From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: In a candid manner the Vice-President, Mr Hamid Ansari has urged veteran politician Purno Agitok Sangma to write his autobiography which will be an invaluable contribution to modern Indian political history.
Releasing the book PA Sangma-A Life in Politics, the Vice-President on Tuesday said this is needed since public figures rarely share their experiences and thought in public.
“Considering Purno’s long innings in politics in the post-Independence era this book should have been an autobiography,” he said amidst thunderous applause from the high profile audience.
But at the same time this book is very important compendium of Purno’s speeches at various fora mainly in Parliament in his different role starting from an MP to the position of Speaker, Ansari said.
In his speech Purno said that most of his speeches are on millions of labourers mainly in unorganized sector whose voice is often not heard. “The book also has special focus on North-East often sidelined by many,” he said.
Purno also assured that he will come up with similar collection of his speeches in Meghalaya Assembly and ultimately a biography.
The book contains messages by eminent politicians and personalities from all walks of life, including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers and Trade Union Leaders, describing the multifaceted personality of Purno.
Almost every important speech he delivered in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, his rulings as the Speaker, and his midnight speech in the Central Hall of Parliament on the golden jubilee of India’s Independence have been incorporated.
The book is divided into eight parts and its foreword is written by former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Union Ministers including Pawan Singh Ghatwar, Nagaland Chief Minister, Niphu Rio, Meghalaya’s Minister AL Hek, M.Ps, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Rajya Sabha member fro Meghalaya Thomas Sangma offered vote of thanks.