Mairang,March 12: Along with the rest of the country Mairang Civil Sub – Division today celebrated the commencement of the celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence 75 weeks before 15th August, 2022 in an apt manner by commemorating the life and contribution of one of the state’s Freedom Fighter UTirot Sing Syiem at his native village, Nongkhlaw.
The commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of India’s Freedom struggle in honour of U Tirot Sing Syiem was held in the Khasi Patriotic Home, Nongkhlaw and was organised by the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner i/c Mairang Civil Sub – Division.
Shri A Nongbri, Addl. DC i/c Mairang Civil Sub – Division who chaired the programme informed the gathering that the celebration was launched by the Prime Minister today the 12th of March, 2021 that marks the anniversary of the Dandi March and that the commemorations will include 75 events for 75 weeks with one prominent event every week.
He also said that the events will be planned at 75 places/monuments of historical significance spread across the States and Union territories.
In his address Shri T Lyngwa, Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District said that the district is fortunate to have a freedom fighter like Tirot Sing Syiem who is known around the world and that it is because of the struggles and sacrifices made by people like him that we are able to attain independence from the British rule.
Mr Lyngwa also said that we are no longer in an age to fight war with swords but we must now fight intellectually to make our future a secure one. Paíem PM Syiemlieh, Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw who also spoke on the occasion recalled the visit of thethen DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singhin 2016 in Nongkhlaw, who had then said that after proper research was done.
The first war of independence was found to have started in 1829 in Nongkhlaw and not as widely known in the year 1857 (SepoyMutinty). Hence, PM Syiemlieh said that maybe the Government of India would consider rewriting that the first war of Independence had in fact started in the year 1829 in Nongkhlaw.
A brief history and contribution of U Tirot Sing Syiem was given by Shri Donald Syiemlieh representing the Syiemlieh Clan.
Earlier in the day, a bicycle rally was also held which started from Tirot Sing Memorial Hall, Pyndengumioing to Khasi Patriotic Home Nongkhlaw which covered a distance of 16 kms. Certificates were also distributed to the participants by Shri T Lyngwa, Deputy Commissioner West Khasi Hills District and by Shri PM Syiemlieh, Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw.
It may also be mentioned that in a countdown to the 75th year of India’s Independence, the Central Government launched the ‘Bharat Ka AmrutMahotsav’ from 12th March to 5th April, 2021.
The idea behind the Mahotsav that starts the celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence 75 weeks before 15th August, 2022 and extends upto Independence Day 2023 is to showcase accomplishments since 1947.
