Shillong, Sep 1: The iconic statesman from Garo Hills, Purno Agitok Sangma, was remembered with heartfelt admiration during a memorial lecture organised to celebrate his 78th birth anniversary, at University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) on Monday.
Several speakers during the USTM’s 9th Memorial Lecture on the theme “The Legacy of PA Sangma, the Role of the Present Government, and Meghalaya 2040” shared their personal experiences with the pioneering voice from the North East.
In his address, USTM vice-chancellor Prof GD Sharma shared a personal memory of travelling to Shillong in 2008 before USTM’s inception with chancellor Mahbubul Hoque.
He said PA Sangma’s inspiring words still ring true: “Your university should be of the best quality—not just for the Northeast and the nation, but at the international level.”
Today, those words have found life in USTM’s consistent achievements, including being ranked among India’s top 200 universities and receiving the NAAC ‘A’ accreditation for three consecutive years, Prof Sarma said.
The speakers also highlighted Meghalaya government’s vision for 2040 with a significant push for education.
Former IGP (retd) Violet Baruah shared her reflective perspective on how crucial it is to embrace the spirit of PA Sangma.
“PA Sangma showed the power of genuine heart-to-heart connection, and we should carry that forward,” she said.
Umsning MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh, while delivering the memorial lecture, highlighted the greatness of PA Sangma, saying, “We are celebrating the life of a person who has achieved so much in such a short time. No one, including himself, knew he would be great, but he became great because he gave his 100%.”
Two soulful melodies in Khasi and Garo captured the spirit of the land with struggles, patriotism and joy reflecting PA Sangma’s cultural roots.
Winners of essay and sketch competitions held on the occasion were awarded cash prizes for their creative tributes to PA Sangma.
With PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC) on its campus, the legacy of PA Sangma bears special significance for USTM among others.
