Williamnagar, Sept 2: Lines of yellow and green, emblazoned with the iconic book symbol of the National People’s Party, stretched for miles across Williamnagar, Meghalaya’s only planned town, turning it into a sea of celebration on Monday as the National People’s Party of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma pulled all plugs to celebrate the party’s visionary founder, Late Purno A Sangma on his 78th birth anniversary, that also coincided with the 13th Founders Day of the NPP.
The event was a show of strength and support, not just across Garo Hills and Meghalaya, but far beyond with representatives and delegates from as far off as Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland descending on Williamnagar to participate in the celebrations that also witnessed the welcoming of several political leaders from rival parties embracing the vision of the party created by P A Sangma to champion tribal and indigenous communities of the north east.
And it was not lost on the supporters about the struggles and sacrifices made by the most recognised tribal politician from the region in the halls of power in New Delhi who was once upon a time forced to leave one of the biggest political parties of the country over his stand on his principles.
Undeterred by the challenges he (Purno) took it upon himself to build a new party from scratch that would be the voice of the tribals of the north east and today the NPP is the first from the North East to be recognised as a national party, reminded Purno Sangma son and chief minister Conrad K Sangma during the celebrations.
When we went to Manipur to start the party only two people turned up to join us. Despite that, my father termed it a good start. We later went on to win in seven assembly seats in Manipur and secured a massive vote share. Likewise, in Meghalaya when we formed the party just before the 2013 elections the results were unfavourable for us. We won only 2 seats. Many were shocked and saddened, but not my father P A Sangma. He took it as a challenge and ensured we completed the fight. Today we have 40 MLAs across the north east. That is why the best way to describe him is by his name. Purno means Complete, said Conrad Sangma.
James K. Sangma, NPP’s National Working President, called the diverse turnout a testament to Sangma’s unifying spirit.
Earlier in the morning, the chief minister and his brother James K Sangma, Purno Sangma widow Soradini K Sangma, and a host of family members visited the grave of P A Sangma at the Catholic cemetery near Bishop House in Tura, to pay rich floral tributes and offer prayers.
James K. Sangma, NPP’s National Working President, called the diverse turnout a testament to Sangma’s unifying spirit.
The daylong celebrations began with a lively singing competition, setting a festive tone, and the crowds swayed to Oh Ang Aman Asong, the NPP’s Garo Hills anthem, composed by Beston Momin and reimagined by the popular band Nokpante.
A coffee table book celebrating Sangma’s life was unveiled, alongside the inauguration of the P.A. Sangma Photo Gallery, a heartfelt tribute to his legacy.
The photo gallery depicted some of the legendary quotes of the late leader- particularly the words,- if Barack Obama, a black can become the president of the USA, why not a tribal in India?. This famous quote of Sangma was made in 2012 when he challenged the might of the ruling Congress party in governance at the centre by becoming the opposition candidate for the post of President of India. Despite the odds heavily stacked against him, P A Sangma had quipped- it is not about winning but proving we have a right as sons of the soil to contest the highest post in the land.
Soradini K. Sangma, wife of the late leader, led a moving floral tribute, joined by dignitaries including NPP chief and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak delivered a warm welcome address, setting the stage for a day of reflection and celebration.
The event buzzed with activity as over 300 new NPP members, recently defected from other parties, were welcomed into the fold. Sporting talent shone bright, with East Garo Hills athletes receiving the prestigious P.A. Sangma Achievers’ Award. Special honors were also bestowed upon Soradini K. Sangma and close associates Sonelal Kol, N K Gauri, and Breston Momin for their pivotal roles in shaping the NPP.
Leaders from across the Northeast shared stirring memories. Arunachal Pradesh NPP State President Thangwang Wangham hailed Sangma as the region’s true voice, urging the crowd to carry forward his mission. Rajya Sabha MP W.R. Kharluki recalled Sangma’s dedication to the welfare of both civilians and security personnel. Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbahlang Dhar praised Sangma’s visionary ideas, while Speaker Thomas A. Sangma highlighted his advocacy for marginalized communities, noting his impact stretched far beyond Garo Hills.
