SHILLONG: What may be termed as a major boost to the love – alienation relationship between the North East and mainstream India, the centre on Tuesday recognised Meghalaya’s freedom fighter, U Tirot Singh as one of the ‘torch bearers’ and ‘pioneers’ in the freedom struggle of India and not only of the North east region.

This Independence Day has definitely given Meghalaya a new lease of life to celebrate with the centre deciding to celebrate, recognise and honour the ‘unsung heroes’ of India’s freedom struggle.

“He sacrificed his life almost one century before India’s Freedom Fighters–Bhagat Singh and Raj Guru, therefore, he can be easily described as one of torch bearers and pioneers, in the freedom struggle of India,” said DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of a garlanding ceremony of the statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem at Nongkhlaw here on Tuesday, Dr Singh said “U Tirot Sing has contributed immensely and gave his supreme sacrifice for the country and he took up the fight for freedom at a time when many of the heroes were to follow him later as a result of his inspiration.”

Stating that U Tirot Sing belonged to an era which preceded the first war of India’s independence, Singh said “We are proud that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the wisdom, the insight to celebrate these unsung heroes.”

The DoNER Minister said that this campaign to recognise the unsung heroes which have started country wide would inspire the youth. Stating that more than 65 percent of India’s population belongs to the age group less than 40, Dr Singh said “We need to educate our youngsters on our heritage and I am delighted to be amongst the family members of U Tirot Sing.”

Reacting to a query on the inclusion of the history of the NE in the Indian history, Dr Singh said that the Indian text books should have adequate reference of some of the unsung heroes of India’s struggle for freedom. “We will put forward the suggestion and not only in history but also other books of reference for students should have adequate reference of some of the unsung heroes,” he said adding that this issue is under discussion, “but we will try to move ahead in the best possible way.”

(TNT News)