From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI, March 4: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) on Monday observed the eighth death anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Meghalaya chief minister Late PA Sangma and organised the seventh memorial lecture on “Role of PA Sangma for Progressive Meghalaya”.
The lecture was delivered by former Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary, in the presence of USTM chancellor Mahbubul Hoque; USTM vice-chancellor Prof GD Sharma; faculty members, staff and students.
Addressing the gathering, Mooshahary said Late P.A Sangma was the face of the Northeast, a legendary politician and a forthright man dedicated to his work.
“One of his most important achievements is that, like him, his children too are most civilised. Conrad Sangma is the most civilised chief minister of India”, he said.
Mooshahary stated that Late PA Sangma missed the two highest posts in the country — the post of President and the Prime Minister very narrowly owing to internal party politics. “Today, Meghalaya is well known because of leaders like PA Sangma”, he added.
Addressing the gathering, USTM chancellor Mahbubul Hoque said that USTM was highly grateful to Late PA Sangma as he had a vital role during the enactment of the USTM Act in the Meghalaya Assembly in 2008.
“Late PA Sangma was a visionary who wanted to nurture young minds through education. He was always a mentor and well-wisher and USTM is committed to him, particularly for his support and encouragement in our initiative to establish a higher educational institution in the state of Meghalaya,” Hoque said.
He further said that both Late PA Sangma and RS Mooshahary are the spirit behind the birth of USTM.
“We are also thankful to the then chief minister of Meghalaya Donkupar Roy and the then education minister Manas Chaudhuri for their positive role,” he said.
“We are really grateful to the present chief minister Conrad K Sangma and his entire team for their immense moral support and help for progress of the university”, he added.
In his concluding remarks, USTM vice-chancellor G.D Sharma stated that Late PA Sangma was a person very well connected to people and helped Meghalaya to develop and shine.
“During the past years, USTM has remembered this great personality in many ways and has been engaged in different activities as a mark of tribute. The most ambitious project of the university, the PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital, is in the process of establishment on the USTM campus now,” Sharma said.
“Besides, one eight-story academic building was named the PA Sangma International Block in 2019. In September 2018, PA Sangma Chair Prof. for Tribal Studies was launched at USTM by the then Meghalaya home minister James K Sangma. USTM also instituted the PA Sangma Best Undergraduate Award which was first given in its fourth convocation held in September 2018 and is being continued every year,” the VC said.