Shillong, September 1: The town of Williamnagar in Meghalaya came alive as people from various places gathered to commemorate the 78th Birth Anniversary of late P.A. Sangma and the 13th Foundation Day of the National People’s Party (NPP).
The celebration, held at Rongrenggre playground, witnessed an overwhelming turnout, reflecting the enduring respect and admiration for the late leader.
The day-long programme began in the morning with a singing competition, followed by the release of a coffee table book and the inauguration of the P.A. Sangma Photo Gallery.
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The formal proceedings commenced at 1 p.m. with the singing of Oh Ang Aman Asong, a song composed by Beston Momin and recreated by the band Nokpante. The song has been adopted as the NPP anthem in Garo Hills.
Floral tributes were paid by Soradini K. Sangma, wife of late P.A. Sangma, joined by other dignitaries including NPP chief and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
The welcome address was delivered by Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak.
During the event, over 300 new members from various political parties who recently joined the NPP were felicitated. Several athletes from East Garo Hills were honoured with the P.A. Sangma Achievers’ Award. A special felicitation was also accorded to Soradini K. Sangma in honour of her late husband’s legacy.
Others felicitated included Sonelal Kol, N K Gauri and Breston Momin, close associates of P.A. Sangma who played key roles in shaping the party’s formation.
Several leaders addressed the gathering, sharing memories and reflections on P.A. Sangma’s life and legacy.
Thangwang Wangham, state president of Arunachal Pradesh NPP, described Sangma as the true leader of the Northeast and called on people to strengthen the party’s mission.
Rajya Sabha MP W.R. Kharluki spoke of Sangma’s deep concern for the welfare of people and the security personnel who supported him.
Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar expressed regret at not having worked directly with Sangma but acknowledged his visionary leadership and legacy.
Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A. Sangma, highlighted Sangma’s commitment to tribal, indigenous, and marginalized communities, noting that his influence extended far beyond Garo Hills.
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National Working president of NPP, James K. Sangma, thanked leaders from across the Northeast for their presence, calling it a fitting tribute to the late leader.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma shared personal memories of accompanying his father during early party-building efforts in Manipur, recalling how just two people attended their first meeting. Despite the odds, his father’s optimism and perseverance laid the foundation for the NPP’s growth.
Describing P.A. Sangma as a man full of positivity and undeterred by challenges, Conrad said the people of the Northeast had embraced his father and the party, making it a source of pride for the Garo Hills.
Concluding his speech, Conrad reflected on the meaning of his father’s name, Purno, which means “complete,” saying he had indeed lived a complete and meaningful life.
(Newmai News Network)
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