FIFA WORLD CUP 2010

FIFA’s norm for an International football pitch is about 100 by 75 meter, but this “International” football field is weirdly numbered 1267/1S.
Many grueling International encounters were held on this field between lowly FIFA-ranked India (133) and Bangladesh (157).
Barefooted men, dribbled, tackled and shoulder-challenged to tear through opponents’ defense and let in blinding shots at the back of the net. There were scenes of jubilation and also a few tears shed after 90 minutes.
That was when good old footballs were hand- stitched in old-fashioned way and Jabulanis didn’t swerve uncomfortably and Bangladesh was a concept.
Back then, people from erstwhile East Pakistan entered the haloed pitch on weekly market days and engaged in fiercely contested soccer matches in Lyngkhat football field after a good day of barter trade in Betel leaves and nuts, Oranges and other perishable items.
After 1971, Bangladesh wanted rules changed in its favour and laid claim over the field. India immediately flashed the red-card to the Bangladeshis.
In fact, the entire Lyngkhat village, dubbed as Lakhancherra by Bangladeshis is being claimed and is in “adverse possession” of India. The field falls between border pillar 1267 and sub-pillar 1S.
Holding of friendly matches is therefore unthinkable. Bangladesh Rifles and Border Security Force now walk on opposite ends of the field, both refereeing with its own set of rules.
“The demarcation is so vague. The field is a classic example of a flawed demarcation. It falls between International border pillar 1267 and sub pillar 1S,” a BSF official posted in the area said.
He said Indians do enjoy maximum possession of the field and Bangladeshi villagers are left as mere spectators. “They do watch Indian villagers playing from their side known as Islampur,” he added.
Lyngkhat village headman, Skhem Dkhar said the trend of holding soccer matches still prevails and on weekly market days such matches are held now amongst different villages, especially in winters.
Football is a raging passion in Meghalaya and the same holds true for villages along the entire stretch of the International border with Bangladesh, especially in Nayabazaar, Dawki, Lyngkhat and other places.
There is a slim possibility that such matches would be revived once the border Haat reopens along the border, especially the one at Dawki, sometimes this year.
Perhaps, one day someone like Messi or Robinho might emerge from these disadvantaged places and India would finally sound its own Vuvuzela and inform about its arrival at the greatest foot-balling stage.

MARIJUANA AND MALANA CREAM

Think Cannabis. Think anti-drug laws world over. Flashback, sitting blissfully on the banks of Malana River near the Himalayas, high on Malana cream as a “Ganja tourists.”
India’s ancient philosophy, culture and tradition has always fascinated and baffled the world and been the subject of debates and discussions, and Malana cream is just one of them.
“Malana cream is a high quality Cannabis extract (Hashish/Charas) that is named after this remote ancient village in Himachal Pradesh in Kullu valley where it is produced,” Director General of Narcotic Control Bureau, OPS Malik told the Assam Tribune.
Asked if it is legal to take this drug and Malik’s answer is intoxicatingly subdued. “We (NCB) are a drug trafficking control agency. We don’t disturb cultural traditions. So long the use of these substances does not lead to business and trafficking.”
Malik walks a tightrope between his professional callings and India’s age old tradition. “We don’t allow movement of drugs from one part to the other,” he said mildly.
Malana Cream, considered the world’s best Hash or Hashish, at one point of time became so popular that hoards of backpackers crossed continents heaving 3029 feet above the sea level to Malana village, often dubbed as “Ganja tourists,” for the drug. One Tola (about 11 grams) of Malana Cream costs above Rs 2000, however, fake brands from Nepal now comes much cheaper.
Its not that Malanis are addicts, but use of the drug is closely associated with the socio-cultural practises of these ancient people, who some say, are the oldest practitioners of democracy in the world.
Not just in Malana, use of Cannabis or Marijuana has been closely associated with the socio-cultural lives of Indians, for thousands of years now.
In the West, there has been a growing debate on Cannabis’ medicinal properties, although it has not been proved beyond doubt, only that this plant induces euphoria amongst users. Prolonged use of the drug can cause mental disorders.
“There is research going on about the medicinal properties of Cannabis, but nothing has been proved beyond doubt so far,” Malik said.
NCB, meanwhile, has been conducting raids and seizures and busting International cartels involved in smuggling of Cannabis and other banned substances across India, Malik said.
Each year, India seizes around 1000 kg of Heroin and 4000 kg of Cannabis extracts like Hashish and Charas each year. “There has been a steady decline in the use of Hashish and Charas in India and hence lesser seizures over the years,” he informed.

HOPPING FROM EXAMINATION HALL TO MARRIAGE PANDAL

If “marriages are made in heaven,” then some IAS officers are certainly made on Earth.
So when the constellations bounded this IAS officer’s marriage date auspiciously, Biniti Purkayasta did not have the faintest idea that an uphill task was cut up ahead of her.
On October 16, therefore, Biniti woke up early not to deck up as a Dulhan, but rush to her examination desk to appear her IAS Mains.
Then from the examination hall she rushed back to the marriage hall, to assume the role of a dotting bride, just hours after completing her examinations.
Biniti is one of the four candidates to have cleared this year’s IAS examinations from Meghalaya. She ranked 510.
“Bintidi would have ranked much higher if not her examination date clashed with her marriage,” Diksha Purkayasta her sister and self-confessed friend said confidently.
Not only did her marriage date clash with her IAS examinations, Biniti also sat for her IAS English exams on October 19 on the day of her engagement.
Her father D Purkayasta proudly recalls how Biniti would shut herself in her room during the month-long marriage rituals and toil on her studies.
“She instructed me not to allow anyone to disturb her during her studies and call only when an important ritual was on and her presence was absolutely necessary,” Biniti’s father recalled fondly.
Biniti who has completed her Masters in English and Sociology from Delhi University is interested in implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). She is presently doing her thesis on slum dwellers in Shillong.
“Biniti wants to help the poor and is against corruption. She wants to be associated with the transparent and accounted implementation of NERGS,” her mother Mala Purkayasta added.
Now happily married and settled in Noida, Biniti with her grit and determination has proved that not all stars are in heaven, some do shine amongst us unassumingly.

Behdienkhlam

BEHDEINKHLEM FESTIVAL JAINTIA HILLS, MEGHALAYA

BEHDEINKLAM DANCE FESTIVAL

Behdienkhlam Dance festival Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF NO RETURN

Heavens only knows what's it like being there. But this one-way journey to the undiscovered land for both the living and the dead is a solemn affair.
Preparations for these travellers who never return are therefore meticulous. The Egyptian Pharaohs took their materials comforts and even guidebook, the Greeks their Coins to ferry themselves to the after-world.
Closer home the people following the indigenous religion in Khasi-Jaintia hills never step beyond this world without take along with them their favourite eatables during this long and lonely journey.
Rice, Kwai (betel leaves with lime and areca nut) and other eatables, according to individual taste, are placed with the dead.
The dead are given the ritualistic bath then are decked in the finest of clothes and eventually rested inside a Coffin locally known as Krong.
The Krongs are an amazing maze of bamboo splints, although simple in appearance. They somehow reproduce the ultimate geometrical summation of life's intricate curvatures.
The solemn art of Krong-making is therefore very important, a knowledge which has been passed on for generations in these hills.
The Krong is covered with cloth with the dead rested inside. Another piece of cloth is placed near the head to symbolize the death of a male. A cloth near the chest is placed in case of a female's death.
KS Wahlang, President Seng Khasi, says rituals are followed so that the departed enjoys 'eternal peace in heaven.'
The dead is cremated inside an air-tight block made of banana trunk called Jingthang Kpep. The fire and subsequent combustion is greater due to the air-tight banana trunk chamber, unlike an open pyre.
"Bodies turn into ash within three hours," Wahlang maintains.
Unfortunately, with growing pressure from western influences, the dead seem to be taking one more thing with them to the afterlife these days - bits and pieces of these unique tradition and art.
Unless corrective measures are not taken, the end would only have memories of this unique ancient beginning…

preity zeinta in Shillong

North India should learn from the northeast India regarding the special privileges the girl child enjoys here in the region, actress Preity Zinta said here today.
The actress was very much impressed, especially by the matrilineal system practiced here in Meghalaya, which holds women in high esteem. She said as a woman, who has taken up women’s cause, it was heartening to learn and see women being held with such respect in the region.
“North India with its female infanticide, should learn a thing or two from northeast India with regards to the rights and privileges women in the region enjoys. Women are subjected to raw deal in most part of India and here is an example which could definitely be taken as an inspiration”, the actress stated about the status women enjoys here.
The actress who is known for her strong women-oriented roles, added, she would take back some of the good ideas from the region and spread awareness in other parts of the country. “ I would try to do my bit in spreading awareness about the status women enjoys here”, she added.
Preity Zinta is shooting in different locations for the Jhanu Barua directed film, Har Pal. The film also features actors Shiney Ahuja and Dharmendra and the entire film crew are camping here and shooting for the past ten days.
In the Bollywood flick, she plays a local girl but refused to divulge about the story line. “You have to watch the movie and find out yourself”, Preity Zinta told reporters at the shooting location at Laitlum village, 25 kms from here.
Regarding Shillong she said it had the potential of becoming a major Bollywood film shootings and tourism destination with its natural beauty.

The eight Assembly elections in Meghalaya threw open a wondrous galaxy of "star" candidates - literally.

At the top of this 60-member "constellation" is Zenith Sangma radiating to seek re-election from Rangsakona assembly constituency. Giving him dazzling company is Celestine Lyngdoh trying to outshine Chief Minister DD Lapang from Nongpoh.

While, Starfing Jove Langpen Pdahkasiej from Mawsynrem, Edstar Lyngdoh Nongbri from Dienglieng and Beckster from Rongchugiri are all glowing in their respective constituencies.

The picture is rounded up by Moonlight Pariat from Jowai with Rain Augustine Lyngdoh adding to the election charm from Sohiong.

This has perhaps enticed Romeo Phira Rani who has coyly thrown open his arms to voters in Laitumkhrah constituency. Darling Wavel Lamare is not shying away, he too is trying to woo voters from Nongbah-Wahiajer constituency.

On ground, the mean electoral battle field has an intimidating line up. Bison Paslen is locking his political horns in Sutgna Shangpung, while Adolf Lu Hitler Marak – once detained in China for his name - is readying himself from Rangsakona for the fight.

Forward Lyngdoh Mawlong is leading the charge from Sohiong constituency, while Admiral K Sangma has sounded the bugle from Dalamgiri constituency.

H Britainwar Dan (Nartiang), Founder Strong Cajee (Mawlai), Chamberline B Marak (Bajengdoba), Boldness Nongum (Mairang), Bombersingh (Mylliem) and Billykid A Sangma are all breathing fire on their political opponents.

Thankfully, in the fray there is Dr. Adviser Pariong from Pariong constituency. Clever N Marak (Songsak) is trying to outsmart his rival. In Rongrengiri, Newton B Marak, a local film actor, is experimenting with his political luck.

Elsewhere, former Chief Minister J Dringwell Rymbai and traditional chief, Laborious Manik Syiem is sweating it out against Oral Syngkli who seems never short of words, in Jirang Constituency.

Hispreachering Son Shylla is spreading the mantra that he can deliver better than Union Tribal affairs Minister Patty Ripple Kyndiah's son in Nongkrem constituency.

Contesting from Nongstoin seat, Hopingstone Lyngdoh has not given up hope for a "separate Khasi-Jaintia" state. And Process T Sawkmie with two wins under his belt certainly knows the way to win elections from Mawlai constituency.

There is than Friday Lyngdoh (Mawkhar), Sevenson Dhar (Rymbai), EC Boniface Bamon (Nartiang), Comeone Ymbon (Raliang) , just to name a few in this interesting political arena.

If the names just about tickled the funny bones, than wait, there is Hilarious Pochen from Nongkrem, but not before Frankenstein W Momin from Mendipathar give his political rivals the goose bumps.

SHILLONG AN URBAN CHAOS

To ease traffic congestion, the East Khasi Hills District administration has revised school timings in Laitumkhrah area and set strict new guidelines for local taxis.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Bhalang Dhar addressing the press said, schools in Laitumkhrah area would have on an experimental basis three sets of timings.
Some of the major School’s of Shillong are all located in Laitumkhrah area. During school hours, the traffic, taking a circuitous route from Dhanketi point and moving towards Laitumkhrah and ending at Dhanketi, comes to a standstill.
To ease the problem, St. Mary’s, St. Margaret and Loreto Convent would now start at 8 am., instead of 9 am. St. Anthony’s and St. Edmund’s would begin at their usual time (9 am) together with St. Peter’s, Kiddies’ Corner, Presbyterian School and others.
Nursery to KG class students in the area would go to school at 10 am now as per the new guideline. The new timings announced today would come into effect from next Monday, the DC informed. A decision to have new timings for junior schools is yet to be set.
The DC said the government-constituted committee to find ways to ease transport congestion, of which he is the Chairman, has found it “non-viable” to instruct schools to have school buses.
“There are 7300 school students in Higher Secondary schools. This is only in some of the major schools and not taking into account junior and other smaller schools in the area,” Dhar said.
He added, for all these students 146 school buses would be required, which would further aggravate Laitumkhrah’s traffic congestion. “So the committee felt the best alternative was to try this new model out,” Dhar observed.
The committee would meet again on June 27 and finally submit its report to the government on July 1.
Meanwhile, the administration has earmarked specific embarkment and dis-embarkment points for passengers of local taxis. 16 cameras would keep a watchful eye on violators at different locations of the city.
“For first and second offense, permit and drivers licenses would be suspended for one and two months respectively. But for third violation, both the permit and license would be cancelled,” Dhar warned.
The DC, also the Chairman of the Regional Transport Authority, warned Taxi drivers not to arbitrarily hike taxi fares, after fuel price was raised throughout the country.

ANIMAL CRUELTY

The Lady Hydari Park here might be closed down following a complaint filed by People for Ethical Treatment to Animals (PETA) to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to shut down the zoo for poor facility available at the mini zoo.
The Zoo authorities here have been directed by the Apex Court to shift endangered species immediately to Assam after the complaint was filed by PETA and wildlife activists.
'' Some of the animals do not have mates…the zoo should be closed and the animals and birds should be relocated to enable them to live in a better condition. The zoo does not have a full time veterinarian and the inmates are kept more as captive animals,'' complained Anuradha Sawhney, chief functionary of PETA, India, in a letter to CZA.
PETA said, without a full-fledged veterinarian in the zoo there are no facility to take care of sick animal. '' The enclosures were not designed to meet the full biological requirements of the animals,'' Sawhney added.
Moreover, there are no screens provided between the adjacent enclosures to safeguard animals from being excited or stressed because of the visibility of animals in other enclosures, the PETA Chief said, adding there were no moats in any of the enclosures and the last construction was done way back in 1992.
The Central Zoo Authority had earlier, ''blacklisted'' the Lady Hydari Park, which houses leopard, slow loris, seraw, rhesus monkeys, hoolock gibbons, toddy cat, barking deer, sambar, hill mayna among other animals.
This was done after PETA submitted in 2006 a report to Central Zoo Authority on the pathetic conditions and violation of the Recognition of Zoo Rules by Meghalaya Forest and Environment Department.
The park, named after the wife of a British-era governor and which doubles as a mini zoo has been in the news for many years for all the wrong reasons. The government has purchased land in Ri-Bhoi district ( Umtrew) to open a state zoo, but work to open the zoo is yet to begin. (EOM)

WHY AM I SO SHORT: P A SANGMA?

His ‘Gulliverian’ personality certainly does not match-up with his ‘Lilliputian’ stature and on Wednesday, Purno Agitok Sangma had this rather short poser for scientists: “Why is Sangma so short?”
When the NCP leader asked the question at a conference held at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Umiam, most burst out into laughter thinking it was yet another characteristic pun of Sangma.
"I am serious," Sangma insisted. "Why is that most tribal in North-East short? Is it something to do with their food habit?" The former Lok Sabha Speaker, now the chairman of the Meghalaya Planning Board, asked.
This sent most of the audience at the ICAR centre into quite introspection. "I am really curious to know," he inquired in self-reflection.
Several Asians countries like Japan, Korea and China, Sangma said, have started research work to understand if food habit and nutritional aspects had any bearing with physical growth.
These nations feel that short stature of their respective population has put them into a disadvantageous position when it comes to competition in the sporting arena.
“European and African nations with their tall stature are always at an advantageous point when in come to sporting activities,” the just over 5 feet tall Sangma said.
"I wish the agricultural scientists take up similar studies on our food habit and see if there is any link between food and the physical structure of the tribal population," he said.
The Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sangma also urged upon the scientists to investigate if there was a correlation between food habit of the people of the north east and the large number of Cancer cases in the region.
"There are a large number of cancer cases among the tribal population in the region, and I wonder if consumption of dry or smoked meat - a tribal delicacy - could be a contributory factor," he wondered.
Sangma, during his long stint as a Union Minister in New Delhi, was loved and lampooned for his short stature and jovial demeanor by friends and cartoonists alike. However, on Wednesday this “short” speech of Sangma once again unveiled his “towering” personality!