Election ethics  The second and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Assam passed off relatively peacefully on Thursday. Though goons with their traditional culture of money and muscle power tried to influence voters in their preferred ways, including intimidation and death threats, people in general appeared firm in their ideologies — many even risking their lives and property. A new development this time around is that manage masters ruling the roost in Assam seemed to have succeeded in influencing a section of the media; but not the people who know why some media houses abruptly make U-turns going against the public to satisfy a section of deserted politicians. Many people appeared to convey just that while speaking, among others, about issues prior and during the elections. However, such irresponsible behaviour from media houses have also failed to achieve the results desired by unholy elements, and the people would give reply at the appropriate time, uttered a middle-aged Guwahatian with suppressed emotions in his face. The visit to Guwahati for just a couple of hours by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his spouse to cast their vote in their home town(!) flaring up crores of rupees from the exchequer was also a hot topic debated by many who said: They could have cast their votes through postal ballot. However, it was good to see Dr Singh and his wife – though not in ladies queue – in line for their turn to exercise their franchise, unlike those biggies in Assam who came and pressed and went sans any hassle of queue etc. Their mentality seems to be that of a primitive king!

Right record  It was indeed a unique endeavour on the part of private sector telecom service major Airtel that catapulted japi, the traditional Assamese headgear which is commonly used to adorn drawing rooms of every household and solemn occasions as also as a souvenir of honour, into the record books. The record breaking feat was achieved the other day on the banks of historic Dighali Pukhuri in Guwahati where 20 artisans engaged themselves for 22 days to create the giant japi of 40-foot diameter. And the record came at the right time matching the mood of the people in the midst of the land’s greatest festival Rongali Bihu. Limca Book of Records officials, who were in Guwahati to endorse the record, were amazed to see the colourful japi as well as its craftsmanship. VVR Murty, marketing manager of Limca Book of Records said this is the first of its kind record in the headgear category that would sure boost the traditional handicraft in the region. The record will feature in the 2009 edition of the record book that will hit the market by June, he added. The twenty artisans of Balamugkuchi, Nalbari who made Assam proud by their feat are Dharmendra Baishya, Bipin Baishya, Siro Deka, Keshab Baishya, Umesh Kalita, Ganesh Baishya, Kashiram Baishya, Jatin Baishya, Nipul Das, Anil Bharali, Ramani Baishya, Mohan Baishya, Atul Baishya, Kishore Baishya, Umesh Baishya, Mahesh Baishya, Basanta Baishya, Anil Kalita and Robin Baishya. They worked for close to 330 hours to create the giant japi using diverse materials like bamboo, takou leaves, threads, iron wires, chumki, velvet paper, cloth, gum, lace, wool, etc. This is another Airtel venture that would surely encourage the art and culture scene of the region, and let’s hope the company continues with such gestures alongside its business.

Simanta / Mridumoloy