From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN, Oct 22: The 35th death anniversary of Late Wickliffe Syiem, the Syiem Khynnah (Deputy King) of Hima Nongstoin, was observed by the KSU at his memorial site in Sohpian, Nongstoin and at Nongstoin market, on Wednesday last.
Highlighting the history of the Syiem Khynnah, John Fisher Nongsiang, president of KSU West Khasi Hills unit, said ‘the Khasis should emulate Syiem, who was a pioneer in many respects’.
Born in Nongstoin on August 15, 1909, Syiem obtained an engineering degree from the College of Engineering Technology, Baroda, Gujarat, and became the first engineer among the Khasi community. Syiem struggled hard to obtain autonomy status for Nongstoin during his lifetime, he added.
After a floral tribute at his memorial site in Sohpian village, 17 students of the district who secured as toppers in the 2022 and 2023 examinations were conferred with the Wickliffe Syiem Excellence Award 2023 at a function held at NSS Hall, Nongstoin, where the President of KSU Lambokstar Marngar was the chief guest.