Journos recall Purno the journalist
SHILLONG: PA Sangma who was a journalist himself, was critical of journalists who were not aggressively writing against the government to correct its lapses and wrong policies.
Sangma was the Editor of Meghalaya daily Chandambeni Kalrang in Garo language.
“Though the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya Capt. W A Sangma was the maternal uncle of PA Sangma, through his newspaper, he even criticized the Chief Minister by his reports and comments and he was aggressive too”, recalled journalist Subroto Bhattacharjee, who is ten years older than Purno.
Speaking to The Shillong Times over phone from Kolkata on Sunday, Bhattacharjee said that Purno at one point of time told a few journalists including him, “I criticized the government, much more than you journalists”.
Bhattacharjee who was the former bureau chief of UNI in Shillong, recalled that Purno took a group journalists in chopper to tour all over Garo Hills for a few days at a time when only politicians were using the chopper to tour inaccessible areas.
He also said Purno took initiative to form the Shillong Press Club together with a group of journalists several years ago.
According to those who associated with him, as a lawyer and journalist, Purno had professed truth as a religion.
Philip Marwein, Editor, Youth Today said that Purno was a friend to the journalists, as he was approachable and open minded. He understood the importance of media.
When asked as to how the late former Chief Minister received criticism from the media, Marwein said, “He received every criticism with a smile; he had the flair to answer questions and had the knack to shoot back questions and listened to every question with rapt attention.
To avoid a question, he cleverly answered so as not to insult the person who asked the question .”
According to Marwein, Purno tried to answer every question unlike other politicians who very often avoid media. Overall, his approach was pleasing and he was a very humble person.
Sanat Chakraborty, freelance journalist said that Purno was very frank, as he never dodged any questions.
“He answered the fielded questions with great finesse.
“He was the darling of journalists. He took every criticism in his stride. I never saw him getting angry,” Chakraborty said
Speaking of late Sangma as a politician, he said that that Purno was one of the most successful politicians.
Manosh Das, Correspondent with Times of India recalled, “I had the privilege of going with him on his campaign trails and met him on several occasions and found him to be one of the most approachable persons to journalists and he gave journalist stories we all look forward to.” He added, “There were many good stories that emerged after casual conversations with him. He was a very media friendly person. I do not remember any incident where the media had any reason to be aggrieved and he was a very welcoming person. He understood the importance of media unlike other politicians who avoid media.”
Das recalled that late Sangma had always found time to answer questions.