First Garo woman legislator laid to rest

TURA, MARCH 3: The first Garo woman legislator of Meghalaya Miriam D. Shira, was laid to rest on Thursday. She was 82 and died due to prolonged illness yesterday at her residence at Bonepa Atilla in Tura.

Her funeral service was held today at her residence in presence of her loved ones, relatives, friends and neighbours.

Shira exhibited an exemplary example to the Garo society by plunging into politicians, when Meghalaya was carved out of Assam in 1972. There were very few women in active politics then.

Though she did not win the election but led other women to follow suit. Her indomitable spirit continued and she successfully contested the by-election to Songsak constituency in 1975 and became the first Garo women to be elected as legislator.

In 1978, Shira won for the second term from Songsak constituency and served as Minister of State under Chief Minister Darwin Pugh. When Pugh’s government was toppled in 1980, Shira was elected as the Deputy Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

She served as Deputy Speaker till 1983. She was first amongst the women politicians, who held the post. In 1988, Shira decided to contest from Rajabala and won the election with huge margin. She served as cabinet minister under BB Lyngdoh till the expiry of the term.

In 1993, Shira decided to quite active politics and dedicated herself to the cause of humanity and service of God.

Married at an age of 20, Shira completed her studies, while raising her six young children. In 1965, she completed her graduation, while she was working in Shillong. In 1966, Shira joined the Assam Family and Health Department as Extension Education officer and was posted at Tura.

After retiring from active politics for the past two decades, she has been active in activism and has worked in different social organisations for the well-being of the people and the Garo society.

At her funeral, condolence message were read out.

A message by former chief minister of Meghalaya D D Lapang described her as an able legislator and administrator.

The All Dalbot Mahari Association, a clan to which she belonged, stated that her demise is a great loss to the society. She will always be remembered as a great visionary, who was always available for lending her services to the welfare of the people.-From Our Correspondent