SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Wednesday paid eloquent tributes to former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who breathed his last in Shillong on July 27, veteran political figure of Meghalaya P.R. Kyndiah and former Rajya Sabha member from the State J.E. Tariang.
Participating in the Obituary Reference in the Assembly, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said late Kalam lived by the example of being a ‘Peoples’ President’ with his deeds and interactions with all sections of people.
“We can easily say that calling him ‘Peoples’ President’ was truly reflected in the manner in which he connected with people from all walks of life,” Sangma said.
According to the chief minister, it was a coincidence that Kalam passed away while interacting with the youths in Shillong. “He will continue to be a source of inspiration for us all,” he said.
The chief minister also recalled the contribution of former Shillong MP and veteran leader P.R. Kyndiah, stating that his service to the state was immense. Sangma also noted that Kyndiah was a prolific writer.
The chief minister also recalled the services rendered by late Tariang.
He also paid tributes to other leaders from the North East including former Union Minister from Assam, B.K. Handique, Mizo political leader Brig. T. Sailo and Nagaland’s Rano M. Shaiza, besides others.
Paul Lyngdoh (UDP) recalled his association with late Kyndiah when he was a student leader.
While remembering Kalam, Lyngdoh pointed out to the lack of work culture in Meghalaya and recalled that the State Government had declared a holiday the day after Kalam’s demise.
On Tariang, Lyngdoh said that he was one of the best biographers of U Tirot Sing Syiem.
Former Assembly Speaker Martin Danggo (Congress) remembered his meeting with late Kalam when he had addressed the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in March, 2007.
Others who paid tributes to the departed leaders included Congress members D.D. Lapang, S.C. Marak, Ampareen Lyngdoh and Roshan Warjri, UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh and Assembly Speaker A.T. Mondal.
