Shillong, September 1: The Meghalaya State Unit of the National People’s Party (NPP) on Monday celebrated the party’s 14th foundation anniversary at its office in Polo, Shillong, paying tribute to its late founder, Purno Agitok Sangma.

The programme also commemorated the 79th birth anniversary of the former Lok Sabha Speaker, who was born on September 1, 1947. Party leaders, workers and supporters remembered Sangma’s vision, public service and contribution to Meghalaya, the Northeast and the country.

Addressing the gathering, NPP Meghalaya Working President Hamletson Dohling urged party leaders and workers to uphold the principles and objectives laid down by P.A. Sangma, particularly his commitment to public welfare and his efforts to strengthen the voice of tribal communities and other minorities.

Dohling said the NPP-led Government had taken decisive steps on several important public issues, including uranium mining, and claimed that the party had achieved what other political parties had been unable to accomplish.

He said remembering the party’s founder should not be limited to commemorative occasions but should be reflected in the hard work, unity and sincere service of party leaders and workers.

NPP National Vice-President Sniawbhalang Dhar said P.A. Sangma founded the party with a far-reaching vision of providing a strong political platform to the people of the Northeast and other parts of the country.

Dhar called upon party leaders and workers to carry forward Sangma’s ideals and strengthen the NPP through transparent, honest and people-centric service.