Shillong, Sept 13: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday condoled the passing of former Chief Minister Dr. D.D. Lapang, describing him as a “tall figure” and a “great leader” who made significant contributions to the development of Meghalaya.
“It is a great loss not only from the state point of view but from my personal point of view also it is a great loss…Through out his political career he has done so much for our state, so much for our people and as I said for me also I have learned so much in his entire career I have been watching all the different works that he has done and it has been a great inspiration to me,” he said while expressing his deepest condolences to the family members and prayed for their strength to bear the loss.
Sangma revealed that he had met Dr Lapang just 10 days prior to his hospitalization and was amazed by his sharp presence of mind and alertness.
The Chief Minister shared his personal connection with Dr Lapang, having met him as a young boy in 1988 when his father, Purno A. Sangma, was Chief Minister. He remembered Dr. Lapang’s contributions to the state and his inspiration to his own political career.
The state government has declared three days of mourning, canceling all official celebrations and large programs.
A state funeral will be held on Monday at 1 pm, preceded by a prayer at Dr Lapang’s residence at 10 am.
Recalling his contributions as Chief Adviser to the Meghalaya government, Sangma praised Dr Lapang’s dedication and seriousness towards his role, despite his advanced age.
The Chief Minister noted that Dr Lapang was proactive in providing guidance and support, often calling or writing to discuss key issues and share his insights. Sangma expressed gratitude for Dr Lapang’s counsel, acknowledging the value he brought to the government.
“Lots of people would have felt that it was just a position that I had given for the sake of giving a political post to him but Sir took his job very seriously. Whenever there was any kind of political situation or some issue he would make it a point to call me, he would make it a point to write to me to tell me that this is what he thought about that particular issue. He was very active and he took his job very seriously. I thank him for all the guidance and support that he gave me.”
