By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 5: Residents of Raid Shabong under Pynursla Civil Sub Division paid an emotional farewell on Friday to Patrick Anselm Rogers, a 39-year-old US documentarian and global advocate for Meghalaya’s living root bridges.
Rogers, a frequent visitor to the state since 2011, passed away on March 21 at Shnongpdeng.
His final rites were conducted at Lum Phlang Dkhi following the customs of the Khun Kur Longtrai Lai Kynthei of Raid Shabong. While a large number of local residents attended the ceremony, his family, including siblings Nick and Jenny Rogers, joined the proceedings from the United States via Zoom.
Morningstar Khongthaw, joint secretary of the Khun Kur Longtrai Lai Kynthei Heritage Committee, noted that Rogers’ mother was unable to speak during the service, overwhelmed by grief. Khongthaw added that committee members plan to travel to Kolkata to hand over Rogers’ ashes to the US Consulate once final approvals are received.
In a unique tribute, both the US and Indian flags were displayed at the cremation site—a first for the Khasi-Jaintia Hills—to honour Rogers’ citizenship and the bond he shared with the region.
“Patrick Rogers’ contributions to Meghalaya, particularly in promoting tourism and conserving living root bridges, are widely recognised. Many who worked closely with him know the depth of his work,” Khongthaw said.
He also thanked the villagers of Shnongpdeng for their assistance in escorting the body and paying their respects.
Rogers collapsed on March 21 and was declared dead at the Dawki Primary Health Centre. The US Consulate in Kolkata has since granted no-objection certificates for the cremation and the transportation of his ashes to the United States.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed his condolences, describing Rogers as a dedicated supporter of the state’s ecological heritage. The Chief Minister highlighted Rogers’ humility, his respect for local communities, and his significant role in bringing global attention to the living root bridges.
Rogers’ death has been widely mourned across the state, particularly among conservationists. His work remains a cornerstone for ongoing tourism and preservation initiatives in Meghalaya.
