Shillong, April 8: Veteran journalist Sumar Sing Sawian, who earned the distinction of being the first Khasi journalist to be hired by any national agency, died on Friday at his Umroi residence.
The octogenarian, who represented top news agency PTI and was associated with a number of local English and language publications, was unwell for a while.
He was the founder editor of the short-lasting English daily Apphira published by Ri Khasi Press group.
He was posted in Delhi as PTI correspondent and subsequently headed its Shillong office.
For nearly two decades Sawian contributed a weekly column in The Shillong Times beginning in the early 70’s. Earlier, he started his career as a reporter with the erstwhile Shillong daily, The Frontier Times.
He was actively associated with the Shillong Journalists’ Association and Shillong Press Club.
He translated into Khasi part of Tagore’s Nobel winning composition “Geetanjali”. His effort was duly recognised on the occasion of Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary in Shillong.
In 2017, Sawian was awarded U Tirot Sing Award for his outstanding contribution to “art and literature”
To his credit he was a regular commentator of current affairs in Khasi dailies.
Among others, he leaves behind his son, former Minister Don Kupar Massar, besides a host of friends and admirers.