JOWAI, Dec 30: Along with the entire state, National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) of the National People’s Party (NPP) observed the 158th death anniversary of U Kiang Nangbah, a freedom fighter of Meghalaya who spearheaded a rebellion against the British Raj in India, by organising an award ceremony called ‘U Kiang Nangbah Achievement Award’ for some of the contributors to the society, here on Wednesday.
The programme was attended by Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla, JHADC Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat, National Working President of NPYF Nickey Nongkhlaw, Jowai North MDC Bright Star Chyrmang and nominated MDC of JHADC Octomewot Lamin.
The awardees include: Socio-cultural award to Kiang Nangbah Iasiat Khnam Memorial Society for outstanding social service and dedication, Fine Arts award to Wanhi- I Challam for dedication and contribution to Art & Culture in the state, and Sports & Youth Affairs award each to Hame Shaniah Suiam for numerous international achievements in kickboxing besides his contribution to the state in terms of the sport, and Dauniwanchwa Phawa for his contribution to the sports scenario.
In conferring the awards, the NPYF aims to nurture better social catalysts in their respective areas.
Speaking on the occasion, one of the awardees, Thombor Shiwat, said, “It was because of our own people that U Kiang Nangbah was arrested and hanged”.
He encouraged the attendees to do away with malice and jealousy, and instead help each other grow, become determined personalities with an independent stand.
Wailadmiki Shylla narrated how U Kiang Nangbah, despite being born to a poor family in Tpeppale with no royal background, became a great leader in resisting the tyranny of the Britishers.
He reminded that U Kiang Nangbah’s prophecy came true.
“As he was hanging from the noose, he shouted that if on his last breath his head turns towards the east, the Jaintia Kingdom shall regain its independence within a span of hundred years, which indeed it did,” Shylla said, while congratulating the fellow awardees, who he encouraged to strive for many more achievements.
On the other hand, Hameshaniah Suiam thanked the NPYF for conferring the award to him.
U Kiang Nangbah Achievement Award is part of NPYF’s goodwill efforts this year after U Tirot Sing and Pa Togan Sangma Achievement Awards were well received by the awardees and the public.
The youth body plans to make this an annual affair to honour social contributors and achievers in the state.