By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 14: Synod College celebrated its Diamond Jubilee which will culminate in March next year with a special event honouring women trailblazers who have made significant contributions across various fields in Meghalaya.
Held under the theme ‘Trailblazers of Empowerment in Meghalaya: Women’s Role in Shaping Modern India’, the event acknowledged the accomplishments of women leaders from diverse backgrounds.
A two-day seminar on the same theme is underway at the college and is held under the aegis of the Centre for Historical Research, Synod College.
The honourees included 90-year-old Sweetymon Rynjah, notably, the oldest in the gathering who came in person for the function.
Rynjah was the first Khasi woman to pass the Assam Civil Service examination and worked for Assam Government and later for North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
After her retirement, she dedicated herself to literary works, including the Apphira Award title and first book called “Syrwet Umjer” in 1989.
Others who were felicitated included Dial Muktieh of Mei Ramew Café in Ri-Bhoi, late E.N. Shullai, Matsiewdor War Nongbri, M.P.R. Lyngdoh, Rebecca Suchiang, Pauline Warjri, Rosemillain Bathew, Mavis Dunn, Patricia Mukhim, among others, who were recognised for their impact in areas ranging from community service to arts and administration.
Chief Guest of the occasion, Professor T.K. Kharbamon, Vice Chancellor, Martin Luther Christian University, in her keynote address, emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment in Meghalaya’s social and cultural growth.
She said, “The papers on the theme, and the sub-themes of the seminar will seek to acknowledge the achievements of the women in Meghalaya, analyse the socio-cultural dynamics that have shaped their success, and draw insightful parallels with the broader impact of women empowerment movements across India. Further, by documenting and archiving their stories, the efforts of the Centre for Historical Research, can, in many ways, inspire future generations and advocate for policies that continue to support and amplify the voices of women across Meghalaya and beyond.”
Prof Kharbamon lamented the fact that Meghalaya is yet to have a female Rangbah Dong or Rangbah Shnong and these roles are still male-centric. She said women still have a long way to go, to challenge the gender stereotype in Meghalaya. Kharbamon said biased gender social norms continue to be a significant obstacle for women and often women’s own perceptions hold them back from rendering many potential contributions to the community, the state, the country and the world.
She underlined the fact that given the opportunity and firmly believing in their capacity, women can, in a manner that is more sensitive and subtle, be able to empathise, understand and curb the several social evils that have begun to throttle homes, our families and communities.