Queenie Madaline
Dunn (maiden
name) born on 23rd January, 1919 to (L) George Dunn and (L) Mied Rangad was a student of Pine Mount school in her earlier classes. She completed her matriculation from the Welsh Mission Girls’ High School (presently KJP Synod Higher Secondary School),1936, and went on to pass her Intermediate Examination in Arts (IA) from the University of Calcutta in 1938.
An active young Queenie was warranted the ‘Bluebird Guiders Warrant’ by The Girl Guide Association of India in 1937 and later became one of the founding members of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides. Her enthusiasm continued to the college years as she took on the position of Secretary of the Students Union at Lady Keane Girls’ Higher School and College where she graduated with English honours.
In 1941, Queenie Dunn was married to (L) L. Rynjah (Retired Chief Conservator of Forests, Nagaland) whom she accompanied in the years that followed. Later known as Queenie Rynjah she taught at Pine Mount School, Shillong for nearly 25 years and retired as the headmistress of the school in 1977. Prior to that, she taught i other institutions of repute such as St. Mary’s High School, and the Basic Training School at Shillong. During these years, she not only struggled to promote quality education, but also dedicated herself to the cause of uplifting the socio-cultural ethos and milieu of Khasi society.
Blessed with four sons, each excelling in his respective field, Kong Queenie has a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Known for her avid social work Kong Queenie remained active until about ten years ago. In the last few years she has remained largely home bound. During these years, Kong Queenie led the Synjuk Kynthei an organisation that runs crèches and supports poor students. She was the founding member of the ‘Seng Teilang Ki Kynthei Laban’ (1979) and ‘Ka Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei’ (1992). Both the societies concerned themselves with the uplift of specially-abled persons, marginalised women and children. They pioneered crèches in the community to encourage women to work; a pre-primary school; maternity and child welfare centre; and conducted training for tailoring, knitting and embroidery from which students could establish themselves. Apart from enriching the society, they also took on issues of environment and conducted cleaning drives in the communities.
Kong Queenie was actively involved with the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) and was on the YWCA Board for over 20 years, holding two presidential terms (1987-1988; 1993-1994). She was the Vice-Chairman of Meghalaya Social Welfare Advisory Board for 6 years. She has remained a member of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides throughout.
In recognition for her various contributions, Kong Queenie received the Outstanding Literary contribution and Development of the Language Award from the Purvottar Pradeshsiya Marwari Sammelan, 1989; PA Togan N. Sangma Award (Meghalaya Day Award) for Social Services, 1992; Exceptional Lifetime Services as a Teacher Award from the Lioness Club of Shillong, 2003; the Padmashree Award for Social Services, 2004, amongst others. Kong Queenie Rynjah, represented her organisation in the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. It was said, “She stood tall with pride to speak for her society, the Khasi Matrilineal Society and amazed thousands of thrilling participants from across the world ” (Ka Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei Shillong).
Her endless social service continued with her sponsorship for education of two underprivileged children through Save-a-life organisation.A silent worker throughout, a stickler for punctuality and discipline, she was the source of inspiration to her peers and colleagues. Moved by the haphazard garbage around the locality, Kong Queenie initiated the placements of dustbins around the locality and their collection by the Municipal truck when she was n her early 80’s. She would often be seen early in the morning travelling with the truck making sure that the job was well done! She not only showed concern for health and environment but also took initiatives by setting an example that earned her the title ‘Environmentalist.’
Kong Queenie combined the qualities of teacher, social worker, leader, hands on worker, pioneer all in one and executed each role perfectly. She was witty, charismatic and charming and never missed an opportunity to socialise and maintain close ties with her friends and family, even in her old age. Kong Queenie was a person who loved gardening, cooking, baking, knitting, sewing, embroidery, etc. She shared these talents with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all the people who knew her. Her sweet tooth and famous toffees were always a delight at the ‘Sale of Work’ organised to raise funds for the crèche. The toffees were sold in small little baskets, handmade by her, filled with confetti and irresistible across the age groups.
Some remember that she made cloth balls, for the children in the crèche, from clothes that otherwise would have simply stayed in the cupboard. She was 90 years old at the time.
At the end of the year, she would sit in her lawn prepping to make her marmalade jam, and when it was done, packed with flavour, everybody received a bottle and winter was complete. Her love for others was so great that she always adopted a family to help in whatever way she could. She shared all that grew in her garden and never thought twice. She was involved in many activities but she never forgot her husband and children. They were brought up in a loving environment and taught the values of life. She lived a disciplined life and inculcated the same to her children, grandchildren and to those who came in contact with her.
Kong Queenie was an avid reader of newspapers and would express her concerns on issues through handwritten letters to the editor which she sent to The Shillong Times. Hers was a life well lived. In one interview she said, “To live a long life, keep a happy disposition is a gift. Teachers are given a gift, a foresight.” The remarks of the Principal, Lady Keane Girls’ Higher School and College, on Mrs. Queenie Rynjah’s Certificate in 1940 writes, “Her character is quiet amiable and exemplary and I hope she will be a leading citizen of this country.”
Farewell Kong Queenie…we will miss you
