Editor,
I am writing to express my deep concern about a recent experience I had with the “Jaintia’s Got Talent” show, organised by Chirup u Kreh Lang I Society. This event is meant to showcase and celebrate the talent of our community members, but a disconcerting aspect of the show came to my attention while I was out shopping.
While at a local market, I encountered a young participant selling what they referred to as “coupons” for votes. Each coupon, priced at Rs. 10, was presented as a means to cast a vote for the competing talent. What surprised me was that the more coupons these young participants sold, the more votes they received, thus influencing the outcome of the talent competition.
It appears that the entire revenue generated from the sale of these coupons goes directly to the organisers. This setup essentially transforms a talent show, which should be primarily based on the participants’ skills and abilities, into a business endeavour for the organisers, with the participants compelled to sell coupons to increase their chances of winning.
I believe that such a practice undermines the very essence of a talent show and shifts the focus away from the true talent and abilities of the participants. It raises ethical concerns about fairness and transparency in the competition.
I urge the Chirup u Kreh Lang I Society to reconsider this system and return to a more traditional, unbiased judging process that truly reflects the participants’ skills and hard work. Talent should shine on its own merits, and the success of such an event should be based on talent, not the number of coupons sold.
Dariti Passah
Jowai
