TURA: Rich floral tributes were paid to one of Garo Hills’ most famous political stalwarts — (L) Purno Agitok Sangma — on his 72nd birth anniversary with a memorial lecture organised jointly by the PA Sangma Foundation and North-Eastern Hill University here at the district auditorium on Monday afternoon before a packed audience that included literary luminaries and young minds from colleges across Tura.
Speaking at the memorial event for his late father, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recalled with fondness the time spent in his company and the innumerable ideas and advice given to him and other family members for the development of Garo Hills and the North East.
Widow of Late Sangma, Soradini K Sangma, daughter and Tura MP Agatha K Sangma along with elder son and Home minister James Pangsang K Sangma attended the memorial lecture in the presence of the Vice Chancellor of NEHU Prof S Srivastava and former Sikkim MP PD Rai.
The chief minister announced a slew of projects for Tura, including a cable car to Tura Peak, a memorial park and a statue of P A Sangma at Tura by next year and funds to repair the damaged Tura district auditorium.
One of Sangma’s dreams was a tribal research institute, which is in the process of being established.
The Rs 48-crore institute is being set up at Chidekgre village of Babadam under Rongram Block. The Songsarek tribals from the area are renowned for upholding the ancient tribal way of life and hosting the famous Wangala celebrations.
He announced that besides Shillong and Umiam cable car facility would be established for the picturesque Tura Peak region.
A biography on PA Sangma is scheduled to be released in the coming months. Besides, a special park in Tura along with a statue of Sangma is also scheduled to be opened to the public by 2020.
The chief minister announced a special package of Rs 3.5 crore to restore it to its past glory.
