By Our Reporter
TURA, Oct 26: The 35th death anniversary of the (L) Capt. Williamson A. Sangma, the first Chief Executive Member of the GHADC and the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya, was solemnly observed at the GHADC premises, Tura, on Sunday.
The occasion was graced by Minister for Tourism, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Timothy D Shira as the chief guest.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Ampati MLA Miani D. Shira, her husband Daryl William Cheran Momin, who is the grandson of the late leader, GHADC CEM Albinush Marak, and Deputy CEM Nikman Ch. Marak, executive members, and other distinguished guests.
The commemoration began with a Rashtriya Salute presented by the 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre, followed by floral tributes at the statue of the late leader, and a minute of silence was observed in his honour.
Assistant Professor at HTC, Edenbari Rinje N. Sangma, led the gathering in prayer, while members of the Tura Music Academy offered a musical tribute to the revered statesman.
The chief guest paid glowing tributes to Capt. Sangma described him as the foremost leader of Garo Hills, a visionary statesman, and the architect of Meghalaya’s political awakening. Recalling his childhood, he said that in those days, there was no political organisation in Garo Hills, and it was Capt. Sangma convened the first meeting of the Garo National Council, drawing together many influential and respected leaders of the time.
He reminisced that during the post-independence period, when the hill tribes faced tremendous challenges, including displacement, migration to the plains, and social pressures such as forced cultural and religious assimilation, Capt. Sangma rose in defence of his people. He strongly advocated for the protection of the rights, identity, and traditional customs of the tribal communities.
Shira further recounted that during the years when present-day Meghalaya was still part of Assam, Capt. Sangma held a respectable government position but chose to resign and stand firmly with his people when the question of identity arose. When the Assam leadership sought to make Assamese the official state language, Capt. Sangma courageously opposed the decision and championed the cause of the hill people.
He worked tirelessly to preserve their distinct language, culture, and traditions, believing deeply that the unique heritage of the hill tribes must be safeguarded for future generations.
The minister emphasised that Capt. Sangma’s leadership during those pivotal years was instrumental in awakening political consciousness among the people and in laying the foundation for self-governance.
His unrelenting determination and foresight ultimately culminated in the formation of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council and later, in the historic creation of the State of Meghalaya.
Shira praised the late leader’s unmatched contributions to the social, cultural, and political upliftment of the tribal population, describing him as a man of vision, conviction, and integrity whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
The commemoration concluded with dignitaries and attendees offering floral tributes at the grave of (L) Capt. Williamson A. Sangma, marking a solemn close to the observance.
The day served as a reminder of the late leader’s monumental contributions to the State, his lifelong dedication to the welfare of his people, and his historic role in shaping the identity and destiny of Meghalaya.
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.
