TURA, Sept 1: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma led tributes to his late father, P.A. Sangma, on Tuesday, attending a prayer meeting at the Cathedral Church Cemetery here to mark the 79th birth anniversary of the former Lok Sabha Speaker and Chief Minister of Meghalaya.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest statesmen to emerge from the Northeast, P.A. Sangma rose from the Garo Hills to serve as Chief Minister of Meghalaya in the mid-1980s before going on to become Speaker of the Lok Sabha, one of the highest constitutional offices in the country, and was a leading voice in the movement for the tribal identity of the Northeast.
His legacy endures today through his children — Conrad K. Sangma, who now serves as Chief Minister of Meghalaya, and Agatha K. Sangma, who has been elected Member of Parliament on multiple occasions.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLAs Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, Sanjay A. Sangma, and Ian Botham K. Sangma. The prayer ceremony was led by the Bishop of Tura, Most Rev. Jose Chirackal.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister paid rich tribute to his father, describing him as more than a leader — an institution in himself. He said P.A. Sangma’s ideals, principles and vision continue to guide the state, shaped by humility, secularism, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the poor and marginalized.
The Chief Minister also recalled his father’s abiding faith in the youth of the Northeast, whom he considered the region’s greatest strength and the nation’s future. He spoke of P.A. Sangma’s vision for empowering young people through education, employment and leadership — a vision rooted in the hope that the youth of the Northeast would rise as confident, competitive leaders on the national stage while staying grounded in their culture.
Reflecting further, the Chief Minister said his father’s principles of unity in diversity, selfless service, tribal pride and national integration would continue to inspire generations to come, urging people to think big, dream for their communities, and work with dedication.
The commemorations concluded with the Chief Minister, joined by citizens of Tura, offering floral tributes at the statue of P.A. Sangma at the P.A. Sangma Sports Complex in Dakopgre, Tura.
