Shillong: The Pastors Fellowship of the Church of God for Meghalaya and Assam wants a new state holiday. They petitioned Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday to recognize November 1 as a formal day of remembrance for Rev JJM Nichols-Roy.
Church leaders view Nichols-Roy as a vital constitutional architect and a fierce defender of tribal rights. He famously pushed for religious freedom under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. His influence shaped the political and socio-cultural foundations of the entire country.
The petition, signed by president Rev Dr PK Hoojon and general secretary Rev Dr SK Syliemlieh, claims the holiday would inspire future leaders. "His life was marked by service and achievement. Despite his humble origins in the Khasi Hills, he became a principal architect of constitutional governance and tribal protection in India," the document states.
Beyond politics, the group credited Nichols-Roy with early economic reform. He founded the United Fruit Company Limited in 1918 to boost the tribal economy. The Church plans to mark its 125th anniversary in February 2027, adding urgency to their push to cement his legacy now.
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