Editor,
Let us abandon what is not ours—what does not truly belong to our hearts, our culture, our spirit. To hold on to what is ours, to what is pure and true, is to preserve our identity, our dignity, and our future.
I write this with a heavy heart, burdened by the troubling signs we see around us in our tranquil Garo Hills, once vibrant with life, hope, and tradition, we now face a growing darkness—acts of violence, hatred, and despair that threaten to tear us apart.
Too frequently, we hear stories that send shivers down our spines—brutal murders, heartbreaking suicides, vandalism, and thefts, all born of wrong choices and misguided paths. It’s painful to witness the erosion of our values, and sometimes we wonder: Is this really who we are? Yet, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: Yes, this is part of our reality now, and each of us carries a piece of the responsibility for the changes that need to take place.
Why is our peaceful Garo Hills morphing into a territory of fear and discontent? Why are the values that once bound us together beginning to slip through our fingers?
The answer lies in the weakening of our roots—our culture, our faith, and our moral foundation. In days gone by, our churches, community leaders, and elders guided us with love, compassion, and a steadfast sense of duty. They cared deeply for the sick, the needy, and the lonely, and their spirit of kindness lingers in the corridors of our memories. But now, more than ever, we need that spirit to rejuvenate our communities.
Families that once stood firm on principles of respect and discipline are drifting away from the tenets that fostered our pride. Virtues like respect for our elders, kindness, and humility are more vital now than ever. However, Western influences and fleeting trends are reshaping our mental and moral landscapes. We must remember that what truly makes us strong and resilient lies not in imitation but in authenticity—embracing our true selves, our heritage, and our values.
Our youth are ensnared in a web of drugs and vandalism. Instead of fleeing from these challenges, we must tackle them head-on. It’s painful to see liquor shops cropping up near schools and temples, fostering environments where our young ones can easily succumb to harmful temptations. We’ve let our guard down, but it is not too late to reverse this troubling tide.
Change begins with us—parents, teachers, leaders, and the community at large. We need to reestablish respect, kindness, discipline, and love as the core values that guide our actions. Let’s encourage sports, create safe communal spaces, and emphasize teachings that truly matter—our values, our faith, and our culture.
In the fond memories of our past, we had family figures, the Mamas (maternal uncles) and the Adas (brothers), who took on the noble duty of guiding the youth, bringing them back to the right path—not through harsh punishment, but through love and accountability. Discipline was a gentle hand guiding us rather than a military-style reprimand.
In school assemblies, teachers and headmasters imparted moral lessons to their students, recognizing the importance of shaping character alongside education. Now, it often feels like genuine disciplining is misconstrued as moral policing. Where have we erred? Have we forgotten the importance of nurturing disciplined and morally upright citizens?
Many individuals flaunt their affluence, driving ostentatious SUVs, living in luxury nonpoor can comprehend perhaps to impress those around them? I understand the necessity of vehicles, but must they come laden with the burden of envy and comparison? It is vital to assess our motivations. Are we blinded by worldly pursuits, neglecting what truly matters?
As we ponder these difficult truths, we must ask ourselves: has our conscience withered away? Are we, the elders and leaders of our communities, doing enough to guide our young toward the light?
It is time to rise together, invoking the spirit of our ancestors, reclaiming our essence and values. We must abandon the distractions that do not serve us and focus on nurturing a culture of love, respect, and unity. Only then can we shape a promising future for the Garo Hills—a future where our children can thrive, hearts full of hope and souls anchored in dignity. Together, let us embrace what is ours, for it is in this reclaiming that we will find our way back to ourselves.
Chanella Marak
Via e-mail
