Former Rajya Sabha MP, Robert Kharshiing passed away today at Nazareth Hospital after prolonged illness. He was 63.
Robert represented Meghalaya in the Upper House of Parliament during April 2002 to April 2008.
He was a member of the Committee on Commerce, Consultative Committee for the Ministry of External Affairs and the Chief Whip of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the Rajya Sabha.
Robert was the brother of a senior police official – Francis Kharshiing; John Kharshiing; and Agnes Kharshiing – a social worker.
Born on January 7, 1959 to Late Dr Martin N Majaw, a former minister in 1972-78 and Edith MN Kharshiing, Robert during his early days was the president of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) 1981-1983 and had designed its flag then. He had also formulated the student’s union Constitution during his tenure.
Robert was also the general secretary of the Meghalaya Students Union. He was elected as headman of Laitumkhrah from 1983-1985.
In 1986, he was a member of the Moral Re-Armament (MRA) and a life member of the YMCA.
Robert, first entry into politics was in 1990. He had contested and won the Laitumkhrah (now East Shillong constituency) bye-elections from the Hills People’s Union (HPU) and secured 4214 votes.
From then on till 1993, Robert was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board and Chairman Estimates Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Robert who decided to contest the 1993 Assembly elections from Nongkrem constituency lost to former Foods & Civil Supplies Minister Late HS Shylla who contested the election on APHLC (A).
It may be mentioned that the first-ever People’s Parliament in the Northeastern state was organized at Mawphlang in East Khasi Hills District on October 2007; under the initiative of Robert Kharshiing as Chairman of Rajya Sabha Grassroots Democracy Advisory Council.
In 2015, he authored a book titled, “Living Heaven Here on Earth”.
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh has condoled the demise of the former legislator and former MP. He said the people of Meghalaya will always remember Kharshiing’s committed service and contributions to the state.
The speaker also recalled his hard work, pleasant nature and his popularity. Lyngdoh also stated that in his death our country and the state has lost a good leader who worked for the betterment of the society.
Meanwhile, the Assembly Secretariat also mourned the untimely demise of the former MLA of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
“(L) Shri Robert Kharshiing will be remembered as a promising, talented and forward looking political leader, who was at ease with the latest trends in world as well as Indian politics. He also enriched the proceedings of the House with his thoughtful and enlightening speeches. He left an indelible mark in the political arena,’ Commissioner and Secretary, Dr. Andrew Simons said.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma took to twitter also condoled his demise. “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Shri Robert Kharshiing, former MP of the Rajya Sabha. My prayers and deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in eternal bliss.”– he wrote.
