Shillong, Oct 27: In a special tribute to prominent Statehood Movement leader BB Lyngdoh, a memorial hall dedicated to him was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at Elaka Laitlyngkot, marking the late leader’s 23rd death anniversary on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister, in his address, said the inauguration of Brington Buhai Lyngdoh Memorial Hall creates a permanent institution dedicated to preserving the contribution of a leader closely associated with Meghalaya’s journey towards Statehood, democratic development and institution-building.
“The location gives the programme particular significance, Laitlyngkot being the birthplace of Late B B Lyngdoh and the starting point of a public journey that later became closely connected with the formation and development of Meghalaya,” he said.
Praising BB Lyngdoh’s leadership quality, he said, “Leadership is about how you respond to circumstances and continuing to fight despite challenges. Late B.B. Lyngdoh is a perfect example of that.”
Stating that B B Lyngdoh was born at Laitlyngkot without any privileges but he fought his way forward, Sangma said, “At every step – in school, in college, in law college in Kolkata – he took up challenges and kept climbing. He did not allow circumstances to stop him and the same spirit was seen in his political life keeping coalitions together, bringing consensus among people displaying a true mark of leadership.”
The Chief Minister said both Late B.B. Lyngdoh and Late P.A. Sangma hailed from humble backgrounds starting their careers as teachers and then lawyers and added, “Both were contemporaries and friends and despite political challenges they always respected each other.”
The Chief Minister suggested creating a foundation or society to write books and document the stories and principles of great leaders like Late B.B. Lyngdoh to share with youngsters.
He announced financial Support of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the B.B. Lyngdoh Memorial Committee.
He informed that the hall will be completed in coordination with the local MLA and local leaders and will support it through the Chief Minister’s Development Fund, Arts and Culture Department and Youth Affairs Department.
He further suggested converting the hall into an experience centre and mini-museum, with photographs and sculptures depicting the history of Late B.B. Lyngdoh.
“Relevant records, speeches, photographs and publications should be identified, authenticated and preserved in coordination with the family, community and appropriate institutions,” he said.
He also informed that gathering of renaming of the Umroi Airport after Late BB Lyngdoh.
Sangma also said the BB Lyngdoh Memorial Hall will provide a permanent space for preserving the life, work and public contribution of BB Lyngdoh, while also documenting an important period in Meghalaya’s journey towards Statehood and institutional development.
“Educational institutions should be encouraged to use the Hall for programmes on Meghalaya’s Statehood Movement, democratic development and public leadership and said that the hall should remain a place where the contribution of the past informs public understanding and community participation in the future,” he said.
Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh, MDCs of and family members of BB Lyngdoh were present on the occasion.
