SHILLONG, Nov 14: Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Monday recalled the contributions of one of the most celebrated politicians of Meghalaya, Dhruba Nath Joshi, who passed away last year at the age of 98.
Speaking during a programme here, Shullai said Joshi was elected for six consecutive terms from 1972 to 2002 as an MLA and was the first non-tribal to hold the post of a cabinet minister.
Shullai also recalled the contribution of Joshi on various fronts.
As part of the programme, Shullai also unveiled a bust of Joshi, which has been erected on the premises of Meghalaya Veer Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Association (MGEWA) office at Jhalupara in remembrance of the departed soul.
It may be mentioned that the expenditure for the erection of the bust has been jointly sponsored by Shullai, MGEWA and family members of Joshi.
The programme was attended by MGEWA president Subodh Joshi, ex-servicemen, teachers, headman, members of Jhalupara Village Council, leaders of local NGOs and residents of the cantonment area.
It may be mentioned that Joshi passed away last year and is survived by three sons and four daughters. Born on November 14, 1922, Joshi had first contested the 1952 general election in Assam.
After Meghalaya attained statehood in 1972, he became a member of the state Legislative Assembly after winning the election from then Shillong Cantonment constituency.
He then represented Mawprem constituency for five consecutive terms.
Besides being the Chief Whip of the Congress party and the government, Joshi had held several portfolios such as Parliamentary Affairs, Weight and Measure and Animal Fodder as cabinet minister.
After retiring from active politics, Joshi had held the post of Co-Chairman of Meghalaya Reforms Commission.
