Raphael Warjri

The Soso Tham Day celebration was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, the Governor of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest, and Bah Paul Lyngdoh, the Minister of Arts and Culture, as the Guest of Honour. The event was attended by a distinguished group of dignitaries, literary figures, and family members of the renowned Poet Laureate, Soso Tham. In a heartfelt tribute, all attendees, including the poet's family, literary enthusiasts, and members of the public, gathered at the statue of Soso Tham at the State Central Library to honor his enduring legacy.

The event marked the commemoration of the 84th death anniversary of Soso Tham on December 18th. However, the Chief Guest, Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, expressed a thoughtful suggestion to shift the focus towards celebrating Soso Tham's birth anniversary instead, recognizing the poet’s contributions as a living inspiration for future generations.

Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, in his address, emphasized the need for a formal memorial to honor the poet’s legacy. He called for efforts to elevate Soso Tham's stature to a national level, given the profound impact of his literary works. The Governor also reflected on Soso Tham as a philosopher and prophet, highlighting his deep insights and contributions to both literature and society. His remarks were enriched by a thoughtful reflection on the lecture delivered by Shlur Manik Syiem, further honoring the poet’s philosophical depth.

Bah Paul Lyngdoh, the Guest of Honour and Minister of Arts and Culture, commended the detailed and evocative presentation by Shlur Manik Syiem. He drew attention to the powerful resonance of Soso Tham’s patriotic message, particularly his famous words, “Ngi im ha kiwei ki por, Aiu ngin leh na ka bynta ka Ri,” meaning "We live in these times, what shall we do for the nation?" This call to service echoed decades later in the famous words of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” The alignment of these two voices, separated by time and place, underscored the timeless relevance of Soso Tham’s message.

Mr. F.R. Kharkongor, the Principal Secretary of Arts and Culture, delivered an eloquent speech recognizing the literary genius of Soso Tham. He compared Soso Tham’s works to those of Shakespeare and other global literary luminaries, asserting the poet’s place among the world’s great writers. His address was complemented by the retrospective lecture by Shlur Manik Syiem, which offered a deep dive into the poet’s literary contributions and philosophical reflections.

As part of the celebration, the dignitaries also released a book titled "Ki Dak Ki Shin Ka Mynnor" by Smt. Silbi Passah. Prizes were awarded to students who excelled in various literary competitions, including poetry reading, essay writing, art contests, and quiz programs. The event also saw the posthumous presentation of a literary award to the late John Sentar Shangpliang, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature.

The celebration was further enlivened by cultural performances, including musical and dance acts. Notable performances included those by "Light After Dark," a music band of blind musicians, the Red Orleanders, and a captivating performance by Aida Wankhar, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.

In all, the event served as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Soso Tham, a literary giant whose influence continues to inspire and resonate across generations.