Shillong, Nov 1: The 66th death anniversary of Rev JJM Nichols Roy, known as the father of the Sixth Schedule, was observed at the monument located at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture.
The commemoration was organised by the JJM Nichols Roy Memorial Society, which held a prayer and tribute ceremony chaired by Chairman of the Memorial Ransom Sutnga.
JJM Nichols Roy was remembered as one of the most profound constitutional thinkers of India’s freedom and post-independence era. A member of the Constituent Assembly of India, he was the principal architect of the Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution—an innovative constitutional mechanism designed to safeguard the rights, identity, and self-governance of the indigenous tribal communities in the Northeast.
Speakers at the event recalled how his vision and advocacy for autonomous district councils ensured the preservation of traditional institutions and customary laws within the framework of the Indian Union. They also noted the contemporary relevance of his legacy, drawing parallels with the current movement in Ladakh, where environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and other local leaders have been demanding the implementation of Sixth Schedule provisions for the protection of tribal and ecological rights in the Himalayan region.
The memorial also reflected on the recent controversy surrounding the statue and monument, which had drawn public attention after reports alleged that the structure was on the verge of collapse and that the commemorative plaque had broken. Initial reports had erroneously attributed the issue to the Riti Academy of Visual Arts, led by artist Raphael Warjri, which executed the monument.
However, subsequent clarifications revealed that the monument was constructed under the aegis of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) during the Joint Conference of all Autonomous District Councils of the Northeast region. The structure, it was later confirmed, was temporarily installed pending the completion of a permanent base structure, which had been delayed due to administrative red tape.
Following the controversy, both the Department of Arts and Culture and the KHADC took prompt corrective action. Former CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem and Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne coordinated efforts for the restoration and reinforcement of the monument, once again entrusted to Riti Academy.
The restoration work was successfully completed in time for the death anniversary, ensuring that the memorial stands restored to its intended dignity as a symbol of Khasi heritage and constitutional contribution.
The ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths and floral tributes by members and dignitaries in honour of the late leader who played a pivotal role during the critical years of anti-imperialist struggle and socio-political transformation in the region.
