Madam/Sir

 If you are familiar with official correspondences and letters, you must have seen the phrase 'Sir/Madam' used at the start when the sender is not sure of the recipient's gender. The fact that 'Sir' comes before 'Madam' always bothered me.

A beacon of the patriarchal past. A remnant of the gross injustice suffered by women for most part of human history. A sad reminder of the fact that all this still exists. All this must end now and gender neutrality shall be ubiquitous. But at least, as a corrective gesture, can all such letters start with 'Madam/Sir'. Mine do.

Goodbye, East Garo Hills

 Last couple of days have been filled with love, warmth and appreciation. The extent of these emotions has been unprecedented. It makes the departure extremely hard. I wish I could stay for life. And in a way, I certainly shall as East Garo Hills will always be special and close to my heart. I have given my everything to make it a better place and I believe that things have changed for good.

Three and half years went away in an instant. As I depart, the memories of Project STAR, Super 30 and other education initiatives bring joy. As I depart, the completed PMAY houses makes me smile. As I depart, the improved health facilities makes me proud. As I depart, the completed check dams,roads, bridges bring satisfaction. But as I depart, the goodbyes, the thank yous, the love, the warmth, bring tears inside.

Mitelbejok Atchu

It was almost closing time for the office. I was still finishing up with the remaining files when there was a knock on the door. An old man with an infectious smile emerged. Speaking in Garo, he asserted, "I am not here to give you any complaint letter. I just came to say Thank you".

I was smiling already. "You are welcome Atchu. But what did I do for you?", I asked out of curiosity. It really didn't matter though. I was happy as I could be of some help. "I saw your speech in Garo. I felt so happy that you made so much effort to learn the local language. Thank you once again", he clarified. Sweetest of a gesture by this old retired man. I am still smiling.

P.S. Atchu means Grandfather. Mitelbejok means Thank you so much.