SHILLONG: The renaming of a road in Laitumkhrah area of the city, which was reported in this daily this Thursday, has evoked reactions from the public.
The Sebastian Bia Road, was earlier known by the name of Ramakrishna Mission Road since the land for it was donated by Ramakrishna Mission, Shillong way back in 1946. However, this road has been renamed as Sebastian Bia Road by the state government
A devotee of RKM, who is a former Shillongite now settled in Kolkata, said that first and foremost it should be understood that this road would have never been possible had the RKM noted parted with its land for public good.
The old lady who was born and brought up in Shillong further added that she always knew the road as Ramakrishna Mission Road and there was a signboard too. This version of her is reciprocated by many other elderly residents of Greater Laitumkhrah and devotees from other parts of the city, who rued that the signboard is not seen anywhere now.
According to RKM devotees even if there is a mistake or anything else on the part of the state government, it must correct this ‘historical blunder’ since the report of the proceedings of managing committee of RKM, Shillong which is maintained in a register clearly says about the decision to donate the land for a motorable road.”
“RKM is always with its devotees and followers and they are the one who have to come forward for the cause.” assured Secretary, RKM, Shillong, Swami Achyuteshananda Maharaj
While citing the historical case of Quinton Memorial Hall, which is known now as the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Cultural Centre at Quinton Road, he said that it was made possible by liberal public efforts who fought for it and handed over to RKM for cultural and youth activities, from the clutches of commercial land grabbers and the state government.
“It is not only for the monastic order of RKM to take up such issues but people should come forward,” he said adding that a joint petition with a couple of reminders regarding renaming Quinton Road as Ramakrishna Mission Road is lying sans response with the chief minister.
Swami Achyuteshananda said that all their postal correspondences are actually received with the address ‘Ramakrishna Mission Road’ till date, which is a landmark in town.
