The 187th death anniversary of legendary freedom fighter, U Tirot Sing Syiem was observed in Nongkhlaw today, since his death anniversary, which is July 17 falls on a Sunday.
Rajya Sabha MP, WR Kharlukhi and a host of other guests attended the event held at Madan Nongrah and also paid floral tributes at the bust of U Tirot Sing located at Khasi Patriotic Home, Nongkhlaw.
During his address Kharlukhi said that as part of the observance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav which is the celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence, U Tirot Sing is among the list of 115 unsung heroes of India’s freedom movement.
He spoke about the contributions made by U Tirot Sing Syiem and said his legacy lives and his valour is celebrated to this day, not just at Nongkhlaw, but throughout the state.
Kharlukhi also laid emphasis on the supreme sacrifice made by the freedom fighter and urged people to draw inspiration from his struggle in day to day life activities and to cultivate the spirit of patriotism.
The programme was organized by the Tirot Sing Syiemlieh Death Anniversary Committee, Hima Nongkhlaw in collaboration with the Centre For Historical Research, Synod College and the Arts and Culture Department.
Special guest, faculty of History Department, North Eastern Hills University, Prof. Amena N Passah in her speech dwelt at length on the history of U Tirot Sing until his demise in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1835.
During the programme, a memorandum seeking construction of a life size statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem at Nongkhlaw and 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.
Traditional songs and dances by artistes comprising of students and the youth of the area were part of the event dedicated to the state’s revolutionary warrior who successfully managed to keep the armed British troops away from Khasi Hills.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Eastern West Khasi Hills District, V. Swer, Deputy Superintendent of Police ( Headquarters), Eastern West Khasi Hills District, H. Kharkongor, Syiem Khynnah of Hima Nongkhlaw, 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 attended the programme.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Department of Shillong Commerce College also paid rich tribute to the legendary freedom fighter.
Among the attendees present for this event were the Principal of the college, Dr Sabita Sen, resource Person, Rev. Dr. O.L.Snaitang, teachers and students.
The main session began with a short speech about U Tirot Sing given by the Principal. This was followed by a presentation by Rev. Snaitang with a focus on his origins and family.
He shed light on various aspects of Tirot Sing’s persona and his image as martyr in the struggle for freedom. He pointed out that freedom fighter succeeded to the throne of the Hima Nongkhlaw at a very young age and proved himself to be more than capable of handling this important position.
Tirot Sing was very knowledgeable and he understood deeply not only the geography of the land but also the laws and customs of his people, Rev Snaitang said.
