Condolences continue to pour in for the legendary politico
SHILLONG: Condolences continued to pour in on Saturday, mourning the loss of Purno A Sangma, former Lok Sabha Speaker and the most seasoned and celebrated politician of North East India.
Sangma passed away at his Delhi residence following a massive heart attack on Friday.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi sent a message to the late Tura MP’s daughter, Agatha Sangma, consoling the family at this time of crisis.
In a condolence message sent to Agatha, Gandhi said, “I am saddened to learn about the tragic passing away of your father Shri P A Sangma. I am sure that you will draw inspiration from the fact that your father had a long, rich and full life surrounded by a devoted family”.
Sonia’s message further said, “I send my sincere condolences and feelings of empathy and support to you and other members of your family in this hour of grief.”
Roshan, Syiem, Manas condole Purno’s demise
Home Minister Roshan Warjri, KHADC CEM PN Syiem and former minister Manas Chaudhuri among others also condoled the death of the great leader.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Purno A Sangma, veteran Parliamentarian, statesman and national public figure. The state of Meghalaya and the country as a whole has lost one of its most seasoned and dynamic leaders (in his death). He was also the pride of North East and his passing away is indeed an irreparable loss to the region,” Warjri said in statement on Saturday.
According to Warji, late Sangma, through his very long innings in politics had served the best interests of the State and the country with integrity, commitment and vision.
“He leaves behind a legacy that posterity will long remember,” she added.
“As a Parliamentarian and legislator, he was one of the giants the country had produced. He brought fame and honour to this small Hill State, to the North East and the country as a whole. His approachability, humility and kindness of heart throughout his distinguished and illustrious career are indeed qualities that the present generation should emulate,” the Home Minister further said.
She also extended condolences to the bereaved family.
Former education minister Manas Chaudhuri said that Purno’s death was a huge loss to the nation.
“As the first tribal ever to become a cabinet minister at the Centre and arguably the best Lok Sabha Speaker of his time, Sangma will go down in the annals of Indian political history as a bright star from the Northeast. His two years as Meghalaya Chief Minister will remain as one shining chapter that made tangible impact”, Chaudhuri said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Member, KHADC, Pynshnainlang Syiem said that the country has lost a great tribal leader in Purno’s death.
“He was one of the leaders of the state and India who advocated a progressive approach to politics and positive involvement of tribals in the development of the country,” Syiem said.
“Purno was one of the tribal leaders who advocated a dynamic role for tribals and minorities in the day to day life of India. He was of the opinion that the diverse fabric of India will be best served by giving the scheduled tribes and minorities a recognized place in the Indian Union, as vibrant and vital components,” Syiem added.
Syiem pointed out that even as a presidential candidate Purno carried the torch of tribal identity.
More tributes
Martin Luther Christian University on Saturday held a meeting of its staff and students to condole the sudden demise of former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A Sangma at its main campus in Nongrah.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Robert G Lyngdoh, who was out of town, sent his condolence message expressing grief at the sudden death of Sangma.
“It is a big loss for the state and the country as a whole… He was one person who was known throughout the country,” Lyngdoh said adding that late Sangma was not only the face of Meghalaya but the entire North East.
Meanwhile, the FKJGP expressed sorrow over the sudden demise of the Tura MP.
The North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy also condoled the sudden death of Sangma. NEIAH Director, Prof (Dr) PK Goswami, said that the state and the nation has lost a visionary leader, distinguished Parliamentarian, an able administrator and a fine gentleman.
The Lok Jan Shakti Party in its meeting also expressed shock and grief at the sudden demise of Sangma.