Shillong, Sep 1: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday paid floral tributes to former Speaker Purno A Sangma at his portrait in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan on his birth anniversary.
Deputy Chairman Rajya Sabha Harivansh, MPs, former MPs, Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh, Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody and other dignitaries also paid tributes.
A nine-term Lok Sabha MP from Meghalaya, Sangma served as Union Minister, Chief Minister and as Speaker of the 11th Lok Sabha in 1996, the first Opposition member to hold the office. He was noted for his knowledge of parliamentary rules and his work for the Northeast, tribals and marginalised sections.
Sangma passed away on March 4, 2016. His portrait, painted by Vijender Sharma, is displayed in the Outer Lobby of Samvidhan Sadan and was unveiled by then President Pranab Mukherjee on February 10, 2014.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma paid tribute to the former Lok Sabha Speaker, who was also his father, at a prayer meeting held in the Cathedral Church cemetery, Tura.
His wife and MLA Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, party members and Auxiliary Bishop Jose Chirackal were present.
“He always believed youth are the future of the Northeast,” Conrad said, adding his ideals of unity, tribal pride and national integration will continue to guide the state.
He later offered floral tributes at Sangma’s statue at the Sports Complex in Dakopgre, named after Purno.
The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Ri Bhoi organised the 10th P. A. Sangma Memorial Lecture that brought together eminent academicians, university leadership, faculty members, researchers and students to remember the life, leadership and enduring contributions of one of Meghalaya’s most distinguished political leaders.
