By Our Special Correspondent
Shillong: Noted educationist and social worker and a nonagenarian, Padmashri Mrs Evelyn Norah Shullai passed away on Thursday morning. Born in 1917, Mrs Shullai who is also known to many as Kong Rani and Nanu to her dear ones, would have observed her 96th birthday on September 29.
She lived a full life and is known to celebrate her birthday with in a very special way making it an occasion to bring friends of all ages together.
Mrs Shullai kai Many remember Mrs Shullai as the Inspector of Schools who physically visited all the schools under her jurisdiction and kept the headmasters/headmistresses on their toes. “I remember her as a stylish, well-dressed lady who came to our school and asked us questions ,” said Ibari Kharsati, Principal Pearly Dew School.
Mrs Shullai’s tenure in education was under the Assam Government where she was appointed Assistant Inspector of Schools in different parts of undivided Assam. She became the first Inspector of Schools after Meghalaya was created.
A keen promoter of the Bharat Scouts and Guides movement, Shullai was awarded the Silver Elephant Award in 1972 for dedicating 20 years of her life to its service. She had taken several delegations of Girl Guides to different foreign countries like Australia, Yugoslavia and the USA. She also headed the Meghalaya Branch of the Indian Red Cross.
Until her last days Mrs Shullai was teaching English at a school she pioneered – the Shullai progressive Secondary School at Mawlai Mawroh alongside her residence.
Mrs Shullai completed her high school in Shillong and attended College in Calcutta where she got her BA and BEd degrees.
She also got a Diploma in Montessori Training in Calcutta. Those who know Kong Rani and there are thousands across this State will always remember her as an amiable, genteel soul with a kind heart and words of praise and encouragement for anyone who tried to blaze a path. She leaves behind her daughter Judy Shullai, former Principal PGT college, son-in-law A Phanbuh, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday at the All Saints Old Cemetery, General Point at around 1 pm.