The Scotland of the East

As I write this, the window on my side is a hazel display of the morning sunlight (its 4 a.m.) and the downpour, viz. continuing for the past two days- 24*7 (& if you happen to be a “specto” like me, you would rather wish your glasses had vipers!) Welcome to Shillong! I know what you are thinking…A Travel Blog. Not really. You see, I live in this city. So, this isn’t the knowledge anyone can get simply by Googling. After 1 year of knowing this place, I have a few insights of my own , like, my own personal “take” on Shillong.

To begin with, Shillong can be flatly described as “The city with(a lot of) innate STYLE”. What I mean by this is that on an average people here are way more stylish than any other city I have ever been to. So, if “Road-side Style” is your forte, check out the amazing dressing sense of  the Khasi youth because its uber-cool, pocket-friendly and guarantees that well-polished “head-turning” effect.

The city is known for its romantic scenic beauty. With an altitude of 1,966 m. (approx.) , the weather is very pleasant throughout the year. Winters may be just a bit harsh. Unlike most tourist places, Shillong doesn’t have too many fixed places to visit or what is popularly described as “Tourist spots”. The best way to visit this city is to roam around (You won’t face many problems as the people are both friendly and understand English and Hindi very well). The traffic, can however be a pain. I guess, this is only to be expected if 6000+ vehicles are jammed into roads less than 4 m wide. Another problem which tourists face is that no other sim cards work here(as with the entire North-East), except those bought from Meghalaya. So, in case you plan to stay in touch with your people out there without getting a new Sim, bring your faithful data-card along, ‘coz Shillong promises “EXCLUSIVITY and PRIVACY” ;) !

The most interesting aspect of Shillong is its heart, body and soul: MUSIC. Its impossible to come here and not be influenced by the POP-CULTURE of the place. Even the old radio brings out its best here! The majority of its youth is oriented towards a career in Music. In fact, a 21-year old asked me what future one can hope for after courses like engineering! Shillong has a proud history with bands such as Scorpions, Firehouse, Petra, Michael learns to Rock, Eric Martin, Air Supply coming here to perform. Also to its glory this b’ful city has a plenty of its own local yet popular bands like, Soulmate, Snow-white, Great Society, 11^th hour, Cubicles, Felixis, Project Blend Ltd. and the unforgettable Shillong Choir, the winner of the popular T.V. Show “India’s Got Talent-2”. It has a few of India’s finest music schools with highly qualified and experienced musicians as their faculty members. No wonder then that every other person you meet in Shillong is either a great vocalist trained in Western classical or an expert Guitarist or Drummer. MUSIC IS T-H-E RELIGION IN SHILLONG!!!

Now, I am a person fond of playing favorites (NO OFFENCE whatsoever to the great fundamental concept of ‘Equality’ ;) ). The thing I like the most about this place is the commendable manner in which it challenges the whole notion of Gender Equality in India. You got it right. Unlike, most of India where people dote on a boy child, the fairer sex is the favored party in Shillong. (Umm…Talk of Feminism-obsession? :D )

However, all’s not well with The Scotland of the East. The unending rains bring down the cultivation rates greatly, adding to the existing poverty. Unemployment is at its peak in entire Meghalaya, more due to lack of awareness, than due to lack of opportunity. The reason for this is also the restrictive mentality of the natives which ‘cuts them out’ from the rest of India. More often than not, the people here show a lack of a “sense of belongingness”, which is a cause of concern for the central government. Added on to it is the impalpable threat of insurgency and terrorism thriving in the entire east since the Indo-Chinese war.  And if that wasn’t enough, in the recent times, human-trafficking has raised its ugly head in the Eastern India, increasing its woes!

What’s remarkable is the peaceful existence of the place and its people in the face of adversity. Not many people know about the communal riots that broke out in Shillong during 1991, nor was it largely publicized owing greatly to the immense strength and maturity shown by its natives in quickly re-uniting and as happens with every lesson well-learnt, the city has been an incredible example of “Unity in diversity” ever since. And this is precisely what keeps me hopeful about Shillong facing many problems: the strength of its population. The belief that runs through an entire city of friendly, helpful and optimistic people inspires me too.

“What is this life if, full of care,
   We have no time to stand and stare"