Shillong, October 27: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Brington Buhai Lyngdoh Memorial Hall at Laitlyngkot, marking the 23rd death anniversary of former Chief Minister Late B.B. Lyngdoh, one of the prominent leaders associated with Meghalaya’s Statehood Movement and political development.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh, Members of District Councils (MDCs), family members of Late B.B. Lyngdoh and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed his honour and privilege in inaugurating the memorial hall at Laitlyngkot, the birthplace of the former Chief Minister.
He said the establishment of the memorial hall would serve as a permanent institution dedicated to preserving the contributions of a leader closely associated with Meghalaya’s journey towards statehood, democratic development and institution-building.
Highlighting the historical significance of the occasion, Sangma recalled that B.B. Lyngdoh passed away on October 27, 2003, and that the memorial hall was being inaugurated exactly 23 years later.
Reflecting on Lyngdoh’s leadership, the Chief Minister said that true leaders are shaped by their responses to challenges rather than by privilege or circumstances.
“Leadership is about how you respond to circumstances and continuing to fight despite challenges. Late B.B. Lyngdoh is a perfect example of that,” Sangma said.
He recalled how Lyngdoh, despite coming from a humble background in Laitlyngkot, overcame numerous challenges throughout his education and political career.
According to Sangma, Lyngdoh displayed determination during his school and college years, including his legal studies in Kolkata, before entering public life.
He said Lyngdoh’s ability to maintain political coalitions, build consensus and bring people together demonstrated the qualities of effective leadership.
The Chief Minister also drew parallels between Late B.B. Lyngdoh and his father, Late P.A. Sangma, noting that both leaders came from humble backgrounds and began their professional careers as teachers before becoming lawyers and entering politics.
He recalled that despite political differences and challenges, the two leaders maintained mutual respect and friendship throughout their public lives.
During the programme, Conrad Sangma announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the B.B. Lyngdoh Memorial Committee.
He also assured that the state government would extend further support towards the completion and development of the memorial hall in coordination with the local MLA and community leaders.
The Chief Minister said assistance could be provided through the Chief Minister’s Development Fund, the Arts and Culture Department and the Youth Affairs Department.
Sangma further suggested transforming the memorial hall into an experience centre and mini-museum, featuring photographs, sculptures, historical records, speeches and publications documenting the life and contributions of Late B.B. Lyngdoh.
He emphasised the importance of preserving authentic historical materials in collaboration with the Lyngdoh family, the local community and relevant institutions.
The Chief Minister also proposed establishing a foundation or society dedicated to documenting the lives, principles and contributions of prominent leaders from Meghalaya.
He said such an initiative could help younger generations understand the sacrifices, challenges and leadership qualities of those who played important roles in shaping the state.
During his address, Sangma also referred to the proposal to rename Umroi Airport after Late B.B. Lyngdoh.
Highlighting the educational importance of the memorial hall, the Chief Minister encouraged schools, colleges and other institutions to use the facility for programmes focusing on Meghalaya’s Statehood Movement, democratic development and public leadership.
He expressed hope that the hall would become more than a commemorative structure and would serve as a centre for learning, historical preservation and community engagement.
Concluding his address, Sangma said the B.B. Lyngdoh Memorial Hall should remain a place where the contributions of past leaders continue to inspire public understanding, leadership and community participation among future generations.
