By Our Reporter
Shillong: The 71th Death Anniversary of the legendary Khasi poet, U Soso Tham, was observed with solemnity in the city here on Sunday.
Separate functions were held in memory of the poet.
The KSU central body led by its president Samuel Jyrwa, Sumar Sing Sawian from the Birth Centenary Committee and the UDP represented by Titos Chyne, MDC, David Kharsati, MDC and Reynold Kharkamni paid floral tribute to the poet at U Soso Tham Auditorium where his bust has been erected and as a mark of respect, observed a one-minute silence followed by a gathering.
Everyone spoke about the greatness of this legendary poet at length. “His works has not only inspired our local youth in the field of literature but also reminded us of our duty and responsibility towards a better future and keeping our indigenous community alive,” Jyrwa said.
U Soso Tham was born in 1873 in Sohra. He was the first poet to initiate secular literature with diction, both singular and genuine and also the first person to make use of Khasi idioms in a form taken mainly from English poetry.
He is basically remembered for his beautiful poems. His Ka Duitara Kshiar (The Golden Harp, 1925) — a compilation of poems, is one of the most distinguished works. He is widely regarded as the greatest icon in the literary history of Meghalaya.
The FKJGP central body paid floral homage to the great poet at U Soso Tham Auditorium and later inaugurated a football tournament at Lyngkhoi village.
FKJGP central body president Emlang Lyttan stressed on the unity of the youth while calling upon them to uphold the traditional values and principles.
“U Soso Tham had dedicated his whole life for bringing light to the indigenous community in the form of his poetries and writings and it is our duty to follow his footsteps and leave something worthwhile for our future generations,” Lyttan added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Arts and Culture, Education Department and the Red Oleanders is organising a function to commemorate the poet’s death anniversary at U Soso Tham Auditorium on Monday from 11 am onwards.