Shillong, Oct 25: Thomas A Sangma, Speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly, reminisced about his time with Captain Williamson A. Sangma, saying, “I and Cabinet Minister Brening Sangma had the privilege of associating with Capt. Sangma when he was the Chief Minister of the state and travelled the length and breadth of Meghalaya.”
The Assembly Speaker shared a personal anecdote, “We used to sit in the front seat of the official vehicle of the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya and traveled for hours. Late Capt. Sangma never slept, but when we dozed off in the vehicle, he would knock us on the head.”
The occasion was the 35th death anniversary of Captain Sangma, marked by a memorial ceremony in Tura. During the event, a book titled “Capt. Williamson A. Sangma – Architect of Meghalaya” was released.
The book, authored by Dr. Andrew Simons, Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, highlights Captain Sangma’s life, legacy, and contributions to the state.
Thomas A Sangma released the book, which was attended by dignitaries such as Cabinet Minister Brening Sangma, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma, and Captain Sangma’s family.
The Assembly Speaker, praised Captain Sangma’s leadership, saying, “Meghalaya got statehood without bloodshed or violence. We learnt so many things from him. I remember everywhere we go, he would say that violence begets violence.”
He emphasized Captain Sangma’s commitment to non-violence and peaceful democratic means, which played a crucial role in the Hills State Movement. “Late Capt. Sangma united communities under a single manner of self-determination and mutual respect,” he added.
He also stated that it is because of his great leadership that three tribes speaking different languages – Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo – are still united.
The Speaker highlighted Captain Sangma’s philosophy of politics, rooted in integrity and good governance. “He believed that governance must serve a common goal,” he said, adding that Captain Sangma understood the importance of education.
Dr. Simons, the author of the book, expressed gratitude to Captain Sangma’s family for providing valuable information. He also acknowledged the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Library as a source of information.
Dr. Simons shared his inspiration for writing the book, saying, “Much has been said of Capt. Sangma, but not much has been written about his life and legacy which will be of use to the future generations.”
He hoped that the book will be informative for MLAs, research scholars, and students, providing insight into the hill state movement and Captain Sangma’s role in it.
Dr. Simons said that he admires Captain Sangma’s qualities, particularly his commitment to non-violence and his political journey.
“These are the qualities I admire in Capt. Sangma, even though I have never met him. But I always admire his political journey and the life that he led,” he said.
