India will see a tribal President: CM

SHILLONG, June 26: “The dream of a tribal President of India will become a reality,” an upbeat Conrad Sangma said on Sunday as Droupadi Murmu, after filing her nomination as an NDA candidate on Friday, has become the first tribal woman to contest for the highest constitutional post.
Conrad, who was addressing a gathering at the 8th Biennial Conference of the All Rabha Students’ Union of Meghalaya-cum-4th Baiko Dera Festival at Manikganj in North Garo Hills, informed that his father Purno Agitok Sangma knew that he would not win the presidential elections in 2012, but he contested nevertheless to demonstrate that indigenous tribal people could also occupy the coveted position.
The chief minister also said that contesting for the presidential elections sent out a message that tribal people are not left behind and have every right to contest for the highest constitutional position.
“The dream of (L) PA Sangma will become reality and it is proud moment for the tribal people. In 2012, late Sangma was NDA candidate and numbers were not in his favour but today NDA is in majority and the dream of a tribal President of India will become a reality,” The chief minister said, as he expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for choosing a tribal candidate to contest for the presidential elections.
“It is a recognition for the indigenous tribal people of this country,” Conrad said.
Lauding the efforts of the Rabha community of Meghalaya for working together to promote and revive their cultures and practices, Conrad said, “We, as a Government, are committed to ensure overall socio-economic uplift of the community.”
He said that culture and heritage of the people is very important and the advent of technology has transformed the society. “However, it is imperative that one knows their roots and ensures to safeguard the interest of the community,” the chief minister maintained.
Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, and MLAs Marton Sangma and Rupert Momin also attended the programme and spoke on the importance of unity and brotherhood amongst different tribes of Meghalaya.
As part of the three-day programme, several programmes, depicting the cultural heritage of the Rabhas, are being held.