Agatha proposes road be named after former Bishop of Tura

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 19, 2024

Former Tura MP Agatha Sangma has proposed that a road in Tura be named after Late Bishop George Mamalassery for his contribution to the development of Garo Hills region.

In a letter to the West Garo Hills DC on July 14,  Agatha said, “I believe we must pay our tribute and show our gratitude to him by naming the road starting from the PA Sangma road junction that leads up to The Holy Cross Hospital by his name. It would be extremely symbolic and a meaningful gesture as he is the person behind the establishment of this hospital. I, therefore, would like to request you to take the necessary decision and name the road after Late Bishop George Mamalassery which would be a great tribute from people of Meghalaya.”

She said late Bishop George Mamalassery, Emeritus Bishop of Tura has been a beacon of light and hope for the people of Garo Hills. Since 1960’s as a missionary in Garo Hills and also as Bishop of Tura, he has rendered spiritual and moral leadership.

Bishop Mama, as he was endearingly called by the people of Garo Hills, has contributed so much to the development of Garo Hills and is responsible for many initiatives in social, educational and also the health care sector.

He established several LP schools, 35 M.E. Schools, 16 Secondary Schools, 2 Higher Secondary Schools, 24 Girls’ hostels and 23 boys hostels which are spread all over Garo Hills.

She said providing good Health Care facilities for the people of Garo Hills was very important to him and therefore he started more than 20 dispensaries and the 150 bed Holy Cross Hospital at Tura.

He also established the Rino Simoneti Nursing School for General Nursing and two Old-age homes for the poor and the destitute, one at Tura. He invited the Montfort Brothers to establish the Montfort Centre for the physically challenged at Danakgre.

The Diocesan Social Service centre (Bakdil) under his patronage grew into being a Major NGO involved in various welfare and people empowerment programs in Garo Hills.

“These are only a few out of the many ways in which he has worked selflessly for the people of Garo Hills. Not just the Catholic Church, but the people of Garo Hills will remain ever grateful to him for all that he has done for us,” she stated in the letter.