Senior Scribe Sameer Sohliya Passes Away in Shillong
A CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: The Sentinel on Saturday lost one of its senior journalist, Sameer Sohliya after a brief spell of illness.
Sohliya was known among the press fraternity for his jovial nature.
A well-read and witty person he started his career with a cable news channel Media Plus, before joining The Sentinel with which he was associated till his death.
His friends said that the Shillong Press Club will not be the same without him.
Sohliya who was the Executive Committee member of Shillong Press Club was a courageous journalist, always relentless in his quest for the truth however uncomfortable or dangerous it may be. His knack for gathering information on very delicate and sensitive matters through the most unexpected sources and quarters will always be remembered.
His unique ability to blend in any situation and gathering from the local meeting point of Mawkyrwat market to the hallowed halls of the Raj Bhavan, Sohliya would always be welcomed.
His elaborate and in-depth knowledge of the role and function of those donning the uniform to serve the nation is beyond doubt unquestionable.
Sohliya is the only journalist from the State to have completed a full course as a defence correspondent accredited to the Union Ministry of Defense.
His generosity went beyond humans for he will be sorely missed by scores of strays that he would always lovingly feed daily outside Shillong Press Club.
The Shillong Press Club while condoling his death said that a pall of gloom has descended and difficult to fathom and reconcile.
"His genuine warmth and ever ready humour, coupled with vast knowledge of our indigenous way of life and practices will never be forgotten even as his professionalism towards his duty will be embedded in our hearts forever and yes! Unlikely to be emulated," a statement from the Shillong Press Club stated.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma has mourned the demise of Sohliya. "Well read, well-spoken and courteous, Sameer was a promising journalist who was admired not only by the press fraternity but by many who knew him personally," Sangma tweeted.
Former legislator, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit while condoling, Sohliya's death said, "His untimely demise would be a great loss to the press fraternity in particular. I personally knew him, he was always outspoken, open and frank."