The Rilbong locality in Shillong, a century-old neighborhood, has paid tribute to Bidhan Chandra Roy, the first Chief Minister of West Bengal, recognizing his contributions to the region. This commemoration, part of a broader celebration, also honors 24 other influential personalities who have left their mark on the region through various fields such as literature, politics, and public service.
Among the honorees are James Joy Mohon Nichols-Roy, a key figure in the creation of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and Brington Buhai Lyngdoh, a four-time Chief Minister of Meghalaya known for pioneering coalition politics in India. The list also includes Neil Nongkynrih, the founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir, highlighting the diverse contributions of these individuals.
Dr. Roy, a renowned physician, is celebrated not only for his political role but also for his contributions to Shillong's infrastructure. He founded the Shillong Hydro Electric Company, which introduced the first electric lights to the city in October 1923. This initiative laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Meghalaya State Electricity Board and the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).
Dr. Roy's properties in Shillong, including Ray Villa in the Laban area, now serving as the Circuit House, and BC House under the MeECL, are notable. Ray Villa was the subject of legal discussions concerning development plans, which concluded with a decision to install a commemorative bust and historical exhibits at the site.
Nichols-Roy's contributions are pivotal in the realm of tribal rights and autonomy. As the first tribal representative on the Assam Governor’s Council in 1921, he championed the cause of tribal communities. His efforts led to the formation of the Khasi Jaintia National Federation State Conference (KJNFSC), advocating for autonomy in the northeastern region.
His influence was instrumental in the adoption of the Sixth Schedule by the Constituent Assembly on September 7, 1949, which became effective with the commencement of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. This schedule provided for autonomous tribal councils, significantly impacting the governance of tribal areas.
Lyngdoh's political innovations include the 50-50 governance formula, which proposed alternating power between two political parties within an Assembly term. Although this experiment with the United Democratic Party and Congress was short-lived, it showcased a novel approach to resolving political deadlocks in Meghalaya.
Lyngdoh also introduced the MLA Scheme and advocated for the direct election of Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers, aiming to reduce their dependency on MPs or MLAs. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the political landscape of India.
Manas Chaudhuri, president of the Rilbong Centenary Celebration Committee, emphasized the significance of these figures in shaping the region's history. “Dr. Bidhan Roy was an iconic physician and Chief Minister of West Bengal. What many Indians may not know was his connection with Shillong, where he founded the Shillong Hydro Electric Company and introduced the first electric lights in the city in October 1923, ” he noted.
The Rilbong locality, established in 1925 after the British regime allocated land for settlement, continues to honor its historical figures, reflecting on their enduring legacies in shaping the cultural and political fabric of Meghalaya and beyond.
