public places are left polluted with waste scattered everywhere. Similarly, concerts and large public gatherings contribute significantly to environmental damage when proper waste management measures are not enforced. Shillong, known for its vibrant music culture and frequent concerts, must ensure that event organizers and attendees take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness.
We must safeguard our halls, streets, and public spaces so that visitors and locals alike do not dirty, pollute, or damage the natural beauty of Meghalaya.
Clear posters, banners, and signboards should be displayed to remind citizens and tourists to maintain cleanliness and respect the environment.
We need to wake up and act. Only through strict regulations, public awareness, and collective responsibility can we build a cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful nation.
Thanking you,
Dr B R Laitphlang.
Via email
