SHILLONG: “The life of U Tirot Sing Syiem is the best example for us to follow, especially in conquering the challenges we face in our personal life and as a society as a whole” said AL Hek, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Arts & Culture while speaking in the commemoration of the freedom fighter’s 183rd death anniversary held at Mot Tirot Ground in Mairang on Tuesday
Extolling the virtues of the great Khasi chieftain, Hek said that U Tirot Sing Syiem was a leader with a vision, who thought about the welfare of his people and his land. As a chieftain he did not make hasty decision but sought the counsel of the durbar for deciding matters of grave importance.
Citing an instance on this quality of U Tirot Sing, the minister reminded the gathering that when the British agent, David Scott’s sought permission to build a road through Nongkhlaw kingdom, the great leader convened a meeting of the Durbar wherein the matter was deliberated upon for two days and two nights, ultimately deciding against the proposal for the welfare of the people.
The minister who was the chief guest at the function also spoke about the importance of maintaining the unique traditions and customs of Khasi society. He said that the role of the maternal uncle who holds an important position in the Khasi Society needs to be strengthened again vis-a-vis the role of the father who looks after the family.
The commemorative programme on the death anniversary of U Tirot Sing Syiem was organised by the Nongkhlaw Syiemship and saw the participation of scores of people who turned up to pay obeisance to the great Khasi freedom fighter.
Others who spoke on the occasion were H S Shylla, Chief Executive Member (CEM), KHADC, and guest of honour in the function, who also spoke at length on the life and supreme sacrifice of U Tirot Sing Syiem and also dwelled on the importance of convening the durbar of the Hima apart from the durbar shnong etc.
Earlier, in the day, the chief guest along with the guest of honour, Syiem and Myntri of Hima Nongkhlaw paid floral tributes at the monument dedicated to U Tirot Sing Syiem at Mot Tirot Ground.