Book on former chief minister released
Shillong, Sept 10: A book titled “(L) BB Lyngdoh – A Tribute to the Visionary Leader and Former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Whose Ideals Continue to Inspire Generations,” authored by Andrew Simons was released by Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma on Thursday.
Speaking after the release, Sangma described the former chief minister as a visionary leader, able parliamentarian and institution-builder whose life was closely associated with Meghalaya’s political awakening and democratic evolution.
“Late Lyngdoh viewed politics as an instrument for safeguarding the dignity, identity, rights and future of the people,” Sangma said.
Referring to Lyngdoh as the “father of coalition politics”, the Speaker said his ability to bring together different political parties and provide stable governance was a significant achievement, particularly during a period of political instability and before the introduction of the anti-defection law.
He said Lyngdoh’s focus remained on issues concerning ordinary citizens, including land, livelihood, connectivity, development and social harmony.
Sangma highlighted Lyngdoh’s advocacy for systematic land records through cadastral surveys, his contribution towards the establishment of NEIGRIHMS and introduction of the MLA Scheme.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines, Sangma said the book was a fitting tribute to Lyngdoh’s leadership and vision.
“The collection of speeches would provide readers an opportunity to understand his vision and political approach, particularly the importance of listening to people’s voices and concerns and accommodating their needs for good governance,” he said.
The Speaker said the Assembly would continue efforts to document the contributions of former leaders.
Recalling the book on late Captain Williamson A Sangma released last year, he said the Assembly was willing to publish similar works on other prominent leaders, subject to availability of materials.
Late BB Lyngdoh served as Chief Minister of Meghalaya on four occasions and was among the prominent leaders who contributed significantly to the state’s political evolution.
Author Andrew Simons, former Assembly Commissioner and Secretary and presently Adviser (Legislation), said the book was an effort to document the contribution of an important political leader and preserve Meghalaya’s formative history for future generations.
He described Lyngdoh as a prominent leader of the statehood movement, active legislator and innovative parliamentarian.
Simons said the book took about three years to complete and involved compiling and editing Lyngdoh’s speeches from 1970 to 2003, including those from the provisional state government period.
He acknowledged the support of Lyngdoh’s daughter, Syrpailin Khonglah, in providing materials and personal insights.He said the book would help younger generations understand Meghalaya’s political evolution and serve as a useful reference for researchers.
Copies would be made available through libraries and selected colleges.
Syrpailin Khonglah recalled her father’s vision for a developed and economically strong Meghalaya, saying his motto was “Health, Wealth and Education” and he considered road connectivity essential for improving access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
She said as Finance Minister, road sanctions were among his priorities and in 1980 he had proposed establishing a health institute of national importance on the lines of AIIMS for the Northeast.
She added that in 1990, Lyngdoh became the first Chief Minister in the country to introduce the MLA Scheme.
The programme was attended by Government Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V Lyngdoh, MIDC Chairman and Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, former MLAs Martle N Mukhim and Titostarwell Chyne, former Chief Secretary WMS Pariat, former bureaucrat Rudy Warjri, Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim, Meghalaya State Commission for Women Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem, Assembly Secretary Malthus S Sangma, family members of late Lyngdoh and other guests.
