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The 60th
birthday former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A Sangma was celebrated
with pomp and gaiety at his residence on September 1. People
from all walks of life including party members, MLAs,
representatives from different parts of the country were present
to wish Sangma, the member of
 parliament
from Tura (Meghalaya) constituency all success in life as he
comes back to State politics.
The celebration
was marked in a very traditional way. Admires, relatives and
well wishers of Sangma were all seen in their traditional
attire. The grandson of Sangma, were also dressed in traditional
Garo attire.
Garo
traditional Songs and Wangala were part of the celebration,
which marked the birthday of Garo strongman Purno Sangma, whose
new era of life begins at 60 as he plans to live next 10 years
in active politics teaching younger generation leaders.
Speaking at the
celebration, Sangma expressed his heartfelt gratitude, love and
respects shown to him by the people in the country in general
and Garo Hills in particular. He took the opportunity to thank
all those people who had helped him grow at several stages.
"This is one of
the biggest day in my life, I thank all who have supported me,
and all my achievement are due to you" an emotional Sangma with
tears of joy said. "I also take this opportunity to thank my
wife, my father in law who had encouraged me to join politics"
Sangma said as he added, "I love Achik and my country and I will
continue my active political career".
Later,
interacting with
Indigenous Herald Sangma said, "Meghalaya could
have grown much faster and better, but instability has been a
major factor which had caused this downfall". In 35 years of
Statehood, 18 times government was formed, Sangma observed.
He further told
"Political stability is a must and this can be ensured if
politicians have a holistic view for development of the State".
He further urged the young and committed leaders to join
politics.
Further
interacting Sangma said "Winnability is the only criteria for
NCP in the forth- coming Assembly elections and party tickets
are being issued only to such applicants who are sure of a hands
down win in their constituencies".
"We believe that women need to be empowered socially,
politically and economically…unfortunately, women are not
coming up", he said.
Sangma said that from Khasi-Jaintia Hills, two or three women
had applied and based on their winning chances, party tickets
will be allocated. The NCP will be the single party to form a
stable government in 2008, a confident Sangma said.
"Today, the standard and quality of debates in our Assembly is
very low…quality representatives will change this" Sangma
opined.
"All my people will become famous as orators and committed
leaders by 2013 " he said confidently Stating that the party is
expecting to win more than 18 seats from Garo Hills, Sangma said
that the people will opt for NCP because they know that it can
give a stable government, "there is no leadership problem in the
party".
" I pity the Congress for their frequent leadership crises. In
the Congress, no one can say for sure who will be the leader - Mukul,
Lapang, Salseng or…?" Sangma said with a smile.
"When you come to NCP, there is no confusion of leadership, we
are going with clarity, with the people and I am being projected
as the Chief Minister. There is no confusion of leadership" said
Sangma. With pause Sangma also said "It reminds me that I have
limited time more to work, it calls for more hard work".
Most
precious moments of life:
"I am born
three times" Sangma replied with justifying his birth15 days
after India's Independence, that he was born in Independent
India on September 1, 1947. He feels that he was re-born for the
second time in 1959, when catholic missionaries picked him up
and took care of his education.
He was born for
the third time in 1977 when he was elected from Tura Lok Sabha
seat. These are the three significant dates in Sangmas' life.
Achievement
"From the point
of view as India as a Nation, I have done much for the people as
a whole" Sangma said with zeal of satisfaction. Than a few
second pause "Now I want to spent 10 years of my active life
fully, in this years I will do more for the people of Meghalaya
and Garo Hills in particular" he said.
Vision
"Development is
a prime concern…technology is changing fast, our focus will be
on social and political angel" Sangma said.
"I can help the
younger generation, the next generation leaders, training them
with leadership qualities, approach to mankind and building on
human relationship" Sangma added.
"I will be
sharing my administrative experiences with the younger
generation on governance".
Representative
from different areas of Meghalaya attended the grand
celebration, his friends and relatives, political representation
from Assam, Delhi, Arunachal, Manipur, and other states of
India. |
