Chief minister D.D. Lapang (right) releases the commemorative stamp in Shillong. Telegraph picture

Shillong, June 12: Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang today released a stamp to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Rev J.J.M. Nichols Roy, the father of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution who was also instrumental in the formation of the autonomous district councils.

The chief post master general, Northeast circle, A.N.D Kachari, together with Lapang, released the stamp and the first day cover at the State Central Library today in the presence of teachers, students and dignitaries.

Four lakh stamps, valued at 50 paise each, were issued today as a tribute to Roy who was also a member of the Constituent Assembly.

Before releasing the stamp, Lapang said Roy, who was part of the Constitution-making body, was also a friend of B.R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Constituent Assembly.

Roy, who was a minister in the cabinet of Gopinath Bordoloi, was in the forefront during the hill state movement.

The chief minister said Jawaharlal Nehru had even stayed for a day with Roy at his Qualapatty residence in Shillong before finalising the Constitution.

Lapang also recalled his association with Roy, saying his humility should be emulated by all. “Despite a busy schedule, Roy did not hesitate to meet me at his official chamber when he was a minister and had also sanctioned Rs 60 for my studies.”

Popularly known as Bah Joy, Roy was born in Shella on June 12, 1884, and was the grandnephew of Khasi freedom fighter U. Tirot Sing. He died in 1959.

The chief post master general said the stamp was released to spread awareness about Roy’s contribution to the Northeast. The postal department had on earlier occasions issued commemorative stamps on Khasi freedom fighters U. Tirot Sing and Kiang Nangbah.