Journalism of Courage
Premium
This is an archive article published on June 2, 2007
The right fit
As a minister, R.G.Lyngdoh dealt with militancy in Meghalaya. With Who the Cap Fits, he stresses the futility of resorting to it
Written by Tilakrai
June 2, 2007 12:00 AM IST
2 min read
2 min read
Only your friend know your secrets, So only he could reveal it, And who the cap fit, let them wear it
Bob Marley8217;s angst-ridden rendition of the 1960s song has found an unlikely resonance in Meghalaya. For R.G.Lyngdoh, the connection couldn8217;t have been more obvious. Who the Cap Fits is a prose replete with barely concealed disillusionment with the political and administrative set-up.
For the multitasking Higher and Technical Education Minister of Meghalaya, also known as Bah Bob, his recently released first novel is on a subject he is most familiar with and consistent with his past efforts to convey the futility of violence. As singer and politician, the 47-year-old has riled against the systemic pitfalls.
More realistic than fictional, Who the Cap Fits8212;published by Shillong-based Roots Release8212;traces the journey of Khrawbor, son of a trader from South Khasi Hills, when he joins the militant outfit, Meghalaya People8217;s Liberation Army, and takes up violence. Khrawbor wants to rid the society of corruption and is convinced that change is possible only through violence. But Lyngdoh portrays the futility of warring with the system: when ransom kidnappings force the business community out of the state, it wrecks its economy.
As home minister in 2003, Bah Bob laid the foundation for ceasefire by the Garo Hills-based militant outfit, ANVC. As an author he sympathises with MPLA8217;s cause but doesn8217;t condone it. 8220;There is a perceivable frustration among youth which shows in different forms,8221; says the man who took a year-and-a-half to complete the book.
Advertisement
Loading Taboola...
Live Blog
PHOTOS
Top Stories
Advertisement
Must Read
Advertisement
Buzzing Now
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
Advertisement