Sir,

Last week, I made a routine call back home and I knew Shillong is celebrating. No Christmas, nor Pujas. Then what ?, I asked mom. She replied back that it's the singing sensation Amit Paul who has made a huge impact on the Shillong community and the atmosphere as a whole. She herself sounded quite excited and overjoyed as she went on revealing that it's a wonderful feeling being there, with such fascinating atmosphere with people irrespective of caste, creed and religion coming together to support a common reason. She also spoke about the giant screens, rallies, PCOs and the whistles during the show and Amit's performance

Being in Bangalore, I could only wish I was there - but at the same time would like to thank The Shillong Times which allows me to be in synch with every occurrence back home.

The excitement and overall crowd enthusiasm during Amit's visit to Shillong last Monday is really commendable. Not to forget that the support from the Meghalaya Government certainly will go a long way to cheer up the city lad. I would like to thank the Meghalaya Government for declaring Amit as Brand Ambassador of Meghalaya for Peace, Communal Harmony and Excellence and would like to request for more initiatives to develop platforms which would let the city talent outburst on the world scene and this should happen not only in singing but in the fields of sports, cultural activities and many more.

Amit has certainly developed the platform for this year's festive season and certainly made the city and the North-East region feel proud of him. Even here in Bangalore, there is a certain urge and fire within every Shillongite in the city to make Amit - The Indian Idol 3 and you get to know it from common friends, SMSs and of course Orkut where a number of communities are created for Amit's support. More admiring is the fact that even local people here leave no stone unturned to vote for him as they feel he is the right figure for the title as they say the deservers to be more than a desirer.

Whether Amit Paul becomes an Indian Idol or not, but definitely he has made his own mark in the Indian music industry. Considering the auspicious comments of the judges, Amit Paul can only climb higher and higher taking the name of the State, region and the country along with him, but this certainly has depicted the talent of our State and Shillong city.

I would like to appeal every young blood to come out of the 'shackled feeling' and chase their dream with hard work, strong determination and perseverance and the society support will always be there behind them. Indeed, Shillong has lots of offer in terms of national and international recognition - what's required is self-recognition and determination.

Even from 3500 miles away it's a fabulous feeling to read the eye-catching lines in the newspaper with reference to the collaborative and magnanimous response of the city crowd irrespective of caste, creed and community to come together strong for a common cause.

I have heard that Shillong has bettered a lot in terms of geographical dimensions, with innovated Police Bazaar and many more - but the current atmosphere, I am sure, would make many Shillongites all around the globe think "Shillong to be a state as never before."

Cheers to every Shillongite and good luck to Amit in the upcoming performances.

Unlike the usual elections, where we can vote only once for the candidate we favour, here we can vote an abundant number of times. So, lets make the best use of it!!!!!!

Source: Shillong Times

Yours etc.,
Priyanka Nandy
Bangalore.