Shillong, Feb 20: Tributes poured in for Shillong MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon from leaders across the political spectrum in the floor of assembly on Friday.
Sharing their personal anecdotes and working experiences, the MLAs remembered him as a dedicated preacher, teacher, and politician who left a lasting impact.
Former minister and UDP’s Paul Lyngdoh said, “I rise to join ranks with the leaders of the House and Opposition to mourn the passing away of an honourable son of the soil.”
He recalled his encounters with Dr Syngkon, saying, “I had brief encounters with Dr Ricky, first as Assistant Professor at NEHU, and later in active politics… He was cut from a different cloth, belonged to a profession full of challenges, hate, and hostility, and yet he personified humility, grace, and poise.”
Praising Dr Syngkon’s service, Paul said, “He came to exemplify that there is still a breed of politicians who enter this profession to serve and not to be served.”
In his mourning address, Power Minister and UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh said, “I received a message from some of my friends which says ‘too young to die’. I am sure that all of us will agree with this message when it comes to the age of Dr Ricky Syngkon.”
Metbah expressed disappointment that Dr Syngkon’s tenure was cut short, saying, “The people of Shillong constituency had elected him for a term of five years, expecting him to deliver, but for just one year and nine months, he is no more.”
He highlighted Dr Syngkon’s dedication and integrity, saying, “He has performed to the best he could in his assignments… He was a man of integrity, honest, with strong moral principles, always expressing with positive motives.”
The UDP chief also praised Dr Syngkon’s meeting with the Chief Minister, saying, “I am pleased to hear from the CM about the meeting they had… He had good motives for the people of the state.”
NPP Nongpoh MLA Celestine Lyngdoh urged people to celebrate Dr Syngkon achievements rather than mourn his passing.
“When we look at the life of Dr Ricky, in a way, we should not feel that sad rather we should celebrate his achievements in academic and public life,” Lyngdoh said.
He recalled a conversation with Dr Syngkon during the 2023 assembly elections, saying, “Dr Ricky tapped my shoulder and said, ‘lada jop u Dr Kot ne jop u Dr briew,’ meaning if either of us wins, we should work hard for the benefit of our people.”
Paying his tributes, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla recalled Dr Syngkon’s connection with his roots, saying, “A couple of days ago, he was in Jowai chairing the DISHA meeting. He always spoke in Pnar, and that is how people connected with him.”
Shylla described Dr Syngkon as “a bridge builder, dedicated public servant, and good human being who touched every life”.
