Shillong, September 10: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma on Thursday released a book documenting the life, political career and legacy of former Chief Minister late B. B. Lyngdoh.
Titled “(L) B. B. Lyngdoh – A Tribute to the Visionary Leader and Former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Whose Ideals Continue to Inspire Generations,” the book has been authored by Andrew Simons, former Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and presently Adviser (Legislation).
Late B. B. Lyngdoh, who served as Chief Minister of Meghalaya on four occasions, was among the prominent leaders who played a significant role in shaping the State’s political evolution and aspirations.
Speaking at the book release, Sangma said Lyngdoh’s life was closely associated with Meghalaya’s political awakening, democratic evolution and formative years. He described him as a visionary leader, able parliamentarian and institution-builder who regarded politics as an instrument to safeguard the dignity, identity, rights and future of the people.
Referring to Lyngdoh as the “father of coalition politics”, the Speaker said his ability to bring together different political parties and provide stable governance was a significant achievement, particularly during a period of political instability and before the introduction of the anti-defection law.
Sangma highlighted Lyngdoh’s focus on issues affecting ordinary citizens, including land, livelihood, connectivity, development and social harmony. He also recalled his advocacy for systematic land records through cadastral surveys, contribution towards the establishment of NEIGRIHMS and introduction of the MLA Scheme.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the programme, Sangma said the book was a fitting tribute to Lyngdoh’s leadership and vision. He said the collection of speeches would help readers understand his political approach, particularly his emphasis on listening to people’s voices and addressing their concerns as part of good governance.
The Speaker said the Legislative Assembly would continue its efforts to document the contributions of the State’s former leaders. Recalling the book on former Chief Minister Captain Williamson A. Sangma released last year, he said the Assembly would be willing to publish similar works on other prominent leaders, subject to the availability of relevant materials.
Author Andrew Simons said the book was an effort to document the contribution of an important political leader and preserve Meghalaya’s formative history for future generations.
Describing Lyngdoh as a prominent leader of the Statehood movement, active legislator and innovative parliamentarian, Simons highlighted his introduction of the MLA Scheme and his ability to manage coalition governments during a politically challenging period.
He described Lyngdoh as a firm, decisive and independent-minded leader, while also recalling his humility and simple lifestyle.
Simons said the book took approximately three years to complete and involved compiling and editing Lyngdoh’s speeches from 1970 to 2003, including speeches from the period of the Provisional State Government. He acknowledged the support of Lyngdoh’s daughter, Kong Syrpailin Khonglah, in providing memories, materials and personal insights.
He said the book would help younger generations understand Meghalaya’s political evolution and democratic institutions and would also serve as a reference for researchers and scholars. Copies will be made available through libraries and distributed to selected colleges.
Kong Syrpailin Khonglah, daughter of late B. B. Lyngdoh, recalled her father’s vision of a developed and economically strong Meghalaya. She said his guiding motto was “Health, Wealth and Education” and that he considered road connectivity essential for improving access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
She recalled that as Finance Minister, road sanctions were among his priorities and said that in 1980 he had proposed establishing a health institute of national importance on the lines of AIIMS for the Northeast. She also stated that in 1990, late B. B. Lyngdoh became the first Chief Minister in the country to introduce the MLA Scheme.
The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, MIDC Chairman and Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, former MLAs Martle N. Mukhim and Titostarwell Chyne, former Chief Secretary W. M. S. Pariat, former bureaucrat Rudy Warjri, Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim, Meghalaya State Commission for Women Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma, family members of late B. B. Lyngdoh and other distinguished guests.
