City college holds memorial for Purno, cherishes the life of ‘the leader of masses’

SHILLONG: A short video clip showed late Purno A Sangma taking part in a discussion at the Lok Sabha looking as lively as ever, as his speech vibrated with enthusiasm, without cliché, when all of a sudden reality dawned upon the audience that the great leader and visionary, “the voice of the North East”, was no more.
The audience was taking part in the All Faith Memorial held in memory of the late leader at St Anthony’s College here on Saturday.
Late Sangma was an alumnus of St Anthony’s College.
Sangma’s son James Sangma, members of the civil society and religious organizations, students and faculty members of the College among others were present in the event which saw glowing tributes being paid to the former Lok Sabha speaker.
Speaking at the memorial service, James Sangma said, “Losing a parent is one of the most difficult phases in a person’s life. Even though we felt profound grieve, we were able to draw inspiration from our well wishers.”
He thanked the Salestian Fathers who took his father under their wings and nurtured him physically and spiritually and said that St. Anthony’s College was a turning point in his life.
“For the teachers, my father was a hardworking student and for the students he was a source of inspiration. I see him in all the people that he has served and helped. Many of his colleagues and friends recalled his sharp wit and humour,” James added.
Rev. Dominic Jala, Archbishop said, “Late Sangma was very supportive of Christian MPs Forum and welcomed the presence of the Church and called for Christian MPs to get together and serve the Church as lay leaders of the country.”
The Archbishop recounted that his first encounter with Purno was in 1972 at Don Bosco, Dibrugarh and he had served there as a teacher and likened him to Don Bosco as he had the capability to influence the youths.
“He was like Don Bosco to the people. He helped the young students who were the weakest and as for the students who were struggling, he provided them tuitions. He gave his time to the poor and needy students and wanted to see commitment in young people.”
“He was not the one to be discouraged and he had dreams for our land and future of tribal people. He remained humble and has the spirit of gratitude imbibed in him,” he added.
Meanwhile, Manas Das Gupta from the Department of Chemistry read out a message of A.T. Mondal who could not make it to the ceremony.
In the letter Mondal chronicled Purno’s tenure as CM during the late 80s and early 90s as “the golden era as far as administrative ability is concerned.”
The Shillong Times Editor, Patricia Mukhim, while recollecting Purno’s loss in the Assembly elections, said that the political system of the State was not ready for a visionary.
“We never had policies or white paper. He started the system of white paper with the department of Health and Education,” she said.
Calling upon the youths to draw inspiration from Sangma, she said, “We have to take the reins of governance from incompetent people and lead the way like Sangma.”
Among others who spoke on the occasion include Rev G.S. Lyttan, administrative secretary, Presbyterian Church of India, Amit Ranhotra, Sikh Community, Pastor E.N. Sangma, Garo Baptist Church and Swami Vedasarananda, assistant secretary, Ramakrishna Mission.