‘Legend wanted to live longer to complete 30 more books’
SHILLONG: “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; if I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin, unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain”.
This poem by Emily Dickinson holds true to describe the life of Father Sylvanus Sngi Lyngdoh whom thousands gave a tearful adieu on Monday.
Father Sngi (95) breathed his last on the wee hours of Saturday last at a city hospital.
The love people have had towards him for his humble and multi-faceted personality could be seen as thousands of people paid their last respects to him, some remembered him for having prayed for them or their loved ones and noted personalities recounted him as “son of the soil”.
On Monday his mortal remains were taken from Mawlai Parish to Laitumkhrah Cathedral for Catholic faithful coming from different parts of Khasi – Jaintia Hills region to pay their last tribute to the religious legend before taking to the cemetery.
The premises of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians was overfilled with thousands of people both from rural and urban areas as they remembered him not only as the stalwart personality of the Catholic Church but as a person who was known to political circles and pressure groups as their mentor.
Speaking to reporters, Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese, Fr. Dominic Jala SDB said, “He told us in his deathbed that he yearned to live longer as he had over 30 more books to complete.”
Recounting a chronicle of his journey as a priest who went on to become the most sought after person who expounded Scriptural studies, Fr Jala said, “He was a brilliant person who felt that the Khasi-Jaintia community needed him and he wanted to be remembered as a teacher.”
He added that there were numerous scholarly books to his credit and he would be remembered for his teachings and literary works and socio-political involvements especially in Ri-Bhoi.
“He laid the foundation of the coalition government in the state, sadly it did not give the desired results,” he said.
“Many people were healed due to his prayers and the people are here to pay their solemn respect to him,” he added.
Fr Jala observed that Fr Sngi had envisioned that the Khasi-Jaintia community should not be deprive of good education which prompted him to write many books, he recounted late Fr Sngi’s words who said that a an educated community endures.
Speaking during the mass service, DD Lapang, advisor to the State government, called him a morning star of the Khasi-Jaintia community and said, “His death is a great loss to the poor and downtrodden and he was noted for demanding a district status to Ri-Bhoi.”
Silvanus Lamare, principal, St. Edmunds College said, “He has left behind a treasure trove of knowledge for the people to read and dwell deep in knowledge. He has used his talent to the fullest.”
Terming Fr Sngi as the “son of the soil”, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that his attitude towards the people reminded him of the true demonstration of the love of God and that his multifaceted personality ceaselessly working to provide knowledge, enlightenment and prosperity.
“We should emulate his life and we will be glad if more people like him come up,” he said.
Vincent Pala, Shillong MP, lauded Fr Sngi’s contributions towards the society.
His niece, Sister Justina expressed gratitude to the people who were by his bed side and said that he had never failed to give then words of wisdom and valuable insights.
Brother Albert Lyngdoh while speaking about the life of his uncle said, “His love and thirst of knowledge and his love for praying for the sick was unending .”
“He wished that the Khasi people should read and understand the value of knowledge and get deep in knowledge,” he said while people were seen wiping away tears from their eyes as he spoke.
Lyngdoh could not hold up his tears and mourned that Fr Sngi won’t use him for support anymore and said, “He is not dead, he is going up to shine and when you miss him, look up to the horizon and call out his name “Sngi” or “Sun” he will be there.”
Fr Sngi, whose first name means Sun in Khasi had said that he often uses the Khasi worldview and concepts in explaining Christianity to tribal.
He was born in Bhoi in January 3, 1921. He was ordained was ordained a priest in Italy by Salesian Bishop Michele Alberto Arduino in July 1, 1958.