Shillong, Aug 7: The Shillong Press Club has expressed profound grief at the untimely passing away of yet another stalwart of journalism in Meghalaya, Bah Syndor Sing Syiem, also, former President of the Club on August 6, at NEIGRIHMS after a brief bout of illness.
Paiem, as he is lovingly known to all, was born on 3rd August, 1954; grew up in Jaiaw and did his schooling from Mawkhar Christian School before pursuing his higher education in Cotton College, Guwahati.
Prior to plunging into journalism, Paiem worked in the Indian railways in various capacities and had a brief tryst with active politics as President of the Indian National Youth Congress (Shillong City) when it was a force to reckon with. At an early age, Paiem exhibited fine qualities of leadership, eloquence and communication.
He began his amazing journey in journalism when he joined U Pyrta U Riewlum in 1986 and continued till 1989. He then took over the reins as Editor of U Nongsaiñ Hima (UNH) from 1992 when it became a daily till 2003. Despite having departed from UNH, Paiem continued contributing to the paper till the day he fell ill. He continued his journey as Editor of U Peitngor before finally putting his pen down.
“Though a very senior journalist both in age and astuteness Paiem however had the soul and exuberance of a young cub reporter. His spontaneous witty one-liners on any occasion are they sad or happy, made him a popular people gatherer cutting across age and colour.”
“A long journey with the seasoned soul would take out the adventurer in you and every entrada is a worthwhile enjoyable and learning experience. The magnific and suave manner in which he always carried himself around is worth emulating by all.”
“Never once would he flaunt his wisdom and instead magnanimously would always be willing to work on any clue to do a story on one hand, and share ideas for a story with anyone with an ear on the other,” SPC president David Laitphlang said in a condolence message.
“In his passing away, the journalist fraternity has lost a wonderful soul, sapient journalist & scholar, humane personality and above all, a loving and jovial father figure and this will leave an indelible chasm. Dearest Paiem, rest in eternal peace with your Creator,” he said.
The Shillong Press Club also sent its earnest condolences to the bereaved family members of (L) Bah Syndor Sing Syiem. May God Almighty grant you solace and peace and strength as you face the challenges of these darkest moments.
