SHILLONG, July 31: The High Commission of India in Bangladesh has agreed to a proposal of the Meghalaya government for establishment of a memorial dedicated to legendary freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka.
“We agree with the proposal to set up a memorial of U Tirot Sing — a prominent freedom fighter and leader of Khasi people who fought against British and passed away in Dhaka,” the High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, Pranay Verma stated in a letter addressed to Arts and Culture Minister, Paul Lyngdoh on July 25.
Verma said the High Commission has taken up the proposal with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and has highlighted the importance of establishing such a memorial at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), Dhaka.
“Considering that we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in Bangladesh, the Library of IGCC located at Dhanmondi would be a befitting location to install the life size sculpture/bust and portrait of U Tirot Sing. We would, in addition, suggest that the library may be re-named as U Tirot Sing Memorial Library so as to spread the history and legacy of the prominent freedom fighter among the younger generation,” he said.
The High Commissioner of India in Dhaka requested the Art and Culture Minister to instruct concerned officials in the state government to coordinate with the Director, IGCC in Dhaka for delivery of the proposed sculpture/bust and portrait for installation, after which a suitable ceremony could be planned with high-level participation from Meghalaya.
When contacted, Lyngdoh said the state government will work out the expenditure required for the purpose.
“We are targetting to complete the entire process by November or December this year,” the minister added.
Lyngdoh also said that the state government would seek the assistance of noted educationist Prof David Syiemlieh to access all documents related to U Tirot Sing like the date of his arrest and his passing, for display at the IGCC library.
He said the proposed memorial and library in Bangladesh named after the legendary freedom fighter of the region is a huge achievement for Meghalaya.
He also stated that the delegation that would be going to Dhaka to attend the inauguration programme would consist of Syiems and other traditional heads.
