TURA: Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, Late Captain Williamson A Sangma was remembered on the occasion of his 28th Death Anniversary on Thursday in a grand function held at the office premises of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Tura.
The function which began from 10 am, was attended by the West Garo Hills A D M, A M Sangma, Superintendent of Police, M G R Kumar, all members of the EC in the GHADC, former MDCs, chairmans and CEMs, senior citizens and a host of other dignitaries.
Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Meghalaya Home Minister, James P K Sangma praised the works and achievements of Captain Sangma and reminded the gathering that he was not just a leader of the A’chiks but also of the whole Northeastern region. He said that it was due to his ceaseless struggle that the State of Meghalaya came into being.
He said that before Meghalaya became a state, the hill people were made to follow the traditions and customs of the Assamese people and that positions in the legislature and government services were denied to them. He added that it was Sangma who collaborated with the people of the hills from erstwhile Assam and spearheaded the demand for a hill state that eventually led to the formation of Meghalaya.
“Captain Sangma contested the 1957 elections and secured a seat in the Assam Government. From then on he worked tirelessly on his vision, and though faced with many obstacles finally succeeded in his mission and became the first Chief Minister of the new state that was Meghalaya,” Sangma said.
Sangma said that today there are many leaders with vision but those who have the courage and conviction to make their dreams a reality are very few. He pointed out that unlike such leaders, Captain Sangma was an exception who was brave and dedicated and leaders like him are nowadays seldom seen.
“His dedication and conviction has inspired us all in our works and we will continue to follow in his footsteps. Even though today is his 28th death anniversary, he will continue to inspire the future generation for years and years to come,” Sangma said.
Earlier, GHADC CEM, Dipul R Marak said that October 25, 1990 was a sad day for the A’chik people of Garo Hills, the state of Meghalaya and the North Eastern region as a whole. Reminding that Captain Sangma was the first Army Captain, first GHADC CEM, first CM and the first Governor from among the Garos, Marak said that his works and achievements cannot be described in words. The CEM also said that he expected more people to participate in the programme and that his office would do more to observed the occasion in a better fashion in the future.
The earlier part of the programme saw Rastriya Salute to the late leader by the 2nd MLP Batallion, Goeragre as well as floral tributes by dignitaries and citizens at his statue. A one minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the late leader.
Following the memorial function, the gathering moved to the place where the late leader was laid to rest and a brief prayer service was held.
In Williamnagar, the occasion was observed at Williamson Park in which local MLA, Marcuise N Marak was the Chief Guest.
Leading the people in laying floral wreaths, Marcus said that by observing his death anniversary, we show respect and love to our great leader.
East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, L Ch Marak also spoke a few words and urged people to follow in the late leaders footsteps while Principal of Educere, Gamchi Timre R Marak read out the late leader’s life history.
Baghmara Town in South Garo Hills, the home town of Late Captain Williamson A Sangma also observed the occasion at the Capt W A Sangma Memorial Park erected in his memory.
North Tura MLA and Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Thomas A Sangma who was the Chief Guest on the occasion urged the people to live their lives with vision as the late leader had done during his tenure. Informing that both his parents belong to Baghmara, the Chief Guest also donated an amount of Rs 1 lakh for the renovation and beatification of the park.
Earlier, Rongara-Siju MLA Rakkam A Sangma who was also present on the occasion proposed that the Baghmara Road is renamed as ‘Capt Williamson Memorial Road’ as a mark of respect and remembrance to the late leader.