Mortal remains of State’s first Padmashree awardee laid to rest
SHILLONG: Eulogies poured in heaps as the mortal remains of (L) Sitimon Sawian, the State’s first Padmashree awardee, was laid to rest on Wednesday at the Jaiaw Lumjingthang here.
Late Sawian was an educationist and social worker and patron of Lakhreh Memorial School, named after her late mother, who deftly made efforts to retain the Khasi traditional values simultaneously with modern education for youngsters to relay the cultural values of the State to the next generation.
Bantei Rumnong, president, Seng Khasi (Kmie) said it was a great loss to the Khasi community. “She has contributed enormously to the welfare of the Khasi community; she was a lady who guided others,” he said.
Chairman of Jeebon Roy Memorial Welfare Institute, S.M. Ali, recalled that she was a person who worked tirelessly for the disabled. “She will remain an inspiration,” he said.
Darilin Syiem, Chairperson of North East Network (NEN) called Sawian a great soul and a guiding light. “The ensuing conversations I had with her drew lifelong inspirations in me,” she added.
Sawian was instrumental in setting up the NEN to address various issues of women.
Representative from Seng Khasi Higher Secondary School called her a generous and kind person who contributed to the welfare of the school and her efforts bore fruits after the school received a deficit grant from the State government and her hard work led to the up gradation of the school in to the higher secondary level.
The Indian Council of Social Welfare, which (L) Sitimon Sawian had served as its vice president during 1969-70, sent a condolence message and informed the gathering of mourners that on June 28, a two minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
