SHILLONG, FEB 21: Thousands of people on Saturday paid their last respects to late Shillong MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon, who passed away suddenly on February 19 after collapsing while playing futsal at Mawlai Mawiong.
The funeral service, conducted by the Sumer Presbyterian Church at Nongsder village in Ri Bhoi, was attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, cabinet ministers, MLAs, MDCs, government officials, leaders of the Voice of the People Party, members of parliament, colleagues from NEHU, and family members.
VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit led the floral tribute, followed by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma, and other dignitaries.
The ceremony was a testament to Dr Syngkon’s impact on the community, with people from all walks of life coming together to bid farewell to the late leader.
Delivering his obituary speech, Sniawbhalang Dhar has described Dr Syngkon as a leader who “consistently stood up for the State”.
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Dr Ricky Andrew J Syngkon from 1-Shillong (ST) Constituency. His loss at the age of 54 is a great sorrow for his family, for Meghalaya, and for our nation,” he said adding “He was a highly qualified man who used his qualifications not for personal self-interests but to serve the society and more importantly, for the larger interest of uplifting the State.”
Dhar highlighted Dr Syngkon’s contributions, saying, “As an MP, he consistently brought intellectual depth, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to the rights and development of the North-Eastern region.”
“He raised urgent concerns on the long-pending border issues affecting farmers in the West Jaintia Hills and pressed for compensation for farmers and operators impacted by road construction in the Shillong-Dawki region,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Dr Syngkon’s legacy would endure, saying, “For this, the citizens of the region will forever remember him with respect, affection, and gratitude. His legacy as a leader who consistently stood up for the State will endure for generations.”
Dhar offered his condolences, saying, “My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family. May they find strength, comfort, and peace. May his soul rest in eternal rest.”
Paying rich tribute to Dr Syngkon, chief of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit described him as a “guiding light” whose leadership was marked by courage, empathy, and service to the community.
Reading the party’s condolence message, Basaiawmoit said, “It is with profound sorrow and deep grief that the Voice of the People Party mourns the sudden and untimely demise of our beloved leader Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon, member of parliament from Shillong constituency.”
“He was a humble servant, elected in 2024… His leadership was marked by courage, empathy, and the belief that politics must always be anchored in service and love for the community,” Basaiawmoit said.
He added, “Dr Syngkon carried his faith not only as a personal conviction but as a source of strength and moral clarity in his public life. He often said that being a Christian in politics is a challenge that he accepted with conviction and humility.”
“Through his words and actions, he taught us that faith and public service can work hand in hand, uplifting, healing, and uniting. His life is a testament that leadership is not about power but about sacrifice, compassion, and stewardship for the welfare of all,” Basaiawmoit said.
The VPP leader said Dr Syngkon’s sudden departure had left a “painful void” in their hearts.
Recalling the Dr Syngkon’s contributions, NEHU Pro-VC Prof S Umdor said that he was a “role model” for students and teachers.
He also spoke about Dr Syngkon’s association with NEHU and said, “His association with NEHU started in 1994 when he joined masters in economics. He was a good teacher, and students loved and respected him.”
“He guided many students, and four of them have completed Ph.D under his supervision. He was part of the functioning of the commerce department as head of department and coordinator of the cell giving training to students to crack competitive examinations,” Prof Umdor added.
Prof Umdor said Dr Syngkon’s contributions to the university were immense. “He is a role model for our students and also for me as a teacher…”
“He continued to serve the university even after winning as MP, taking up issues affecting the university and welfare of ICSSR and NERC. His passing away is a big loss, not just as a teacher but as a supporter when we need his support the most,” Prof Umdor said.
The university has organized a condolence meeting where teachers and students paid rich tribute to Dr Syngkon.
Condolence messages from prominent figures, including Lok Sabha Speaker and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, were read out during the funeral service, paying tribute to the late leader.
