Chennai, India chakravif@gmail.com +919962716812

Sonaram R. Sangma

(1867 – 1916) – (Meghalaya)

Sonaram R (Aged 49) born on 1867. He was the son of Sangma Mann and a well-known figure among the people of Garo, Meghalaya, India. He was the first Garo political leader and rose to prominence after completing his studies and joining the Government service in the Public Works Department office as a Mohurer. In addition to working for the PWD, he served as a vaccination officer and traded cattle skins.

Due to his work in the PWD sector, Sangma was able to explore the area and learn about the numerous complaints of his tribesmen. When he joined the anti-colonial movement, he took on four cases: the elimination of the Begar System, the reservation of forest, the Habraghat Pargana case, and the Nazarana land dispute. His movement’s principal goal was to free the Garos from the control of colonialists and zamindars.

Rather than using physical force, Sangma used Constitutional power to defend the rights and freedom of the Garo people. He was also the first political figure to inspire nationalism among the Garo people. August 27th holds great significance in the Garo community, as Sonaram R. Sangma was involved in the national struggle against the landlords and the British. Sangma served as the movement’s leader throughout the final decades of the 19th century, when it was carried out on a broad scale with greater vigor. He united Garos of the plains and hills under one platform.

The young souls of today must keep the memory of this brave man in mind, who sacrificed all of his time and energy for his people. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1916 before the Independence of India.