SHILLONG, Oct 15: Rilbong marked the start of its year-long centenary celebrations on Thursday by recognising 25 individuals whose work in literature, education, healthcare, journalism, politics, culture, sports and public service helped shape Shillong and the wider Northeast.
The Trailblazer Awards were presented to personalities closely associated with the locality’s and the region’s development. Several awards were given posthumously, with family members travelling from the United States, Delhi, Kolkata, Dibrugarh and Shillong to receive them.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who attended as chief guest, called on the younger generation to uphold the principles and ideals of those honoured and to carry their legacy forward.
Among those recognised was Khan Sahib Amjad Ali, remembered for his Khasi poems published under the title Ka Myntoi in the late 19th century,his public service, and his role in establishing the Laban dispensary in 1905. A road in Laban still bears his name.
Soso Tham was honoured for his lasting contribution to Khasi literature, particularly works such as Ki Sngi Barim U Hynniew Trep, Ka Duitara Ksiar and Ki Phawer u Aesop.
His son, Primrose Garfield Gatphoh, was recognised as a Khasi writer, poet, educator and linguist.
Dr Homiwell Lyngdoh, a physician and scholar of Khasi history and traditions, was acknowledged for works including Ka Niam Khasi.
In journalism and public life, Sudhindra Bhushan Chaudhuri, founder-editor of The Shillong Times, was honoured for establishing the newspaper in 1945 and strengthening the region’s press. Parsvanath Chaudhuri was recognised for his roles as freedom fighter, journalist, trade unionist and former legislator.
Political contributions featured prominently. J.J.M. Nichols-Roy, a member of the Constituent Assembly, was acknowledged for advocating tribal autonomy and constitutional safeguards that helped shape the framework leading to the Sixth Schedule. Babu Wilson Reade was honoured for his involvement in the Hill State movement.
Former Meghalaya Chief Minister B.B. Lyngdoh, who held the office three times, was recognised for his part in the movement and in state politics. Mavis Dunn Lyngdoh, the first Khasi woman to serve as an MLA in the Assam Legislative Assembly and the first woman cabinet minister in the state, was honoured for advancing women’s representation in politics.
Educationists included Saradamanjori Datta, whose work focused on girls’ education and women’s advancement, and E.N. Shullai, Meghalaya’s first woman Inspector of Schools, who later headed the State Institute of Arts and Culture.
Babu Jeebon Roy was recognised for promoting Khasi education through schools and a printing press. Bibhu Bhushan Chaudhuri, owner of Chapala Book Stall, authored books in several languages, published educational texts and donated books to Raid Laban College. Rabindra Nath Bisarad was honoured for decades of teaching and mentoring students in Rilbong.
In healthcare, Dr Pulin Behari Deb was recognised for treating patients in remote villages of the Khasi Hills and establishing Shillong Medical Stores in 1919.
Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, the physician who later became Chief Minister of West Bengal, was honoured for his contribution to Shillong’s development in the 1920s in the fields of medicine, electricity, infrastructure and the town’s intellectual life.
Civic and administrative leaders included Rai Saheb Shivanath Dutta, the first Indian chairman of Shillong Municipality, recognised for his work in civic administration, prison reforms, child welfare and girls’ education.
Dr Basudeb Datta Ray was honoured for promoting social science research in the Northeast, while Dr Bidhu Bhushan Dutta was acknowledged for his contributions to higher education and regional development as an economist, educationist and politician.
In the field of arts and sports, Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir, was recognised for elevating choral music and bringing international attention to the city.
Col Puran Bahadur Thapa was honoured for representing India as a footballer in international tournaments.
Entrepreneurs and philanthropists Jeewan Ram Goenka and Ratanlal Singhania were recognised for their contributions to cinema, healthcare, education, football and cricket in the region.
Former MLA Ardhendu Chaudhuri was acknowledged for civic initiatives, healthcare services and public accountability.
The centenary celebrations seek to document Rilbong’s history and place on record the work of those who helped build Shillong and Meghalaya.
Community leaders and family members of the awardees attended the programme, underscoring the lasting influence of these trailblazers across generations.
South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai was the guest of honour. Manas Chaudhuri, president of the organising committee, spoke of Rilbong’s history and its contribution to public life.
Former Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, chairman of the advisory committee, also addressed the gathering.