By Willie Gordon Suting
Not many writers can act, direct and sing well. Leslie Hardinge Pde, however, was an exception. He received several awards for his contribution to literature and theatre in the state.
Hardinge was born on April 13, 1938, in the village of Mawngap, known for its theatre scene in those years. He was the son of Lytan Niangti and Mary Pde and had five siblings — Saphira, Hamiel, Beatrice Thelma and Belma Pde. His father died when he was 26.
Hardinge studied in Mawngap Presbyterian LP School and then shifted to Marbisu Government LP School. Shifting to Laitumkhrah in 1947 staying with his uncle, he joined Savio School and then St. Anthony’s High School.
Because of poverty, Hardinge dropped out of school to support his family but he wanted to complete his education and joined the evening section in St Anthony’s School and passed out his matriculation in second attempt as private candidate.
Hardinge was a voracious reader. Though not surrounded by literary-minded friends, he looked up to writers like James Hadley Chase, Nick Carter, PG Woodehouse and DT Laloo. They were his heroes. Hardinge started writing by being a regular contributor to local newspapers and periodicals.
Hardinge worked in small jobs to support his P.U and B.A evening classes. He completed his BA in 1962 from Gauhati University.
The turning point in his life was passing the Assam Civil Service in 1964. It paved the way for his long service in the government. Being a member of then Assam Civil Services, he was also trained in civil defence, administration, law and judiciary.
Hardinge had served in several departments — Development, Survey and Settlement, Judiciary, Taxation, Excise and Registration, Revenue, Labour and Employment. He retired in 1996 as Director of Employment and Craftsmen Training, Government of Meghalaya. After retirement, he devoted full-time to writing.
Hardinge was the founder member and treasurer of Seng Biria U Khasi (SBUK), president of both Shillong Trendy Society and Catholic Authors’ Guild and member of Laitumkhrah Sports Club. He was the Associate Editor of Ka Iing Khristan, a newspaper and was also president and one of the singers in St Cecelia Choir.
Hardinge married Justina Kharmawphlang and has three children — Genevieve, Desmond and Loreta Ann Kharmawphlang.
Hardinge’s first novel, Ka Khun Ba La Jah, published in 1970 was well-received by the literary community. It marked the beginning of his writing career. He then went on to write novels like Ka Bih, U Raimon Bad Ka Dashisha, Tang Maphi Khun Baieid, U Mooiong and plays like Yn Map and Kema Ka Genma. He had also translated the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Upanishads and the Bhagvad Gita into Khasi.
Hardinge was known for his humour. As a humourist, he had written Ki Biria U Satar and Biria 2000. He had also written a well-researched non-fiction book Ka Lawkyntang Bad Ka Knia Phod Sohlang Hima Mawphlang. Some of his fictions and translations are often recommended at NEHU.
Hardinge’s novels and plays are mostly tragic tales of how fate plays a role in complexities in family and human relationships. Characters often try to redeem themselves after having gone through suffering and loss. Hardinge was a moralist who propagated his ideas through novels and plays showing how good and evil are inherent in modern Khasi society.
The news of Hardinge’s demise took everyone by surprise, especially the literary and theatre community of Shillong. He died on January 16 at the age of 79.
Wan Kharkrang, President of SBUK, looking back on Hardinge’s life, says, “As founder-member and treasurer, he was very honest, trustworthy and hardworking. Now, we feel like a strong branch has broken from our tree.”
“Hardinge was the most friendly and sociable. I recall when we toured as a theatre group in villages, people would run after him for autographs after performances. He possessed a lot of charisma.”
Loniak Marbaniang, Hardinge’s bosom friend right from childhood, says, “Hardinge was a man of action who spoke less. He was disciplined and punctual, but he could also adapt with all types of people. He had a good sense of humour.”
Hardinge was popularly known as Bah Besbha, his character in skits telecasted by Doordarshan Kendra Shillong. Hardinge had written screenplays and acted in 60 episodes for DDK.
Hardinge had written and directed two feature films — Ka Umsaw and U Tiew Lily Ba Saw. There were three feature films with DDK. He also wrote, produced, directed and acted in several dramas of SBUK and Shillong Trendy Society.
Hardinge won many awards. He was presented the Decorated Khukri placed inside a glass casket on the 184th birth anniversary of Bhanu Jayanti by organisers. He was awarded the Star Trophy by Sree Narayan Guru Cultural Centre, Shillong, presented by the Governor. He was also conferred the appreciation plaque by the Bharati Broadcasting Corporation of India (DDK Shillong) on October 15, 2011, “for immense and invaluable contribution in the field of teleplay”.
Shillong and the state of Meghalaya lost a gifted writer who possessed a warm heart. Hardinge will be remembered for his humour and charisma and body of work. He had passed away but remains in the hearts of family and friends.
