Arts and Culture Commissioner and Secretary, FR Kharkongor today underscored the need to revisit the history of U Tirot Sing and said creating a digital repository with a 360 degree perspective on what the freedom fighter stood for is required.
Speaking on the 186th death anniversary of the freedom fighter, he urged young people to take up more research work like documentaries, movies and use digital blogs to study tribal resistance movements as precursors to national movement.
He reminded the gathering about the sacrifice of U Tirot Sing and other freedom fighters of the Anglo- Khasi war.
Kharkongor also said that the local movement led by U Tirot Sing and other unsung heroes like Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan Sangma formed an integral part of the rich narrative of tribal resistance which in actuality was a precursor to the Indian national movement.
The Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Meghalaya Model United Nations on Saturday organised a wreath laying ceremony in front of the statue of U Tirot Sing at Fire Brigade Ground.
Paying homage to the sacrifice and valour of U Tirot Sing who valiantly led a revolt against colonial rule, the progamme was also held as part of the “Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav”, celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence.
Earlier, a similar function was organised at Synod College and the portrait of Tirot Sing was unveiled by Rajya Sabha MP WR Kharlukhi.
Besides Kharkongor, former chairperson of UPSC, David Syiemlieh, President of Khasi Authors Society, D. R. L. Nonglait and Synod College faculty were present.
Rich tributes were also paid to the patriot at Mairang wherein his statue was also unveiled by Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh.
Lyngdoh said that the statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem will prove to be a prominent landmark that reflects the history, legacy and the values associated with the great patriot.
Different organisations like the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation, Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council also commemorated the day and paid floral tributes at various places in the State where memorials of the patriot are situated.
Meanwhile, a webinar titled “U Tirot Singh Syiem : Inspiring Generations” was organised by ABVP Meghalaya to commemorate the death anniversary of U Tirot Singh Syiem.
