NPYF conferred Tirot Sing Syiem Youth Achievement Award to 5 persons

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The National People's Youth Front (NPYF) conferred the "U Tirot Sing Syiem Youth Achievement Award" on five persons on Friday, commemorating the 185th Death Anniversary of the Khasi freedom fighter.

The event was held at the Convention Centre in Hotel Pinewood following COVID-19 protocols and social distancing norms.

Meghalaya Chief Minister and National President of the National People's Party (NPP) Conrad K. Sangma attended the event as the Chief Guest in the presence of the National General Secretary of the NPP, James K. Sangma, NPYF National Working President, Nickey Nongkhlaw, East Khasi Hills vice president, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, party workers and other dignitaries.

The event kicked off with a musical performance by Desmond Syiem from the movie U Syiem.

The "U Tirot Sing Syiem Youth Achievement Award" was conferred on five "National Youth Awardees" - Kitboklang Nongphlang, Scaletty Lawriniang, Pranab Pariat, Empower Warbah and Andreas H. Marwein – who, since 2006, had received awards on various national platforms.

The awards were handed over by NPP National president Conrad K. Sangma, NPP National General Secretary James K. Sangma and East Khasi Hills Vice President, Pyniaid Sing Syiem.

The "U Tirot Sing Syiem Youth Achievement Award" aims to give due recognition to the youth to encourage them to continue their services to society and to become role models for future generations.

In his address to the gathering, Power Minister and NPP National Secretary James K. Sangma lauded the initiative taken by the NPYF and congratulated the five awardees on their achievement.

"Throughout history, we have witnessed the rise and fall of regimes and out of the tempest rises the gatekeeper who not only defends the fort but is also ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for his homeland. While history abounds with tales of the valour and sacrifice of men and women fighting for independence from the British in mainland India, the world knows little about the great sacrifices made by our heroes to defend, protect and liberate the Khasi and Garo people from the clutches of British imperialism," James said.

"We gather here today to remember and celebrate the life of one such hero from the Khasi hills - U Tirot Sing, who laid down his life for his land and his people. The life of Tirot Singh teaches us a great lesson. Remember that for nation-building, strength, unity, trust and determination are the qualities we need to achieve our goals," he added.

James said, "I am familiar with the efforts and work that our Youth Front has accomplished in many areas. For instance, during the lockdown period in April and May, our youth responded to distress messages from citizens of the Northeast who were stranded in other states. Today, as the entire state pays tribute to U Tirot Sing Syiem on his 185th Death Anniversary, the NPYF has once again done a magnificent job in organizing this event to acknowledge and recognize the youths who did their best to contribute to the development of our state and nation," he said.

While addressing the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, James stated that the pandemic has ignited many debates and conversations on who the actual heroes are.

"We have seen how our frontliners—healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, policemen and women, community volunteers, farmers and the so-called ordinary folks put their lives at risk to take care of the welfare of the communities, the state and the country. I want to say these few words to our awardees today. We are grateful to you and we will remember the courage and determination you have shown to your fellow youths and the state. Keep striving for the best; the road may not be easy, but it is worth the journey. Just as you have displayed exemplary courage in the past, continue to do so with the same passion and energy to move towards your destination. Your actions will inspire others to dare to dream," he said.

Following the NPP National General Secretary's speech, the audience was treated to an outstanding performance by well-known singer-songwriter Lamphang Syiemlieh.

This was followed by NPYF National Working President, Nickey Nongkhlaw handing over the Youth Policy to the NPP National President, Conrad K. Sangma, to the applause and adulation of all in attendance.

In his address as the Chief Guest, Chief Minister and NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma lauded the NPYF for taking up such an initiative and lauded the awardees.

"U Tirot Sing Syiem was not only a freedom fighter of Meghalaya but also one of the greatest freedom fighters of India. He and his men fought the British ferociously, using multiple warfare strategies with their native weapons, and put a strong resistance for four years from 1829 to 1833. Today, as we celebrate the 185th death anniversary of Tirot Sing, we must remember his courage and contribution to our state. The supreme sacrifice made by U Tirot Sing Syiem is something that must be inculcated into the hearts and minds of every youth in our state," Conrad said.

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