SHILLONG, SEP 1: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday attended a prayer meeting at the Cathedral Church Cemetery in Tura on the 79th birth anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Chief Minister Purno Agitok Sangma.

He was accompanied by MLAs Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, Sanjay A Sangma and Ian Botham K Sangma. 

The prayer service was led by Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, Most Rev Jose Chirackal.

Paying tribute, Conrad said late P A Sangma was not just a leader but an institution.

“His ideals, principles and vision continue to guide us. His life was defined by humility, secularism, discipline and unwavering commitment to serve the people, especially the poor and marginalized,” the Chief Minister said.

He said late Sangma always believed youth are the future and the greatest strength of the Northeast.

“He had a strong vision for youth empowerment through education, employment and leadership. He wanted our youth to be confident, competitive and rooted in our culture, and to lead not only Meghalaya but the nation,” Conrad said.

He added that late Sangma’s principles of unity in diversity, selfless service, tribal pride and national integration will continue to inspire generations.

“He taught us to think big, to dream for our people and to work with dedication,” he said.

Later, the Chief Minister along with citizens offered floral tributes at the statue of late Purno Sangma at the P A Sangma Sports Complex at Dakopgre in Tura.