By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 2: The life-size statue of Rev. J.J.M. Nichols Roy, located in front of the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture (LICPAC), Mawdiangdiang, has been restored ahead of his 66th death anniversary.
The restoration followed recent reports and public concern that the statue of the revered leader, widely hailed as the architect of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, was at risk of collapsing, as it had been mounted on a wooden base. The commemorative plaque had also cracked and fallen.
Following a report carried by The Shillong Times, the Department of Arts and Culture and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) intervened to undertake corrective measures.
Former KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem and KHADC’s Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne coordinated the restoration and reinforcement work, which was entrusted to Riti Academy of Visual Arts.
Riti Academy chairman Raphael Warjri said that the restoration was completed in time for the anniversary observance, ensuring that “the memorial stands restored to its intended dignity as a symbol of Khasi heritage and constitutional contribution.”
Rev. Nichols Roy’s 66th death anniversary was observed with solemnity on Saturday at the monument site within the LICPAC.
Organised by the J.J.M. Nichols Roy Memorial Society, the commemoration featured a prayer and tribute ceremony chaired by Ransom Sutnga, Chairman of the Memorial Society.
Speakers paid glowing tributes to Rev. Nichols Roy as a profound thinker and statesman who played a decisive role in shaping India’s post-independence constitutional framework. As a member of the Constituent Assembly, he was instrumental in formulating the Sixth Schedule, a constitutional safeguard for the rights, identity, and self-governance of indigenous tribal communities in the Northeast.
Participants reflected on his enduring legacy, noting how his vision for autonomous district councils continues to preserve traditional institutions and customary laws within India’s democratic structure.
Several speakers drew parallels between Rev. Nichols Roy’s constitutional foresight and ongoing movements for tribal autonomy elsewhere in the country. Reference was made to the recent campaign in Ladakh, where environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and local leaders have been advocating for Sixth Schedule protections to safeguard ecology and tribal rights in the Himalayan region.
Sutnga described Rev. Nichols Roy as “not merely a political architect but a moral compass whose wisdom and foresight built the bridge between traditional values and modern constitutional democracy.”
The memorial gathering also addressed the recent controversy surrounding the statue, which had drawn public attention after reports alleged structural instability and a damaged plaque.
Clarifications later revealed that the monument was constructed under the KHADC as part of the Joint Conference of all Autonomous District Councils of the Northeast region. It was temporarily installed pending completion of a permanent base structure, which was delayed due to administrative procedures.
The statue was originally unveiled by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, in the presence of Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh, and several dignitaries from autonomous district councils across the Northeast, including Pyniaid Sing Syiem (KHADC), Pramod Boro (BTC), Pradyot Manikya Debbarma (TTAADC), Purna Chandra Jamatia (TTAADC), M. Laikaw (Mara ADC), Tuliram Ronghang (KAAC), C. Lalmuanthanga (Lai ADC), Rasik Mohan Chakma (Chakma ADC), Thombor Shiwat (JHADC), Albinush Marak (GHADC), Lamphrang Blah, Pynshngainlang N. Syiem, Charles Marngar, and Titosstarwell Chyne.
The ceremony concluded with wreath-laying and floral tributes by dignitaries in honour of Rev. Nichols Roy.
