Seeing the First Alumni Meet (21/11/12) photograph, I remembered how an alma mater is always the place to remember, I remembered my own school – the Basel Mission Higher Secondary School – Dharwad, Karnataka – which has completed more than 150 years.
 
While appreciating Eastern Panorama for publishing such a nice picture of the school, I would like to offer my special thanks for the write up of the poem penned by one of the Khasi poets published in a Khasi daily – Dr. Monkhmer Lyngdoh Kynshi.We must remember the roots of our education, those who shaped our childhood, making us grow into what we are today and the humble school which gave us so much.

With the article – ‘Green Warriors of Majer Char’ made for interesting reading. I was in the Dhubri area between 1978 – 79 almost 34 years ago as a young officer and moved a lot in the district including the Char lands (with no tree in sight). The article presents the painstaking efforts of Komor Uddin Ahmed and his brothers in growing plantations – later to be called Baganwala was later presented the Indira Priyadarshini Vikshamitra Award.

The changed lifestyle, education being given importance through the efforts of the above activists made for good reading. The photograph of Moniruddin Ahmed with the children of his school impressed me. Majority Muslim populated Char areas – with that many girl students must be the result of hard efforts put forth by the Moniruddin Moshai. Thanks to the good heart.

‘Cultural Roots – The Blooming of Awareness’ gave insights on the revival of the ancient Khasi culture and tradition. During my 3 year stay at Shillong, I studied enough of Khasi culture and tradition besides the Khasi language like studying any other language from a, b, c, d.

The construction of Shillong (Assam type) buildings impressed me and I wondered as to why the traditional house building in the ‘Scotland of the East’ has given way to a concrete jungle even as Shillong still retains its beauty.

‘Standoff – Demand for Implementation of Inner Line Permit in Meghalaya’ has analysed the issue threadbare following all aspects associated with it. The ultimate conclusion being Development devoid of Influx. I am not sure whether that is possible.

If you visit Bangalore, Mumbai or any of the smaller or even remote places of the South, you will be surprised to see the people from Bihar and the North East with people wondering – ‘Who are they – Where were they all these years?’

The influx in some way might have snatched the jobs or livelihoods of the locals and they accuse them for the increase in the crime rate as well! India being a free country, anyone can visit, stay, earn a livelihood anywhere – but here again, protagonism flourishes like Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, Karnataka.

These people are claiming to be fighting for the locals to be preferred in the job market – but how? Can they be eligible to hold these jobs just by virtue of being sons of the soil in spite of not having the interest / ability / attitude and qualifications to do so? Dr. Sarojini Mahishi Committee (Ex UP) urged for 65% upper class posts and 100 % Group D for Kannadigas and even after 30 years – the dream remains a dream.

As for preservation of ethnicity of the North East Region, Inner Line Permit may be one of the instruments but the NGOs, Government officials, peoples’ representatives have to come up with an ultimate solution.

ASHalbhavi
Bengalooru

The mushrooming of militant organizations in Garo Hills is solely because of one reason - lack of development. The road leading into Tura is a shambles, the youth are disillusioned and are in desperate need of employment. Garo hills is not even connected to Shillong by a motorable road - we have to travel through Assam to reach Shillong. What more can I say about this?

B. Momin
Tura

Cement companies often highlight their social service programmes even as they try to keep aas quiet as possible about the irreparable harm they are doing to the environment. My question is - what is the use of giving us a few crumbs off the table while you rob us of our future. Government officials and departments are alos to blame as they turn a blind eye to the obvious ill practices of these companies. How much are they making for keeping mum?

A L Bareh
Shillong

The article about the Reangs of Mizoram voting from Tripura is a clear indication that these people are more than ready to return to their original homes in Mizoram. The Government authorities both at the State and Centre should lay this matter to rest once and for all and see that these refugees are returned to their homes with suitable rehabilitation and compensation packages.

P L Das
Agartala