Mairang, July 16: On account of the 187th Death Anniversary of Khasi patriot and freedom fighter, U Tirot Sing Syiem falling on a Sunday this year, the event was observed today in a befitting manner at a programme held at Madan Nongrah, Nongkhlaw, Eastern West Khasi Hills District.
Organized by the Tirot Sing Syiemlieh Death Anniversary Committee, Hima Nongkhlaw in collaboration with the Centre For Historical Research, Synod College, Shillong and the Arts and Culture Department, Government of Meghalaya.
The observance was attended by Meghalaya Rajya Sabha MP, Dr. W. R Kharlukhi as Chief Guest in the presence of Special Guest, faculty of History Department, North Eastern Hill University ( NEHU), Shillong, Prof. Amena N Passah.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Eastern West Khasi Hills District, Shri V. Swer, Deputy Superintendent of Police ( Headquarters), Eastern West Khasi Hills District, Shri H. Kharkongor, Syiem Khynnah of Hima Nongkhlaw, Shri K. M Syiemlieh, Principal, Synod College, Dr. R. M Lyngdoh, representatives of the Syiemlieh Clan, government officials, traditional heads, teachers, students and people of the area.
During his address at the programme, Chief Guest, Rajya Sabha MP, Dr. W. R Kharlukhi while expressing happiness at being associated with the observance of the event this year, stated that as part of the observance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav which is the celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence.
A list comprising of 115 unsung heroes of India’s freedom movement has been put up by the Government of India in which Khasi patriot and freedom fighter, U Tirot Sing Syiem’s name was included alongside other freedom fighters from the other regions of the country.
Speaking on the contributions made by U Tirot Sing Syiem, Dr Kharlukhi stated that though the brave heart breathed his last 187 years ago, yet his legacy lives and his valour is celebrated to this day not just at Nongkhlaw but throughout the state of Meghalaya.
During his speech, Dr Kharlukhi also laid emphasis on the supreme sacrifice made by U Tirot Sing Syiem in the interest of the future generations even as he urged upon the gathering to draw inspiration from the struggle of U Tirot Sing Syiem in day to day life activities.
Speaking on U Tirot Sing Syiem’s deep affection towards his land and its people, Dr Kharlukhi appealed to those gathered at the programme to cultivate the spirit of patriotism that U Tirot Sing displayed through his indomitable spirit during his fight against British occupation.
Special guest, faculty of History Department, North Eastern Hills University (NEHU), Shillong, Prof. Amena N Passah, meanwhile, in her speech dwelt at length on the history of U Tirot Sing Syiem’s journey as a freedom fighter until his demise in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 17th July, 1835.
During the programme, a memorandum seeking construction of a life size statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem at Nongkhlaw as also a Children’s Park in memory of the great patriot was submitted by the Tirot Sing Syiemlieh Death Anniversary Committee, Hima Nongkhlaw to the Chief Guest.
Fervour was added to the programme by traditional songs and dances performed by artistes comprising of students and the youth of the area. Earlier in the day, floral wreaths were laid by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries at the bust of U Tirot Sing Syiem located at Khasi Patriotic Home, Nongkhlaw.
