SHILLONG, Aug 17: In a first, someone from the family of the legendary freedom fighter of Meghalaya U Tirot Sing Syiem was felicitated by the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), here on Wednesday.
After being feted, the fifth generation descendant of U Tirot Sing, Dr Kestonbel Manik Syiemlieh, remembered the legacy of his ancestor.
“The legacy left by this great freedom fighter continues to have an influence even today,” Syiemlieh, who is the Deputy Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw, said at the 75th Independence Day celebrations on NEHU campus on Monday.
He was elated to hear the names of the unsung heroes of Northeastern region who gave up their lives during the freedom struggle but have not received enough recognition for the contribution.
Calling for people’s unity in uplifting the society, the Deputy Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw encouraged youths of the university to learn from the lives of freedom fighters like U Tirot Sing Syiem.
In his Independence Day address, Vice Chancellor of NEHU Prof. PS Shukla spoke about the sacrifices of the unsung heroes of the Northeast, particularly Meghalaya.
“Our very own hero U Tirot Sing Syiem is one such unsung hero whose name we rarely find in the history books of freedom struggle. Same can be said about U Kiang Nangbah from the Jaintia Hills and Pa Togan Sangma from the Garo Hills,” the Vice Chancellor of the University said.
As part of the celebration, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) WL Narry inaugurated the ‘Smart Bamboo Water Tower with GSM-based Water Level Indicator’ project initiated by North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) in collaboration with Ramakrishna Mission, Sohra.
The smart bamboo water tower is designed to harvest water from the atmosphere (rain, fog, dew etc.) providing an alternative water source for communities that face challenges in accessing drinkable water.
It is a passive vertical structure that can be designed using locally available materials and functions by natural phenomena such as evaporation, condensation and gravity.
On the other hand, members of National Cadet Corps (NCC), students and teachers of Shillong College celebrated the occasion on the day, which also marked the foundation day of the college.
The National Flag was hoisted by the Principal, Dr E Kharkongor. The college flag was unfurled by Prof B Syiem, Vice Principal of the college.
Meanwhile at Mawlai Madam Heh mini stadium, an Independence Day penalty shoot-out was organised which was attended by state vice president BJP Meghalaya David Kharsati as the chief guest.
The guest of honour was social activist, Michael Kharsyntiew.
The program started by hoisting of the National Flag by Kharsyntiew and other young youth leaders from Mawlai Nongmali.
A total of 32 teams participated in penalty shoot-out. Shipara FC from Jaiaw won teh event.
