Once in every lifetime society produces men and women of calibre and spunk, of integrity and compassion all rolled into one. Centenarian Silverene Swer who was also decorated with several honours, not least being the Padmashri has finally left her earthly abode after fulfilling her earthly duties and responsibilities. She has served in undivided Assam and left behind her footprints in the State of Arunachal Pradesh at a time when development was just a word. She took up the task of streamlining the public distribution system there. It was a daunting task for a woman of means to take up but she did it without hesitation. Ms Swer was unhappy with the state of governance in Meghalaya and also about the lack of environmental and ecological response from the concerned authorities. While she was alive, Ms Swer expressed a deep despondency at the condition of the Umkhrah River and urged those in power to facilitate the process. It cannot be said that there was full-throated response to her angst.
Looking at the nature of the constructions coming up in and around Shillong city, Ms Swer would be anguished at what would happen in case there was a disaster such as an earthquake or a fire and whether the educational institutions have fire exits and regular drills on how to evacuate students in case of such calamities. This was a concern she harboured until the very end and often asked how Government could be so callous.
As a social activist she belonged to the tribes that believed in action then in press releases. As a founder member of the Synjuk Kynthei one of the oldest women’s organisation initiated by here brother, Ms Swer showed the way to several generations of women on how to engage with issues concerning their well being. With meagre funds but much energy, the small band of women under her leadership showed exceptional commitment setting up crèches in rural areas. These are achievements that may be missed in an age where people rely heavily on documentation. But as the Khasi saying goes, Ms Swer has earned righteousness (Kamai ia ka hok) on this earth and fulfilled her earthly mission as a true Khasi has. It would be difficult for anyone to walk in her shoes. But she will always be a role model for women in general and Khasi women in particular.
