To Sunday Shillong,
This is in reference to the article ‘A Gem Lost Forever’ that was published on January 21. It was a touching write-up about a great talent that we lost. However, there were several factual errors on Leslie Hardinge Pde’s life.
Harding’s father’s name was Liton Niangti and not Lytan Niangti. Hardinge had eight siblings. His mother’s paternal aunt Kyrshum Nongkhlaw saw the potential in him, and brought him to Shillong in 1947 to continue his studies where he joined Savio School and St Anthony’s School. Hardinge continued to stay with the Nongkhlaw family till the time he was married in 1960. The Khasi writer and folklorist, Donbok T. Laloo, was a lifelong friend and mentor who provided tremendous inspiration to Hardinge.
Hardinge was posted as Sub-Deputy Collector in Lakhimpur District of Assam and one of the responsibilities was the coordination of the 1970 census in the district. After Meghalaya attained statehood, he served as Block Development Officer in several CRD blocks in Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Hardinge had a long stint in Garo Hills serving in the districts of West and East Garo Hills. He had served in several departments which include Planning, Survey and Settlement, Judiciary, Taxation, Excise and Registration, Revenue, Labour and Employment.
Hardinge retired as Director of Employment and Craftsmen Training and Labour Commissioner. After retirement, he devoted his time, almost exclusively, to writing. In 1995, during the celebration of the UK Year of Literature and Writing, Hardinge was invited to visit Wales and performedat several venues in Wales, England and the Republic of Ireland, including one at the Dylan Thomas Centre at Swansea.
Hardinge was a realist who delivered his ideas through novels and plays showing how good and evil are inherently part of life. He was one of the few Khasi writers to dwell on contemporary issues, he was a revolutionary writer who was candid in his depiction of modern Khasi society.
Thanking you
Anonymous