Dr. Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, fondly known as “Maheh,” was born on April 10, 1933, into a humble and devout Christian family to the late Donwas War and late Elsibon Lapang. He grew up with three sisters and two brothers in Umsning, Ri-Bhoi District. His early years were marked by hardship and perseverance, values that shaped his long and remarkable public life.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Lapang received his primary education in Umsning and completed his matriculation from Shillong Government High School. He pursued further studies through the evening section of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. Despite the challenges, he worked tirelessly to support his family helping his mother run tea stalls at Lew Mawlong (Nongpoh) and Lew Umsning, and even working as a road labourer.
Later, he served as a teacher at Saiden Basic School, Nongpoh, for five years, before joining the Assam Forest Department as a typist. He gradually rose through the ranks, serving as a Lower Division Assistant, Upper Division Assistant in the Assam Civil Secretariat, and later as Sub-Inspector of Schools for 10 years.
In 1958, he married Amethyst Lynda Jomes Blah, and together they were blessed with two children. Deeply influenced by his mother’s faith, Dr. Lapang was a devoted Christian, known for his eloquence as a preacher and public speaker.
Political Career
Dr. Lapang’s political journey was inspired by the Hill State Movement, which culminated in the creation of Meghalaya in 1972. He worked alongside stalwarts like Prof. G.G. Swell, Capt. W.A. Sangma, B.B. Lyngdoh, Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, P. Ripple Kyndiah, D.D. Pugh, and P.G. Marbaniang.
In the first Meghalaya Legislative Assembly election of 1972, he contested from Nongpoh Constituency (17) as an independent candidate and won. His victory marked the beginning of a distinguished political career that spanned over four decades. He was re-elected as MLA multiple times—in 1978, 1983, 1988, 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013.
Dr. Lapang served as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya five times, earning the reputation of a seasoned statesman and consensus-builder. One of his landmark achievements was the creation of Ri Bhoi District in 1992.
He also represented Meghalaya internationally, leading delegations and undertaking official visits to countries including the USSR, USA, UK, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
He has held several other designations prior to becoming the chief minister which are: * 1983 to 1985 – Minister of Planning, Finance, Home, Revenue, Food & Civil Supply. * 1985 to 1986 – Minister of Finance (including Taxation), Planning, Evaluation, Home (including Passport) and Revenue. * 1986 to 1986 – Minister of Finance (including Taxation), Planning, Evaluation, and Home (including Passport) and Revenue. * 1986 to 1987 – Minister of Finance (including Taxation), Planning, Evaluation, and Home (including Passport). * 1987 to 1988 – Minister of Planning and Programme Implementation. * 1987 to 1988 – Minister of Home, Revenue and Excise. * 1988 to 1990 – Deputy Minister of Home.
Recognitions and Awards
Dr. Lapang’s contributions, both as a leader and a Christian statesman, were recognized nationally and internationally. Among his many honours are:
- Doctorate of Divinity – Acts Academy of Higher Education under the International Council of Higher Education, Bangalore (7 January 2004).
- Mother Teresa Smriti Puraskar Award – World Human Services Society, Vishwa Manav Seva Samity, Kolkata (25 February 2004).
- Doctorate of Divinity (Honoris Causa) – Serampore College, West Bengal (11 February 2007).
- Doctorate Degree in Philosophy – Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences University, Allahabad (9 April 2009).
- Rising Personalities of India and Gold Medal Award – International Penguin Publishing House, New Delhi (8 August 2009).
- Doctorate of Letters (Honoris Causa) – University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya (10 April 2017).
Legacy
From humble beginnings to becoming a five-time Chief Minister, Dr. Lapang’s journey symbolized resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to public service. D D Lapang began earning as a road labourer and later served as a school teacher for 5 years. He also worked as a Typist in Assam Civil Secretariat. He was then promoted to Lower Division Assistant where he served for 13 years. Subsequently, he served as Sub-Inspector of schools for 10 years.
