Shillong, Sep 13: A year after his passing, former Chief Minister DD Lapang was remembered in his home district as the architect of modern Ri-Bhoi.
The Dr DD Lapang 1st Memorial Coordinating Committee, led by Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, organised a programme in the courtyard of Ri-Bhoi College, where a memorial statue of the late leader erected by Young Minds Ri-Bhoi District stands.
The programme began with floral tributes at the statue followed by special prayers led by parish priest Fr Peter Syiemlieh.
Syiem, cabinet minister Sosthenes Sohtun, Nongpoh MDC Rona Khymdeit, nominated MDC Mathew Makdoh, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Saini, Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad and former MDC RR Kynsai Makdoh joined Lapang’s son BR Blah, and several women leaders who had worked with Lapang during his tenure.
Speakers described Lapang not just as an eight-time MLA from Nongpoh and five-time Chief Minister of Meghalaya but as the leader who shaped Ri-Bhoi’s identity.
Among his lasting contributions highlighted were the creation of Ri-Bhoi as a full-fledged district, the establishment of Ri-Bhoi College, Alpha English Higher Secondary School, Northern Ri-Bhoi College and numerous development initiatives in Nongpoh.
His role beyond politics as a prominent speaker and leader of the Presbyterian Church was also remembered.
Meanwhile, on social media, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma called Lapang “a true people’s leader, a father figure and a guiding light for Meghalaya.”
