Shillong, October 27: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Brington Buhai Lyngdoh Memorial Hall at Elaka Laitlyngkot, the birthplace of the former Chief Minister, on his 23rd death anniversary. Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh, MDCs and members of the late leader’s family were present. Sangma announced financial support of ₹10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the B.B. Lyngdoh Memorial Committee.
The Chief Minister said the hall would be a permanent institution preserving the contribution of a leader closely linked to Meghalaya’s journey to Statehood, democratic development and institution-building. “The location gives the programme particular significance, Laitlyngkot being the birthplace of Late B B Lyngdoh and the starting point of a public journey that later became closely connected with the formation and development of Meghalaya,” he said. He noted that the date was also significant. Lyngdoh died on October 27, 2003, and the hall was inaugurated exactly 23 years later.
Recalling Lyngdoh’s life, Sangma said a leader is not born a leader. “Leadership is about how you respond to circumstances and continuing to fight despite challenges. Late B.B. Lyngdoh is a perfect example of that,” he said. He said Lyngdoh was born in Laitlyngkot without privileges but fought his way forward. “At every step – in school, in college, in law college in Kolkata – he took up challenges and kept climbing,” he said. The same spirit, he added, showed in his political life as he held coalitions together and built consensus. Sangma also drew parallels between Lyngdoh and his own father, the late P.A. Sangma. Both came from humble backgrounds and began their careers as teachers before becoming lawyers. “Both were contemporaries and friends and despite political challenges they always respected each other,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the hall would be completed in coordination with the local MLA and local leaders. The government will support the work through the Chief Minister’s Development Fund and the Arts and Culture and Youth Affairs departments. He suggested turning the hall into an experience centre and mini-museum, with photographs and sculptures tracing Lyngdoh’s life. “Relevant records, speeches, photographs and publications should be identified, authenticated and preserved in coordination with the family, community and appropriate institutions,” he said. He also proposed setting up a foundation or society to write books and record the stories and principles of leaders like Lyngdoh for younger generations.
Sangma also spoke on the proposal to rename Umroi Airport after B.B. Lyngdoh. He said the hall would preserve Lyngdoh’s life and work and document an important period in Meghalaya’s journey to Statehood. He urged educational institutions to use the hall for programmes on the Statehood Movement, democratic development and public leadership, so that the past could inform public understanding and community participation in the future.
