From Our Correspondent
TURA: The people of Tura on Monday fondly remembered those, who had gone to France during the 1st World War as recruits of the 69th Garo Labour Corps, with deep sense of dedication and gratitude.
As a mark of respect and remembrance of these recruits, the Garo Labour Corp Day was celebrated in Tura in a befitting manner with several dignitaries laying floral wreaths on the cenotaph at Lower Babupara, while salutation was done by the police and cadets of Bharat Scouts and Guides.
It may be recalled that in 1917, responding to the call of the then British Government, the 69th Garo Labour Corps was formed with volunteers from different parts of Garo Hills to assist the Allied commanders during the 1st World War in France.
Altogether 500 men from Garo Hills were transported to France, where they worked loading and unloading logs of wood and digging trenches in the battle fronts. The recruits worked hard in the rain and snow with such loyalty and dedication that they gained the appreciation of the Allied commanders.
The Garo Labour Corps finally arrived at Tura on July 16, 1918 amidst great jubilation and warm reception, but only 120 men actually reached Tura as some got down at Gauhati and others at Goalpara stations after their official release at Gauhati.
Out of 500 men who went to France, altogether 58 lost their lives. As a mark of respect to these men, a cenotaph was erected at Lower Babupara, Tura, with the names of those who died inscribed on it and since the year 1919, July 16 is being celebrated as the Garo Labour Corps Day in Tura annually.
An impressive memorial function was held at DC’s Park, Tura to mark the occasion where the Chief Executive Member, GHADC, Purno K Sangma participated as the chief guest.
In his address, Sangma said that this was a day for introspection as ‘our forefathers, though uneducated, had set an example of loyalty and sense of sacrifice for their country and to their ruler and stressed the need to inculcate among today’s youth a similar sense of responsibility to their society and a sense of patriotism to their nation’.
In order to celebrate the day in a more befitting manner, he suggested forming of a search committee to collect the medals and certificates that were given to the Labour Corps members and shifting of the cenotaph from the present location to a larger site.
At the same time, Sangma also assured that the District Council would set aside some funds for the purpose. He also pointed out that there are other such sites in the district that required attention, beautification and to be turned into tourist spots. One is at Dalu and another at Ampati, where simple structures are put up in memory of the Indian soldiers who were killed during Indo-Bangladesh war, he said.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi, in his brief address, stressed the importance of having a sense of one’s own history, saying that the Garo forefathers not only fought for peace and integrity but also for the pride of their own tribe. While expressing his happiness to see the great enthusiasm shown by the organisers and the students in celebrating the day, he, however said that he was saddened over the fact that most government officials and employees have failed to turn up for the celebration.
Earlier, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, ICFAI and a historian, Dr Milton S Sangma, while speaking as the guest of honour, narrated the history of the Garo Labour Corps in France and said that those Garo volunteers had not gone there for money nor for sightseeing but responded to the call due to their sense of obligation as citizens of the country.
Tura Municipal Board Chairman KC Momin and Chief Executive Officer TG Momin were among others who also spoke on the occasion, while the Pastor of Tura Baptist Church, Rev WR Marak offered the invocation prayer. Patriotic songs, Wangala dance and a skit on the Garo Labour Corps were also presented by the students.