State recalls legendary freedom fighter on his 189th death anniv
SHILLONG, July 17: In honour of the legendary Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem on his 189th death anniversary, a museum and cultural centre were inaugurated in Nongkhlaw on Wednesday to honour the legend.
Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh inaugurated the museum and centre in the presence of Mairang MLA Metbah Lyngdoh, Principal Secretary of the Arts and Culture Department, FR Kharkongor, Syiem of Nongkhlaw Hima, PM Syiemlieh, and other dignitaries in attendance.
Speaking on the occasion, Lyngdoh said that this centre is a befitting tribute to the valiant Khasi freedom fighter.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Kharkongor said that this is just a soft inauguration of the first phase of the project.
According to him, the centre will not be only a museum since they plan to develop a living heritage centre that will host workshops, cultural performances, and educational programs that aim to foster a deeper connection and understanding of Khasi heritage. “We believe that understanding and appreciation of culture are best achieved through engagement. The interactive exhibits, which will be designed by involving the locals and educational institutions, will provide hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages,” he said.
The Principal Secretary added that the department will provide the necessary training and hand-holding to the locals since they will be responsible for receiving visitors and explaining the artifacts and exhibits at the centre.
Kharkongor said that the exhibits at the centre are more than displays since they are living narratives. The past and present entwine, offering workshops, cultural performances, and educational programs that breathe life into the stories of the Khasi people. Each interaction is a thread that connects you to the vibrant tapestry of this community’s heritage, he added.
“This museum is not merely a repository of artifacts but a living narrative of history, tradition, and resilience. At the heart of our museum lies the enduring spirit of Tirot Sing Syiem, the valiant freedom fighter who stood resolutely against British colonization in the early 19th century. His indomitable courage and unwavering commitment to protecting the sovereignty of the Khasi Hills serve as an enduring inspiration,” the Principal Secretary said.
Kharkongor also added that the curatorial partners working together with the Department of Arts and Culture for the development of this centre are the NE Archives.
Visitors can explore various stories about Tirot Sing Syiem, the weapons he used during the war against foreign troops, and historical narratives about the Hima Nongkhlaw and the tyranny of the British, including the proposed road to Dhaka.
Meanwhile, Kharkongor also informed that for the first time ever, Tirot Sing Day was observed overseas in Dhaka by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
“The observance of the death anniversary of U Tirot Sing Syiem will be held every year in Dhaka,” the Principal Secretary added.
NEHU ceremony at varsity
The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) marked the 189th death anniversary of U Tirot Sing Syiem with a ceremony attended by the university’s faculty, students, and staff. The event, held on the NEHU campus, honoured the Khasi chief’s legacy and his struggle against British colonial rule.
NEHU Vice Chancellor (I/C) Prof Devendra Nayak chaired the observance, with Prof S Umdor from the Department of Economics delivering a talk on U Tirot Sing Syiem’s life and freedom struggle. Col Omkar Singh (Retd), the Registrar, emphasised learning from history to build a just society. Prof Nayak encouraged the NEHU Students’ Union (NEHUSU) to promote awareness on freedom fighters, promising university support.
The event, convened by Prof Devendra K Biswal from the Department of Zoology, paid tribute to the state freedom fighter and inspired attendees to continue his fight for justice and freedom.
Floral tribute at Kench’s Trace
A floral tribute memorial ceremony was held to commemorate the day at the Warriors Memorial Garden wherein the Bust of U Tirot Sing Syiem is situated at Kench’s Trace, (Raid Laban) Shillong.
It was organised by South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai, and the Monitoring Cum Implementation Committee (MCIC), of which Shullai is the Chairman.
The memorial ceremony began with the prayer service and flowers tribute to the freedom fighter. Thereafter, the MCIC Chairman along with the members distributed food packets among all the street children, orphans, mentally challenged persons, destitute and people falling under Below Poverty Line (BPL) in South Shillong constituency.
Meanwhile, members of the Shillong Socio-Cultural Assamese Students’ Association extended their deepest condolences and honoured the memory of Tirot Sing Syiem, terming him as a heroic figure in the history of the Khasi people.
“We pay our prayers and respects to U Tirot Sing. His bravery and resilience paved the way for a free and independent India. His legacy of bravery and determination serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the importance of unity and strength in the face of adversity,” the association said in a statement issued here.