I was particularly impressed by the female empowerment and dominance propagated by the society at Shillong. It follows a matrilineal culture as opposed to other parts of the country. The ecosystem here is conducive to the development of women. It is an irony in itself that the so called neglected part of our nation propagates gender equality when instances of female feticide and honor killing are still prevalent.
The hospitality of Shillong has opened my eyes against quite a few stereotypes. North East people do not hate 'outsiders'. They are not illiterate. They are not 'western'. They lead simple and happy lives - watching football, enjoying rock music and earning their livelihood. Are they different from the rest of us who come from big metropolitan cities leading lavish styles? The answer is 'YES', because unlike us they do not treat anyone as outsiders. Unlike us they help people without any bias towards race, religion politics or culture. It is time we start thinking about 'INDIA' as a united country from aspects other than cricket. We have our lifestyles, they have theirs but at the end of the day we all are a part of the same motherland.
Author: Sagar Riaz, a student at IIM Shillong. I am enthusiastic about marketing and have an inclination towards graphic designing, photography, bike riding, and theatre.
Comments
RANJIT SAIKIA
Very well written....
27 Apr 2015, 12.28 PM
Dhruba jyoti Bhuyan
What do you mean by "we" and "they" dude
27 Apr 2015, 02.54 PM
Rajarshi Som
"Unlike us they help people" Who are 'us' and who are 'they'?
27 Apr 2015, 03.51 PM
Prachi Agarwal
Nicely put!
27 Apr 2015, 05.07 PM