SHILLONG:The death of Mamoni Raisom Goswami, who spent her schooling days in Shillong, was widely condoled here on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma in his condolence message said, ” She was an eminent personality who had her roots in Shillong. During her later part of life she dedicated herself to bring peace in the region which is commendable. ”
He said the writer and peacemaker understood the potential of the region and that’s why she pursued aggressively with the government and the militant outfit to put an end to violence.
Khasi Authors’ Society member Sylvanus Lamare recalling the writer, said, ” She grew up in Shillong and loved this place. I remember she told me once that the environment and quietness of Shillong had enriched her thoughts and imagination. ”
” It is the great loss for the people across the world and it’s a personal loss for me as she was one of my guides, ” Lamare, also the Principal of St Edmunds’ College, said.
Former home minister Robert Garnet Lyngdoh in his condolence message, said, ” It is a big loss not only for Assam, but, for the North East. She was one person who was committed in bringing peace through the process of dialogue and negotiations. Moreover, she actively tried to promote literature both in vernacular and the English language. ”
Goswami had earlier released Lyngdoh’s book ”Who the Cap fits”.
E Z Syiem, Principal of Pine Mount School, where Goswami studied, said, ” Though, I didn’t know her much personally, but I knew her through her literary works. I have read a number of her write-ups, recalling her life in Shillong and in the School. Her demise is a great loss to the literary world. ”As a mark of respect to the Jnanpith awardee, students of the Pine Mount will observed a two minute silence tomorrow at the school campus.Lou Majaw said in his message, ” She is at peace…She has left lots of things behind for other people to follow. ” (UNI)