Bethany Hospital, Shillong today held the first Dr. John L Sailo Ryntathiang memorial oration to honour its founder on his 71st birthday.
Dr Sailo Ryntathiang was Meghalaya’s first official casualty of the pandemic, having passed away in April last year. He was the founder of Bethany Hospital.
The oration was delivered by Martin Luther Christian University chancellor, Dr. Glenn C. Kharkongor. He remarked that Dr. Sailo’s life was an inspiring story of social ideation, motivation, hard work and perseverance that led not only to the personal fulfilment of a mission, but to the social betterment of our community.
He recalled one of the funeral tributes to late Dr. Sailo entitled, “I dare to dream” and spoke about how Dr. Sailo’s life is a classic case study of determination and triumph, of giving more to the community that one receives, of a ministry in a difficult phase, and of service in a needy place.
Dr. Glenn emphasised the significance of medical pluralism and drew attention to the state’s rich tribal heritage, which includes medicinal plants and their healing capabilities.
He also called on the audience to jointly work on addressing the health problems of the state through collective and individual efforts by taking courage and example from Dr. Sailo.
