Hon’ble Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A Sangma, on Thursday released “(L) B. B. Lyngdoh – A Tribute to the Visionary Leader and Former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Whose Ideals Continue to Inspire Generations,” authored by Shri 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 contributed significantly to the State’s political evolution and aspirations.
Speaking at the release, Shri Sangma said Late 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 viewed politics as an instrument for safeguarding the dignity, identity, rights and future of the people.
Referring to Late 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.
Shri Sangma highlighted Late Lyngdoh’s focus on issues concerning ordinary citizens, including land, livelihood, connectivity, development and social harmony. He also noted his advocacy for systematic land records through cadastral surveys, contribution towards the establishment of NEIGRIHMS and introduction of the MLA Scheme.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines, Shri Sangma said the book was a fitting tribute to Late Lyngdoh’s leadership and vision. He said the collection of speeches would provide readers an opportunity to understand his vision and political approach, particularly the importance of listening to people’s voices and concerns and accommodating their needs for good governance.
The Speaker also said the Legislative Assembly would continue efforts to document the contributions of the State’s former leaders. Recalling the book on Late Captain Williamson A Sangma released last year, he expressed the Assembly’s willingness to publish similar works on other prominent leaders, subject to the availability of relevant materials.
*Author Highlights BB Lyngdoh’s Legacy*
Author Shri 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 Late Lyngdoh as a prominent leader of the Statehood movement, active legislator and innovative parliamentarian, Shri Simons highlighted his introduction of the MLA Scheme and his ability to manage coalition governments during a politically challenging period.
He described Late Lyngdoh as a firm, decisive and independent-minded leader, while also recalling his humility and simple lifestyle.
Shri Simons said the book took approximately three years to complete and involved compiling and editing Late Lyngdoh’s speeches from 1970 to 2003, including those from the period of the Provisional State Government. He acknowledged the support of Late 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 useful reference for researchers and scholars. Copies would be made available through libraries and distributed to selected colleges.
*Daughter Recalls Development Vision*
Kong Syrpailin Khonglah, daughter of Late BB Lyngdoh, recalled her father’s vision for 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 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 BB Lyngdoh became the first Chief Minister in the country to introduce the MLA Scheme.
The programme was attended by Hon’ble Government Deputy Chief Whip Shri Ronnie V Lyngdoh; MIDC Chairman and Sohra MLA Shri Gavin Miguel Mylliem; former MLAs Shri Martle N Mukhim and Shri Titostarwell Chyne; former Chief Secretary Shri WMS Pariat; former bureaucrat Shri Rudy Warjri; Padma Shri Smt. Patricia Mukhim; Chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women, Ms. Iamonlang Syiem; Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Shri Malthus S Sangma; family members of Late BB Lyngdoh and other distinguished guests.
