THE VOICE

By Subash Deb
Many believe that Shillong is a place where God has revealed himself in many ways. Since time immemorial Shillong has enjoyed the grace of the Almighty. Today, we may find these affirmations difficult to understand because we are lost somewhere– in an undefined mission. Missionaries discovered and chose this place for establishing an advanced civilization which understands and spreads love. If truth be told, all religions are all-embracing. We become fundam-entalists and fanatics for our own selfish reasons and become intolerant of one another. It was alright so long as education was not universal and was limited to only few. However, today, education is widespread, yet we are lost! Education may not change our religious views, but if it fails to change ourselves for the better then there is certainly a problem with our education system which needs immediate correction.

Whether one accepts it or not, Shillong has been a cosmopolitan city, thriving with a true Indian concept of ‘Beauty in cultural diversity’. Many cultures have co-existed here. Undeniably, the landscape of Shillong will look barren without this spirit of co-existence. This is not my view; it is accepted by one and all. Like others, this city also hit a rough patch yet cultural tolerance has been its biggest strength and for which it occupies a unique global position. People remember Shillong not only because of its scenic beauty but also the Khasis who make this place more vibrant with their music, liveliness and lifestyle.

These happy and lively people who love to sing and dance share a symbiotic relationship with their environment. They may not fit well in other environments. Hence they are scared of the sudden exodus of illegal migrants from neighbouring countries and states which may disturb this balance. Our concept of global world should not disturb such natural settings in the name of development. Thus, they are not wrong when they are out to protect themselves even as some protests have taken a violent turn. People become violent when there is a leadership crisis or become victims of political moves which are ridden with vested interests. Every step counts towards achieving a goal. We must bear in mind that violence begets violence and ends with no solution.

There are people worldwide who are misinterpreting the current agitation and terming it a communal tension whereas the NGOs are not wrong this time. Are we a failure in communicating that we are not against genuine Indian citizens? The able leadership of the KSU and other organizations would not deny that the indigenous tribes have co-existed with genuine Indians since many generations. Hence, they have drawn a line between the genuine and the non-genuine citizens. Anti-social elements and miscreants have always been a spoilsport in several demands and protests of the past. There is a precedence, hence we should guide ourselves accordingly. Let’s not tarnish the image of Shillong in the name of well being of the state and its people.

Whether their demand for ILP is right or wrong is what their educated heads should decide. It’s not anybody who should come out with opinions every now and then without even understanding the pros and cons. Shillong is not only a cultural center but also a musical city, and I feel the Khasis are musical genius. My association with them since my childhood days has still kept me honest, happy and lively even though I haven’t made it big in music. I never shy away whenever I get an opportunity to write and talk about the Khasi people. I fondly recount the festive months to my friends. Despite being a Christian dominant state, the capital city celebrates each and every festival with grandeur. The best part is when all people irrespective of caste, creed and religion come together to give particular occasions a grand success. Be it Id, Christmas or Durga Puja! We celebrate all with equal pleasure. I believe Durga Puja will be celebrated with equal fervour this time too.

Read more at http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2013/10/09/paradise-is-not-lost/#tGg95pv8FoCb6LF5.99

Poor law, unsafe women………..

By

Subash Deb

Like corruption, incidents of murder, extortion, rape are increasing day by day in our country. The powerful and mighty get easily away from the arms of law and everyone seem to be enjoying the ride over the weaker section of our society. In a country like India where women have been considered a form of ‘Shakti’, an avatar of Maa Durga, are now defiled in a broad day light without any fear of law and God.Human beings are getting oblivious of humanity and committing barbarous acts. Our society is perhaps heading for a major transformation where in one human being is losing respect for another. Despite tremendous developments and progress, we are still making way for major destruction at the cost of our moral values and virtues that we proudly claim of inheriting from our past generations.

Every other minute, there are reports of heinous crime across the nation which is being perpetrated by strangling and trampling on humanity. The recent case of gang rape in our national capital in which a 23 year old girl was gangraped, beaten severely and brutalized by six men on board and thrown off a moving bus is an omen that speaks loudly of the degradation of human values and culture in our society. This in the heart of the capital. Right now, as she battles for her life, doctors say that the 6 men who raped her, beat her up so brutally that there is irreparable damage to her intestines.

The statement like ‘an administrative and political capital has become a rape capital of our country’ would soon turn into an aphorism as the city of Delhi has perhaps become the most unsafe city for women. Apart from other crimes, incident of rape cases has become a regular phenomenon in the national capital. The recent one has been more horrendous than ever and has shaken the whole nation. Thousands of people are erupting in protests resulting in a huge wave of pressure on the Government to take solid, substantial action on the issue once and for all.

Some wonders what mothers are teaching their sons now-a-days. Well, upbringing is one of the problems but one cannot deny the poor law enforcement in India. Crimes, as such, have to be put to an end before they make a deep rooted seat in our society. The accused and perpetrators of crime must be given an exemplary punishment so that the criminals who are roaming scot free have the fear of the law and think twice before committing a heinous crime. However, the 6 men went on their daily business like they will never be caught. This is a comment on the toothlessness of our rape laws & low conviction rate. This needs to change. No one should think that they can commit violence against women and get away with it.

Now, the question is what sort of punishment should be given to the perpetrators of such crime. Death penalty or life time imprisonment? Secondly, can our court system deliver justice effectively and in a time bound manner? Or will it be like any other case which is filed but remain pending for years?

Whatever punishment be given to those criminals, unless and until our court system is effective, police officials are efficient and stringent deterrents are in place, one cannot expect any positive change in the rate of crimes taking place in our society. It may not be possible to fix everything in one go, but at least we should start with devising preventive measures before crimes rates touch an alarming rate in our country.

 

Kudos to the present government for easing the burden of citizens. We welcome the new public transport system in Shillong. Moreover, this may be a lesson for alleged errant drivers who packed their vehicles to capacity ignoring the comfort of the passengers and fleece the passengers by over charging fares from them, though they ferry them to their destinations on time. The East Khasi Hills Taxi Drivers and Owners Association should make sincere efforts to bring those errant cab drivers to book on a priority basis lest they face a major crisis in near future and local taxis become a page in history. Why should the genuine Taxi Drivers and Owners suffer for those meanders? We are responsible citizens first then commuters or anything else next who are presumably making both ends meet by overcoming the pressure of astronomical prices and fares. The powers that be are elected on the strength of the votes of their electorate, with no distinction in the power of the single vote, so whenever they do anything for the benefit of citizens, that should reach and touch each and every citizen equally. Buses are a great boon to the commuters and a good source of revenue for the government but what about the other sections of our society who are solely dependent on certain transport system for earning their livelihood? Whatever it is, we are killing our major focus by blaming each other—suggestions after suggestions are still not solving the ever growing problems of our society. The omen says we need to sit and discuss and find out an antiphon that makes us all happy.

Coming to the point, can these limited number of bus services cater to the ever growing population of the city? For this, more buses have to be pressed into service in future which will not ease commuters’ problems but aggravate. School students and office goers in particular will have to make their way through traffic snarls. Hope that school authorities and government establishments make some arrangement for the late comers. Even the dignitaries’ vehicles with red beacons can face the traffic snarls but not the emergency ambulance carrying patients. So, now we need emergency routes too. It seems solution for one begets problems for another!

By
Subash Deb

The move by the UPA Led congress government to hike the price of petrol by 5 rupees has affected the common people who are already reeling under inflation. This sudden hike is the result of erratic policy of the Union government on fuel pricing.

With the increase in petrol prices the cost to motor car owners and taxi drivers increases. Nobody is bothered if the car owners suffer a cost increase. But the taxi driver can not absorb the increase in petrol costs. He has to increase the taxi fare. And this affects the middle class people. All the bus companies have to increase the bus fares - which affects the middle class as well as the poor. Kudus to the step of the government for immediately requisitioning buses and contemplating on the idea of pressing more into service for the benefit of the commuters.

Taxis in Shillong form the lifeline of the communication system and all of a sudden if they go off the road it is surely going to add to the hardships of the commuters. Reading the comments, of the people regarding the strike called by East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association, in the local newspapers one can simply conclude that most of the people who regularly hire taxi for commuting are seemingly not so happy with the services of the LOCAL Cabbies. But seeing the matter from one side is not justified. However, it looks weird when some people go to the extent of saying that if local taxis go off the road there will be less pollution and the government run buses are doing fine and Shillong must remain like this. Is this comment justifiable in the context of people driving taxis not by choice but by compulsion?  Many are dependent on this service for their livelihood?

Are taxis the only cause of pollution? One cannot settle his personal scores with these hapless sufferers at a time like this.  If government employees can demand for hike in their salaries because of inflation then why not these self employed people who are also members of the same society? Price rise affects all and sundry.  It is an undeniable fact that because taxi drivers are self employed they cannot demand for recommendation of better pay commission. They can at worst go to the extent of strike to demand for their rights. Government is justified in requisitioning bus services for the betterment and benefit of the commuters but according to the directive principles of our constitution government being the welfare state have to think equally for all the sections of our society.

We have time to speak about the unruly behaviour of these taxi drivers but spare little time to consider their plight. Though their untimely call for strike may be unwanted but thinking from their standpoint it seems just right. On the other hand hike in taxi fare may affect the poor commuters who are solely dependent on taxis for transportation. Now it’s time that government intervenes and provide a solution which will help solve the plight of both the taxi drivers and the commuters.

By 

Subash Deb
(This missive was written when Taxi Drivers and Owners in Shillong, fought for hike in taxi fares due to increase in price of petrol during the month of May, 2011)

Subash Deb's opinion on CWG Scam is published on September First issue of Women's Era 2010
To download the copy please click on the following link....

When we read the local newspaper, we find some articles which have already been published in metro dailies or in some books by some other writers, find place in some of the local dailies. What some of the young writers do, they just lift the appropriate articles and send in them for publication in the local newspapers. It is my advice to the young writers that they should not copy from others writings and put their names on such work.  This is not a good practice. They should not try to become something that they are actually not! Plagiarisation must stop.

And what is more it is a common experience that the newspapers also do not seem to mind write-ups poor in composition and grammatically incorrect. Editors I am sure, would not mind articles written in simple English- never think articles with long, pompous words are a mark of good English. In fact, it is the opposite! If the thoughts flow into one another, fitting properly and smoothly, then one is on one’s way to writing well.

Once again, Plagiarism, must be avoided because it is not a good practice.

Festivals come and go. We have big promises to keep and a pledge to make with every dawn of the new year that we would do something different for ourselves. Surprisingly in a very selfish way we have forgotten important issues that concern our very existence. One issue that should concern each and every citizen of Shillong is the ecological degradation of the city.

Shillong(formerly known as LABAN) was compared to Scotland by the erstwhile British tourists and administrators. The comparison thus given to this beautiful hill station was quite befitting as the city has been richly blessed with its natural beauty and awesome climate. The stories from our parents and elders have it that before independence Shillong was really a beautiful town specially created by God. Its topography and beautiful landscape and the wonderful climatic conditions it enjoys all make it the best hill station ever. All around this beautiful town there were verdant forests of pine trees and rhododendrons and other indigenous trees. The roads were clean and orderly. Flowers were grown in and around public residences and parks. The whole atmosphere was bathed in fragrance. But soon after independence there was a sudden influx of refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the Government of Assam had to establish a refugee colony in the outskirts of Shillong. There was a sudden spurt in population. Lands hitherto covered with beautiful plants, trees and other vegetation were converted into housing colonies like Lachumere, Pinemount School area, Kench’s Trace and the beautiful Polo ground areas.

Even those which were termed as "Green Blocks" have turned into housing colonies. All these contribute to the degradation of the erstwhile beautiful environment of Shillong.

Meghalaya was declared a full fledged state in 1972. The small township of Shillong has experienced dramatic demographic changes since then. Establishments of various departments of the central government here has resulted in further increase of population on account of migration of rural folks to the city in search of jobs and better prospects. They have a right to pursue various trades and other business enterprises but the influx has further degraded the ecological status of Shillong.

Today Shillong stands at a critical juncture where the very idea of it being compared to Scotland is in jeopardy. This beautiful city is on the verge of losing its place of pride and uniqueness. Shillong is already over-populated but the city has not expanded. Its citizens too lack civic sense. The new township has remained stagnant Urban towns Unless its citizens wake up and do something Shillong will become a messy and dirty urban jungle.


By Subash Deb

 

In view of Assembly elections bipartite and tripartite meetings are going on to reach an unerring solution as to who should be our next leader? And which party should come to power for better governance of our state. As we all know a country or a state without governance looks queer and weird. Election is a medium through which the body of electors chooses their leader.

As election is a decision-making process so the electorate get a golden opportunity to choose their desired leader. Pre-election scenario is quite different from that of the post-election setup. So electorate should use their power properly and meticulously. Our vote is our power and it's very precious because it decides the fate of our constituency, state and country as a whole. One should not let his or her vote go waste by voting selfish and avaricious politicos. We have to form such a government which can ensure and guarantees peace, progress, prosperity and all round development of our state. Electorate have the prerogative to know who is what and who is an efficient person before casting their votes. Well, growth and development may be a few people's concern but assistance in the hour of need is everybody's concern. Choosing an altruistic, generous leader is not an easy task especially when more than one person is contesting from the same constituency. If one rack's one's brains he or she will reach an antiphon as to who should be the next leader? We have come across various leaders and their governance so now we are in a position to decide who is what and whom should we vote to power. In spite of all these our votes still fail to choose the right person. It is because of the fact that we get attracted and allured by tricky politicians who campaign in such a manner that we vote for them and repent afterwards. So the saying goes 'Think twice before what you do'.

There are some factors we have to take into consideration before casting our votes. Let's go constituency wise. Is the constituency developed/developing in all respects? Or is it still dormant? What has the MLA of the respective constituency done for its overall development? Problems may vary from one constituency to another, but some problems relating to infrastructure, water, drainage, sanitation etc., remain the same. Taking all these into account and also other things will bring the perfect leader in front of our eyes.

Chants and slogans during the election time are meant for attracting voters towards a particular leader and party. Some contestants even go to the extent of hiring sophomoric people to campaign for them. Vote is everything for this type of politicians and they can sacrifice everything to win election. Clashes and conflicts among various communities are the result of such type of election campaign. It is OK if the aspirant flays and criticise the opposition party but it has a devastating effect if the wannabe criticises the leader of the opposition party in the name of religion and community he belongs to. This is the tendency of the present day electioneering. The ramification of such political campaign is cataclysmic. They promise peace, prosperity and development but indirectly they are the one who actually paves the way for communal disharmony resulting in slow growth and stagnant economy.

I spent a good four weeks visiting friends and people and I asked them about the state of political affairs in Meghalaya. Needless to say almost everyone commented on how pathetic the situation is, how corruption had seeped into every little nook and corner of our political setup. The government has failed to impress people. Its priorities are left far behind and reshuffle and frequent change of leadership have created bad impression.

Discussions and advice always remain in paper and nobody care to follow. The present politicians are the root cause of concern. They manipulate and divide the country as per their requirement and dump their voters once get elected. Today when India is becoming a rising super power and economy is flourishing the present lot of politicians and new vibrant young generation should take on. It is high time that the citizens of this country should rise above caste, creed and colour while choosing their leader so that India can boast of having good educated leaders who are interested in social service.

By
Subash Deb

It is a matter of great concern that the plight of local taxi drivers has not been given a thought to despite the fact that taxis are a great service to the public, of course, at a price fixed by the concerned authority. If one is late for school/office the cabbies serve the purpose and drop us at our destinations. Talking about traffic rules, taxis are the ones that abide by these rules for the most part, except for a few who are young in this line. They earn their livelihood by the sweat of their brow and obey the rules passed by the Government from time to time. They also pay their taxes as laid down by the Department of Transport, unlike those businessmen who pay unwillingly and no doubt with manipulation. The new regulation of Stickers and Identity cards introduced by the Government of Meghalaya is welcomed by the Taxi owners and drivers wholeheartedly. In spite of this sincere service taxi drivers receive a raw deal. Traffic rules are meant for those who drive vehicles on the road, so the penalty should be the same for law breakers. But it is seen that local taxi drivers suffer the most. Ironically traffic police who are educated don't have a word of civility to speak to a cab-man except for some filthy words. Passengers who avail this service are happy but get angry once the driver charges extra fares for a hike in fuel price. Passengers know the truth but still try to brow-beat drivers by noting down their vehicle number and submitting it to the concerned authority to take action against them. Instead of raising their voices against the government for hike in fuel price and essential commodities people like to stamp on the weak.

Taxi drivers face enormous risks but no one thinks about their security? They are killed, robbed of their vehicles and also die in freak accidents. But who cares?

Many unemployed youth are earning their livelihood from plying taxis because the Government has failed to generate employment. Educated youths produced by the Board/University every year end up jobless. Isn't driving a taxi a better option than resorting to arms? Government spends crores of rupees in fighting militancy but why does it fail to root out militancy? When an educated youth does not find employment he takes up arms and then the Government requests him to surrender with a promise of a good future. But when the same person takes up some decent means of livelihood, say means that are not up to the mark, according to our so-called society they don't get their due respect from the concerned people and authority. Why is it like this?

It is high time to treat taxi drivers with the dignity they deserve.

Yours etc.,
Subash Deb

This article was published 11th September 2008

It is a matter of great concern that fictitious persons sometimes send threatening and alluring e-mails. Such type of incidents have come out to be a menace in internet world. We have seen one such example of such incident in the letters column of The Shillong Times recently. Is this the intention of some vested interested organization to terrorize people and disturb peace and tranquility in Shillong?

Shillong has set the best example of peace and communal harmony in the past few years. However, if the intention of the sender is to disturb communal harmony he has just opted the worst option as he does not know the unity of different communities here with the indigenous people. This fact can be testified by the Amit Paul phenomenon. Meghalaya has set a record of advanced civilization. People of the State have realized that development cannot come without peace and peace comes when people live unitedly. Now some anti-social elements may be jealous by seeing the harmony prevailing in the State.

It is my firm belief that Shillongites are not so foolish that they don't understand the intention of the anti-social elements. Now it is for the authorities concerned to bring the culprit to book and teach him such a lesson of a life time.

Again the cyber cafes have a great role to play in this connection. They can record the details of their customers in a separate register. So when the time demands, they can produce the register before the authorities.

One major issue I would like to highlight through this letter is that visitors to the cyber cafes are of two types -- experts and non-experts. Experts take care of everything from signing in to signing off. However, non-experts log in their e-mail accounts and sometimes forget to sign out. So what happens is that in the meantime any subsequent user could misuse his mail. I would request the owners of the cyber cafes to make sure that customers visiting their café should sign out properly before the next one uses that computer. I would also request the internet surfers and chatters to make sure that they don't leave the cyber café before signing off their mail account or any account on the net. It is for their own safety.

Yours etc.,
Subash Deb

This article was published on 26th January 2008