Freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem remembered on death anniversary
Shillong, July 16: The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region marked its Foundation Day and commemorated the death anniversary of freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem with a special programme on “Youth and Skill Development” at MS Swaminathan Hall on Thursday.
The day began with a plantation drive conducted by Director G. Kadirvel along with institute staff.
In his keynote address, Director Kadirvel said the youth of the North Eastern Region hold the key to regional development and must be equipped with skills aligned to new opportunities. He pointed to agriculture and allied areas — farming, animal husbandry, horticulture, processing and value chain development — as major avenues for sustainable livelihoods and startups.
“Entrepreneurship can turn unemployment into opportunity. With the right training and support, young people can become self-reliant and contribute directly to the economy,” Kadirvel stated, reiterating ICAR’s commitment to need-based training and technical guidance.
He called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to translate these efforts into results.
Education Secretary of Jaintia Students’ Union, P Suliang, welcomed ICAR’s focus on skill development for Meghalaya’s youth. He said such initiatives can spur new enterprises in the state.
Remembering U Tirot Sing Syiem, he urged young people to use available opportunities to build self-reliance.
B. Thangkhiew, President of Ri Bhoi Youth Federation, praised the institute for observing U Tirot Sing Syiem’s death anniversary. He said the freedom fighter’s sacrifice continues to inspire people to work for community progress.
Thangkhiew also suggested that ICAR expand its skill programs to allied sectors like fisheries and piggery to create more rural livelihood options.
R. Kharjana, President of Khasi Students’ Union, linked the theme of the day to the legacy of U Tirot Sing Syiem.
He said commemorating the anniversary under “Youth and Skill Development” sends a message about preserving identity while securing the future.
“He gave his life so that we could live with dignity and freedom. Today’s youth must fight ignorance with education, unemployment with skills, and dependency with self-reliance,” Kharjana said.
The event underlined ICAR RC NEH’s ongoing efforts to empower youth in the North East through training, entrepreneurship, and capacity building, while honoring the legacy of U Tirot Sing Syiem.
