Floral tributes, reminiscences mark 18th death anniv of former MLA

SHILLONG, Sep 22: Floral tributes, lighting of candles and fond recollection of the life and works of people’s man Ardhendu Chaudhuri marked the former legislator’s 18th death anniversary here on Thursday.
Organised by the Ardhendu Chaudhuri Charitable Trust, the programme was attended by former education minister Manas Chaudhuri, Director General of Police LR Bishnoi, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo, West Shillong MLA Mohendro Rapsang, members of the Trust and residents of the area.
Remembering his brother Ardhendu, the former education minister, in his address, lamented that the tears may have dried 18 years later but the heartache would not go.
He said that Ardhendu’s legacy will continue to live on through his family members, the Trust and the people who loved and respected him.
West Shillong MLA Mahendro Rapsang, on the other hand, said that Ardhendu represented part of his constituency before the delimitation and till date, the people of the area remember him for his good work.
“I follow in his footsteps and when I meet people, I tell them that I want to be like him,” Rapsang said.
He added that under the able leadership of Ardhendu, water crisis, which was one of the biggest problems of the area, was taken care of.
“People are thankful to him till date,” Rapsang said.
It may be mentioned that on this day, the gathering also celebrated the fourth year of Aahar, an initiative of the Ardhendu Chaudhuri Charitable Trust formed to perpetuate the memory of the late Ardhendu, who died in a helicopter crash on September 22, 2004, along with eight other prominent political leaders and businessmen of the state.
Meanwhile, the DGP, in his address, applauded the Aahar initiative and said it is not an easy task to provide free meals to around 200 people daily.
The deputy commissioner, on the other hand, recalled how a pall of gloom descended on the city after the news of the helicopter crash broke out.
She said that such a celebration being held in Ardhendu’s honour bears witness to the legacy he has left behind.
During the programme, umbrellas were also distributed among the local beneficiaries of Aahar.
Various other associates and friends of Ardhendu also took turns to share their experiences with him — how they were inspired by his simplicity, and his willingness to learn and help out those in need.
It may be mentioned that the Ardhendu Chaudhuri Charitable Trust was formed in 2005 to celebrate the life and legacy of the late legislator through various social initiatives.