By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 16: From laying the foundations of Rilbong and improving civic amenities to fighting social injustice, promoting education and serving the public, four distinguished personalities were remembered for their enduring contributions on Friday.
The four were among the personalities whose lives and contributions were highlighted during the inaugural celebration of the Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha’s centenary. This followed the Trailblazer Awards to 25 illustrious personalities for their contributions to Meghalaya’s social, educational, literary, medical, political and cultural development at Rilbong’s centenary celebration on Thursday.
Governor C.H. Vijayashankar presented the Rilbong Ratna Awards to the family members of the four awardees: Amar Chandra Bhattacharjee, Ardhendu Chaudhuri, Parsva Nath Chaudhuri and Rabindra Nath Bisarad.
Organising committee president Manas Chaudhuri recalled their contributions, describing them as individuals whose dedication and public spirit helped shape Rilbong and influence generations.
Widely regarded as one of the founders of Rilbong, Bhattacharjee played a key role in the development of the locality when it was established as a settlement.
As head clerk in the Deputy Commissioner’s office during British rule, he occupied a position of considerable influence. He used his administrative experience and standing to help organise the settlement in 1925, when 37 Bengali employees of the British administration were allotted land and housing advances.
His contribution continued after retirement, when he became the first municipal commissioner representing Rilbong. He worked to improve civic amenities, including conservancy services, drainage, footpaths and pathways, helping the locality develop into a more organised settlement. Remembered for his honesty, efficiency and generosity, Bhattacharjee placed community welfare above personal interests. His role in the development of Rilbong earned him a lasting place in its history.
A technocrat who later entered public life, Ardhendu Chaudhuri left behind a remarkable record of social service despite his untimely death in an air accident while serving as a legislator.
He was instrumental in introducing several public welfare initiatives in Shillong, including an electric crematorium, a privately operated mortuary van, a non-governmental ambulance service and a voluntary blood donor registry.
He also introduced the practice of felicitating meritorious students, recognising the importance of encouraging academic achievement among young people.
A sportsman and organiser who contributed to volleyball and cricket, Chaudhuri was equally committed to public accountability. He became the first legislator in Meghalaya to submit accounts of funds received under MLA fund schemes, setting an example of transparency in public life.
In recognition of his contribution to social service, the Meghalaya government posthumously conferred on him the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Service in 2007.
A freedom fighter, journalist, trade unionist and political leader, Parsva Nath Chaudhuri devoted his life to public service and the uplift of marginalised communities.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he embraced khadi and worked against social injustice. Elected a ward commissioner of the Shillong Municipality in 1948, he contributed to improving conservancy services and ending the degrading practice of carrying night soil as a head-load.
Education and youth development were central to his work. He helped expand the Rilbong primary school into a Middle English School in 1957 and a high school in 1970. The institution, now known as Rilbong PN Chaudhuri Higher Secondary School, continues to carry his name and legacy.
He was also actively involved in sports, theatre and cultural activities, serving as president of the Rilbong Sports and Cultural Club. His work extended to trade union activities, Harijan welfare and initiatives to improve rural livelihoods.
Alongside his many public commitments, Chaudhuri served as editor of The Shillong Times from 1960 to 1978. He passed away in 1978 while serving as a member of the first Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Bisarad devoted nearly four decades to teaching at a Rilbong lower primary school during the British era, shaping the lives of hundreds of students.
As a trained head teacher, he believed education was not limited to textbooks. Along with teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, he stressed character-building, discipline, good conduct and physical development through sports and games.
Despite poor pay and irregular salaries, Bisarad regularly devoted additional hours to preparing students for scholarship examinations, often providing extra lessons without payment.
Despite his dedication and the lasting influence he had on generations of students, he received little official recognition during his lifetime.
The award was a tribute to his contribution to education and his belief that the true purpose of teaching was to prepare young people to become responsible and confident citizens.
The four awardees represented different fields of service, but their lives were united by a common commitment to the welfare of society.
As Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha marks 100 years, their stories serve as a reminder of the individuals whose dedication, integrity and vision helped shape the locality and contributed to the wider development of Shillong and Meghalaya.