SHILLONG: A delegation of Meghalaya government will visit Bangladesh to attend the historic unveiling of a life-size statue and bust of Khasi Freedom fighter, U Tiro Sing Syiem, at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, tomorrow.
Led by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, the delegation will include Art and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Commissioner and Secretary in charge of Art and Culture, FR Kharkongor, and former UPSC chairman David Syiemlieh.
Several traditional heads from the state is also expected to take part in the unveiling that includes Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw and Phrester Manick Syiemlieh.
Adding a cultural curl to the proceedings, a themed program titled – “U Syiem Tirot Sing – U Khla Wait Ka Ri Khasi” – will grace the Jatiya Natyashala Milanayatan, Bangladesh Shilpakala, Shegun Bagicha in Dhaka.
Jointly organised by the IGCC, Dhaka, and the Department of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the cultural extravaganza is expected to be a celebration of U Tirot Sing’s enduring legacy.
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Moreover, the occasion will witness the release of two animated books detailing the remarkable life and struggles of U Tirot Sing Syiem, further cementing his place in history.
The life-size statue and bust of U Tirot Sing Syiem, are the remarkable creations of Shillong-based sculptor Raphael Warjri, authorized by the Arts and Culture department.
The birth of this memorial project dates back to August last year when High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, conveyed approval for its establishment to Minister Lyngdoh.
The unveiling is the result of collaborative efforts spearheaded by the state’s Department of Arts and Culture with support from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and the IGCC.
U Tirot Sing Syiem, celebrated as the Hero of the Khasi Hills, is esteemed for his unparalleled warfare tactics, bravery, and unyielding resistance against British colonial rule.
