SHILLONG: From a farmer to deputy speaker, the senior most legislator in the Assembly had a chequered political history.
Shira, 68, on Wednesday revealed the secrets of a successful life saying he liked farming and a simple way of living whether he was in or out of power.
In fact, some legislators who congratulated him in the Assembly after assuming the office of the Deputy Speaker recalled his contribution as a farmer.
The members said that they still relish the rice, pumpkins and other vegetables given by Timothy who cultivated his land even in old age.
Timothy himself said no youngster can plough the filed the way he does.
Though he contested in 1978 on APHLC ticket after resigning from government service in 1976, his opponent SC Marak won the seat on a Congress ticket.
Then came a series of defeat till he registered his win in 2003 and 2008.
In 2013, yet another defeat would have prevented him from contesting again but with determination, he went ahead in 2018 and won the seat defeating his usual rival Marak.
Earlier, in 1983, he did not contest the polls and he was defeated again by Marak in the 1988 polls.
Timothy took a break in 1993 to prepare for 1998, but could not defeat Marak.
Timothy gave courage to the members of the House to fight till one’s last breath.
“I was vanquished, defeated. But I never lost hope. The political life may not be smooth, but do not give up and get disappointed. Try again with a determination to bounce back,” he told the House.
