Shillong, July 17: The National People’s Youth (NPYF) front of Friday, July 17, organized the “U Tirot Sing Syiem Youth Achievement Award” to commemorate the 185th Death Anniversary of Khasi freedom fighter “U Tirot Sing Syiem.”The event was held at the Convention Centre in Hotel Pinewood in strict accordance to COVID-19 protocols and social distancing norms.
Meghalaya Chief Minister and National President of the National People’s Party (NPP), Shri. Conrad K. Sangma attended the event as the Chief Guest in the presence of the National General Secretary of the NPP, James K. Sangma, NPYF National Working President, Nickey Nongkhlaw, East Khasi Hills Vice President, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, party workers and other dignitaries.
The event kicked off with a musical performance by Desmond Syiem from the movie U Syiem.The “U Tirot Sing Syiem Youth Achievement Award” was conferred to five “National Youth Awardees” – Shri. Kitboklang Nongphlang, Smti. Scaletty Lawriniang, Shri. Pranab Pariat, Shri. Empower Warbah and Shri. Andreas H. Marwein – who, since 2006, had received awards on various national platforms.
The awards were handed out by NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma, NPP National General Secretary James K. Sangma and East Khasi Hills Vice President, Pyniaid Sing Syiem.The “U Tirot Sing Syiem Youth Achievement Award” aims to give due recognition to the youth to encourage them to continue their services to society and to become role models for future generations.
In his address to the gathering, power minister and NPP National Secretary James K. Sangma lauded the initiative taken by the NPYF and congratulated the five awardees on their achievement.
“Throughout history, we have witnessed the rise and fall of regimes and out of the tempest rises the gatekeeper who not only defends the fort but is also ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for his homeland. While history abounds with tales of the valour and sacrifice of men and women fighting for independence from the British in mainland India, the world knows little about the great sacrifices made by our heroes to defend, protect and liberate the Khasi and Garo people from the clutches of British imperialism,” James said.
“We gather here today to remember and celebrate the life of one such hero from the Khasi hills – U Tirot Sing, who laid down his life for his land and his people. The life of Tirot Singh teaches us a great lesson. Remember that for nation-building, strength, unity, trust and determination are the qualities we need to achieve our goals,” he added.
Lauding the NPYF for taking such an initiative, James said, “I am familiar with the efforts and work that our Youth Front has accomplished in many areas. For instance, during the lockdown period in April and May, our youth responded to distress messages from citizens of the Northeast who were stranded in other states”.
“Today, as the entire state pays tribute to U Tirot Sing Syiem on his 185th Death Anniversary, the NPYF has once again done a magnificent job in organizing this event to acknowledge and recognize the youths who did their best to contribute to the development of our state and nation,”. While addressing the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, James stated that the pandemic has ignited many debates and conversations on who the actual heroes are.
“We have seen how our frontliners—healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, policemen and women, community volunteers, farmers and the so-called ordinary folks put their lives at risk to take care of the welfare of the communities, the state and the country. I want to say these few words to our awardees today”.
“We are grateful to you and we will remember the courage and determination you have shown to your fellow youths and the state. Keep striving for the best; the road may not be easy, but it is worth the journey. Just as you have displayed exemplary courage in the past, continue to do so with the same passion and energy to move towards your destination. Your actions will inspire others to dare to dream,” he said.
Following the NPP National General Secretary’s speech, the audience was treated to an outstanding performance by well-known singer-songwriter Lamphang Syiemlieh. This was followed by NPYF National Working President, Nickey Nongkhlaw handing over the Youth Policy to the NPP National President, Conrad K. Sangma, to the applause and adulation of all in attendance.
The Youth Policy is a sincere forerunner, propeller and reminder to enable the youth to chart their course and determine their destiny within the aspirational parameters of the vision of this geographical and cultural identity called Meghalaya. The Youth policy seeks to form a performing task force to act in a time-bound manner and on an inclusive and consultative mode.
In his address as the Chief Guest, Chief Minister and NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma lauded the NPYF for taking up such an initiative and lauded the awardees.
“U Tirot Sing Syiem was not only a freedom fighter of Meghalaya but also one of the greatest freedom fighters of India. He and his men fought the British ferociously, using multiple warfare strategies with their native weapons, and put a strong resistance for four years from 1829 to 1833.
Today, as we celebrate the 185th death anniversary of Tirot Sing, we must remember his courage and contribution to our state. The supreme sacrifice made by U Tirot Sing Syiem is something that must be inculcated into the hearts and minds of every youth in our state,” Conrad said.
“The NPYF under the leadership of Shri Nickey Nongkhlaw – now that’s a wonderful coincidence since our Tirot Sing Syiem was the Syiem of Nongkhlaw – on the 185th Death anniversary of U Tirot Sing Syiem, has organised this auspicious event of handing out the Youth Achievement Award to those who have shown excellence and boldness in their respective fields. I would like to appreciate and applaud the efforts of NPYF for taking up such an initiative,” he said.
While congratulating the awardees, Conrad said, “We need to promote and recognize more talented youths as they are the backbone of the nation and our state, and the NPYF is doing a magnificent job in organising an event which recognizes youth.”
COVID-19 has completely changed the way we live our lives. But with every challenge, comes opportunity. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is very important to encourage them to use their voices. We should allow the youth to develop and display their leadership skills and to express their opinions on multiple platforms.
The NPP has always believed that with challenges come opportunities. Our philosophy has always been to turn the youth of the region into agents of change. You need to stop looking at just government jobs and start taking advantage of the different schemes and opportunities available to you right now. You need to become job givers so that people will no longer have to leave the state in search of employment, he added.
Conrad concluded by informing the gathering that for the first time, the State Government has decided that every 25th post in the government will go to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by NPYF Organising Secretary, Phermanbha War Sohlang.Others who spoke on the occasion included NPYF National Working President, Shri. Nickey Nongkhlaw, who delivered the welcome address, FKJGP General Secretary, Dondy Khongsit and Pranab Pariat (awardee).
