Tura, September 1: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday attended a prayer meeting at the Cathedral Church Cemetery in Tura to mark the 79th birth anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Meghalaya Chief Minister late Purno Agitok Sangma.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLAs Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, Sanjay A. Sangma and Ian Botham K. Sangma.
The prayer ceremony was led by Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, Most Rev. Jose Chirackal.
Paying tribute to late P.A. Sangma, the Chief Minister described him as more than a political leader, saying he was “an institution” whose ideals, principles and vision continue to inspire people.
He said P.A. Sangma’s life was marked by humility, secularism, discipline and a strong commitment to serving the people, particularly the poor and marginalised.
Recalling his father’s vision for the youth, Sangma said the former Lok Sabha Speaker believed young people were the future of the nation and one of the greatest strengths of the Northeast.
He said P.A. Sangma strongly advocated youth empowerment through education, employment and leadership, and wanted young people from the Northeast to be confident, competitive and firmly rooted in their culture.
According to the Chief Minister, P.A. Sangma’s dream was to see youth from the region emerge as leaders in different fields, both in Meghalaya and across the country.
Sangma also said the late leader’s principles of unity in diversity, selfless service, tribal pride and national integration would continue to inspire future generations.
“He taught us to think big, to dream for our people, and to work with dedication. His ideals will continue to motivate us to strive for the welfare of our people,” the Chief Minister said.
Later, Sangma joined citizens of Tura in offering floral tributes at the statue of late Purno A. Sangma at the P.A. Sangma Sports Complex, Dakopgre, Tura.
