SHILLONG: 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, former Assembly Commissioner and Secretary and presently Adviser (Legislation) was released on Thursday in Shillong.
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 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, adding that 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.
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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.
