Shillong: The Gorkha Association Shillong marked 140 years of history at the Babu Mani Singh Gurung Auditorium on August 23. Attendees gathered to honor the legacy of Subedar Jai Chand Thakur, who founded the group in 1886. The event brought together students, elders, artists, and state officials.
Guest of honor Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim challenged the state to move past social silos. She questioned how long non-indigenous residents would remain outsiders in Meghalaya. "How long will it be before our fellow brothers and sisters from non-indigenous communities are accepted as part and parcel of Meghalaya?" she asked. She urged the crowd to bridge the gap between isolated communities through shared spaces.
Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai pledged to discuss OBC status for the Gorkha community with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma this September. Shullai also announced a Rs 1 lakh donation from his discretionary grant. He plans to form a committee to track financial needs and boost funding for cultural programs. Meghalaya legislators currently receive Rs 20 lakh annually in discretionary funds to assist with hardship and community needs.
Veteran writer and 1971 war hero Bikram Bir Thapa released his latest book, From Bangladesh War to Gorkhaland Movement. Thapa credited the Shillong Gorkha Association and a Shillong Times article for his recovery from a severe health crisis in February 2025. His book publication relied on this community lifeline.
General secretary Madhu SS Rawat outlined the group's active year. The Association fields teams in the Shillong Sports Association football league and hosts the annual Durga Puja football tournament. Their volleyball team, composed of Gorkha, Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo players, recently won the Spandan tournament. Other initiatives include anti-drug marathons and tree-planting drives at the Gorkha crematorium.
The event concluded with performances of Newari dance and Nepali folk music. Leaders honored Arun Lama, Ramu Chettri, and Khageshwar Joshi with Excellence Awards. Association president Uttam Rai welcomed the guests, while BP Joshi gave the vote of thanks.
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