Shillong, September 10: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma on Thursday released a book paying tribute to former Chief Minister Late B.B. Lyngdoh, highlighting his contribution to the State’s political development, democratic institutions and governance.
The book, titled “(L) B. B. Lyngdoh – A Tribute to the Visionary Leader and Former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Whose Ideals Continue to Inspire Generations,” has been authored by Andrew Simons, former Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and presently Adviser (Legislation). Late B.B. Lyngdoh, who served as Chief Minister of Meghalaya on four occasions, was among the State’s prominent political leaders and played an important role in Meghalaya’s political evolution and formative years.
Speaking at the book release, Sangma described Lyngdoh as a visionary leader, accomplished parliamentarian and institution-builder whose political career was closely linked with Meghalaya’s political awakening and democratic development. He said Lyngdoh viewed politics as an instrument to protect the dignity, identity, rights and future of the people of Meghalaya.
Referring to Lyngdoh as the “father of coalition politics,” the Speaker said his ability to bring different political parties together and provide stable governance was a major achievement, particularly during a period of political instability and before the introduction of the anti-defection law.
Sangma also highlighted Lyngdoh’s focus on issues affecting ordinary citizens, including land, livelihood, road connectivity, development and social harmony. He recalled Lyngdoh’s advocacy for systematic land records through cadastral surveys, his contribution towards the establishment of the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), and the introduction of the MLA Scheme.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the programme, Sangma said the book was a fitting tribute to Lyngdoh’s leadership and vision. He said the compilation of speeches would allow readers to better understand Lyngdoh’s political thinking and approach to governance, particularly his emphasis on listening to the voices and concerns of the people and accommodating their needs in the process of governance.
The Speaker said the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly would continue efforts to document the contributions of former leaders of the State. Recalling the book on Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, Late Captain Williamson A. Sangma, released last year, he said the Assembly was willing to bring out similar publications on other prominent leaders, subject to the availability of relevant records and materials.
Author Andrew Simons said the book was an effort to document the life and contribution of an important political leader while preserving Meghalaya’s formative political history for future generations. He described Lyngdoh as a prominent leader of the Statehood movement, an active legislator and an innovative parliamentarian.
Simons highlighted Lyngdoh’s introduction of the MLA Scheme and his ability to manage coalition governments during politically challenging periods. He also described the former Chief Minister as firm, decisive and independent-minded, while recalling his humility and simple lifestyle.
According to Simons, the book took around three years to complete and involved compiling and editing Lyngdoh’s speeches delivered between 1970 and 2003, including speeches from the period of the Provisional State Government. He acknowledged the assistance of Lyngdoh’s daughter, Syrpailin Khonglah, who provided personal memories, documents and other materials for the publication.
Simons said the book would help younger generations understand Meghalaya’s political evolution and democratic institutions and could also serve as a reference for researchers and scholars. Copies of the book are expected to be made available through libraries and distributed to selected colleges.
Syrpailin Khonglah recalled her father’s vision of building a developed and economically strong Meghalaya. She said his guiding motto was “Health, Wealth and Education,” and that he considered road connectivity essential for improving access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
She recalled that during his tenure as Finance Minister, sanctioning roads was among his priorities. Khonglah also said that in 1980, Lyngdoh proposed the establishment of a health institute of national importance for the Northeast on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). She further stated that in 1990, Lyngdoh became the first Chief Minister in the country to introduce the MLA Scheme.
The programme was attended by Government Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, MIDC Chairman and Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, former MLAs Martle N. Mukhim and Titostarwell Chyne, former Chief Secretary W.M.S. Pariat, former bureaucrat Rudy Warjri, Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim, Meghalaya State Commission for Women Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma, family members of Late B.B. Lyngdoh and other guests.
