Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA, Oct 25: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday paid heartfelt tributes to Captain Williamson A. Sangma, the state’s first Chief Minister and one of the principal architects of Meghalaya’s statehood, on his death anniversary.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister described Captain Sangma as a visionary who dedicated his life to safeguarding tribal identity and played a pivotal role in the creation of Meghalaya.
“Heartfelt tributes to Captain Williamson A. Sangma, Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister and the North East’s first tribal Governor, on his death anniversary. A visionary leader, he dedicated his life to safeguarding tribal identity and played a pivotal role in the creation of the state of Meghalaya,” he wrote.
Captain Sangma’s contribution to the political evolution of Meghalaya remains monumental. He led the Hill State Movement that sought a separate state for the hill tribes of undivided Assam, steering the campaign through dialogue and democratic means until Meghalaya was formally created on January 21, 1972.
The Garo Hills region also remembered the state’s first Chief Minister through a solemn memorial service held in Tura on Saturday.
The programme honoured the visionary statesman whose leadership laid the foundation for Meghalaya’s identity and its peaceful attainment of statehood.
As part of the commemoration, a book titled Capt. Williamson A. Sangma – Architect of Meghalaya, authored by Andrew Simons, Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, was released by Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, who attended as the chief guest.
The memorial event witnessed the presence of Cabinet Minister Brening Sangma, Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma, officials of the Assembly Secretariat, members of Capt. Sangma’s family, college students, and other distinguished invitees.
In his address, the Speaker reflected on his personal bond with the late leader, recounting experiences while accompanying Capt. Sangma across the state during his tenure as Chief Minister. He humorously recalled how Capt. Sangma would keep them alert during extensive travels, tapping their heads if they began to doze off.
The Speaker emphasised Capt. Sangma’s unwavering commitment to democratic values and peace. He noted that Meghalaya achieved statehood without violence, guided by Capt. Sangma’s belief that “violence begets violence.”
The Speaker described him as one of the most revered figures in Meghalaya’s political and social history, whose leadership during the Hill State Movement reflected rare courage, integrity, and principled governance.
He further praised Capt. Sangma’s role in fostering unity among the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes. “It is because of his great leadership that three tribes speaking different languages remain united,” he stated, highlighting the legacy of mutual respect and collective determination that Capt. Sangma championed.
Speaking about the book, author Dr Simons expressed gratitude to the family of Capt. Sangma and to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Library for providing invaluable archival materials. He remarked that although Capt. Sangma is widely remembered, but substantial written documentation on his life and contributions remained limited, motivating him to undertake this work.
“This initiative will be informative to younger generations, helping them understand the Hill State Movement, Capt. Sangma’s leadership and his principles of non-violence,” Dr Simons said. He added that although he never met Capt. Sangma, he holds deep admiration for his political journey and statesmanship.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Capt. Sangma, whose ideals of peace, unity, and good governance continue to inspire Meghalaya’s present and future generations.
