SHILLONG: St. Anthony’s College inaugurated the Martyrs’ Memorial in honour of its former students in the armed forces and the police department who laid down their lives to defend and protect the country and the state.
According to the college, the initiative is the first of its kind in the state by any civilian organization in honour of late Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum (Maha Vir Chakra) and Late Raymond Philips Diengdoh (Ashoka Chakra).
The memorial is divided into three sections – the Central Piece which reads, “For God and My Country/Honour, Courage, Sacrifice,” the Right Section which reads “Valiant Acts…It is dedicated to brave deeds performed in the service of the state of Meghalaya,” and the Left Section which states, “Etched Eternal”.
Assistant Professor, Department of English, Jacob L. Shylla said that St Anthony’s College cannot but be proud of the men who have been part of its student fraternity and have marched in the face of danger to snatch victory from the very jaws of death, regardless of their personal well-being.
The Martyrs’ Memorial was inaugurated and unveiled by Vivek Syiem, SP Crime, ( Shillong City) in the presence of Keishing Peter and Saily Nongrum, parents of late Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum. Saphimosha Blah, wife of Late Raymond Philips Diengdohwas also present on the occasion. The Principal, Vice-Principal, Rector, Faculty and Students of St. Anthony’s College, besides Brig.William Sturgeon and many others attended the function. Peter, father of Capt. Nongrum, expressed his gratitude and joy at the inauguration of the memorial in honour of his son.
Saphimosha Blah described the occasion as one which fills her with mixed emotions.