SHILLONG, MAR 4: NPP state president and deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong paid an emotional tribute to party founder PA Sangma on his 10th death anniversary, recalling how the former Lok Sabha Speaker’s reputation reached even Meghalaya’s diaspora.
“When I had visited New York, the NRIs running major companies there were still speaking of PA Sangma. They said there is no one like him — no leader from Meghalaya has reached that stature,” Tynsong told party workers on Wednesday.
“That is why many of us joined the NPP, to ensure continuity with responsibility.”
Reflecting on 2014, when Sangma was reelected MP from Tura, Tynsong described late-night visits to Sangma’s Delhi residence.“
Every time I landed in Delhi, I called him. I was staying at Meghalaya House, he was close by, and by 8.30–9 pm I would go quietly to his house. Even James Sangma didn’t know how close we became.”
That friendship, he said, drew a “yellow card” from Congress leaders at the time.
“But PA Sangma was chosen by God. He told me, ‘You are like my youngest brother. Work hard and ensure the interest of tribals — from Meghalaya, the North East and the whole nation — is protected.’ I didn’t fully understand then; I thought my service would end in Meghalaya. He showed me I had to be part of a larger vision.”
Tynsong stressed that Sangma’s message — “One North East, one voice for tribals in India” — became visible to him when he read the NPP constitution in 2018.
“We’ll never get a leader like him again. It hurts to see people throw stones at the party’s constitution, when as minorities we should be protecting the mission he left us.”
He expressed confidence that under Conrad K Sangma, the party would continue to strengthen PA Sangma’s legacy.
“Let us witness the blessings through NPP reach the whole nation,” he said.
Paying rich tribute to his late father, NPP national working president and former home minister James K Sangma said that “a real tribute to a leader is not just remembrance but continuity” of his vision.
“The institutionalisation of his vision in the form of the NPP has the momentum and strength to carry on because of the strong foundation he laid down,” Sangma said.
“That foundation will take this party forward… Today we’ve reached certain heights from a humble, grassroots start, and it shows the potential we all have.”
He thanked organisers and called the programme a celebration of Sangma’s life rather than grief.
“Let it not be where we reminisce sorrow, but where we look at his life and celebrate it.”
Addressing state president Prestone Tynsong, MLAs and other party leaders, he added, “This programme is meaningful because of your presence… On behalf of the family, thank you. God bless the NPP and late PA Sangma for his vision.”
NPP state treasurer Daniel Thangkhiew recalled P A Sangma as a defender of tribal identity and Christian right.
“I travelled with him during the Langpih incident, went by road to the Garo‑Rabha clash areas,” Thangkhiew said. “From my personal experience, he was loved by many, set an example, and fought for our tribal identity till the day he passed away.”
He added, “He fought for Christianity in this country, challenged the House when people shied away from acknowledging mission schools, and wrote to the Prime Minister many times about issues our Christian brothers and sisters still face today.”
Recalling Sangma’s final hours, he noted that Union Minister Piyush Goyal “called the ambulance and assisted in taking uncle to the hospital.”
“I am nobody to speak about his character — the whole world knows — but he stood firm till the end,” he said.
