Tributes were paid to U Tirot Sing Syiem on freedom fighter’s 188th death anniversary today.
The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, observed the occasion with floral tributes paid to the legendary warrior. The role of Tirot Sing in the fight against British imperialism during the Anglo-Khasi War for 1829-33 was highlighted
On the occasion, an input distribution programme was also organised where progressive farmers were handed quality millet seed as part of the International Year of Millets.
It was also informed that the ICAR’s guesthouse has been named after Tirot Sing. A large portrait of the freedom fighter was also unveiled today.
Meanwhile, at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), the death anniversary was observed by teachers, scholars, students and non-teaching staff.
The observance was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabha Shankar Shukla while Prof Amena M Passah from the Department of History presented a talk on ‘The freedom struggle of U Tirot Sing Syiem’.
Passah mentioned that “One of the lapses of colonial Indian historiography is the utter neglect of the North East India’s rich preserve of valiant women and men who resisted British imperialism in their region and whose names and exploits do not feature in history books”.
She also applauded the central government in putting efforts and spotlight on lesser known heroes of India under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav programme.
While speaking about the life and struggle of Tirot Sing, Passah mentioned that Prof David Syiemlieh, who in course of research, found out that the Nongkhlaw Syiem had died on July 17 while under house arrest and not as an ordinary prisoner in a Dhaka jail as initially believed.
While answering queries of the participants, Passah mentioned that a lot of research has to be conducted to learn more about the lives of the freedom fighters of the state as the records in the history books do not do justice to the works of these unsung heroes. She urged scholars and students of history to explore the possibilities of conducting research about the life of Tirot Sing in Dhaka while he was under house arrest.
Shukla urged students’ bodies to take the lead in organising programmes and creating awareness about the freedom fighters of the society and said that the university will provide full support to such events.
