Here is a homage to NPP Founding President P A Sangma, who was also India’s first tribal Lok Sabha Speaker, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
I may not have had the privilege of meeting Late Purno Agitok Sangma personally, but his life and legacy have deeply inspired me. Way back in the late 1990s, I travelled to Tura with my maternal uncle, Shri Khymo Lotha, two-time Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, who was also a close friend of Sangma ji. We visited his residence unannounced, hoping to surprise him. Unfortunately, he and his family were away, and that missed opportunity has always remained in my memory.
Today, I stand as a humble foot soldier in Nagaland for the party he founded. Our party is now ably led by his son, Shri Conrad Sangma, the current National President of NPP. On September 1, we observed the birth anniversary of Late P. A. Sangma, a moment of reflection and gratitude for his contributions.
Late Sangma ji was a man of simplicity and humility, yet a leader of great conviction. Whether addressing a massive public gathering, party leaders, or political figures across ideologies, his words carried weight and sincerity. Like the Nagas and fellow tribal peoples—the Khasis and Garos—he carried the spirit of a cowboy: fearless, disciplined, and always ready to lead from the front.
India’s first tribal Lok Sabha Speaker, Sangma ji made history in 1996. That same year, he visited Chümoukedima in Nagaland as the Hon’ble Speaker. My father, still in service then, recalled how Sangma ji delivered a stirring speech under heavy rains, declaring:
“As the first tribal Speaker, I know the immense responsibility. If I fail, people will not say P. A. Sangma has failed. They will say the first tribal Speaker of India’s Parliament has failed.”
Such was his depth of thought and sense of duty.
Even from afar, like many youths of the North East, I admired him while watching his tenure as Lok Sabha Speaker on television. He conducted the House with fairness, dignity, and even moments of refreshing humour—leaving a mark on Indian parliamentary tradition. His leadership reflected the wisdom of Scripture:
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” (Proverbs 29:2, NKJV).
Late Sangma ji stood as a voice for the marginalized and minorities—a true statesman from the North East whose influence went far beyond politics.
His life reminds me of Paul’s words:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7, NKJV).
From being a Union Minister and Chief Minister of Meghalaya to contesting for the Presidency of India in 2012, he played every role sincerely and effortlessly because he loved his people and believed in hard work. Leaders across the spectrum—Late P. V. Narasimha Rao, Hokishe Sema, S. C. Jamir, and Hiteshwar Saikia—respected him deeply.
His vision and style of leadership also echo the wisdom of King Solomon:
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV).
Late P. A. Sangma was a man of vision, and his faith-driven leadership gave direction not only to his people in Meghalaya but to the entire North East.
As a son of the North East, his journey continues to inspire me and countless others to serve with humility, courage, and faith under the banner of NPP. Truly, his legacy lives on in his children, in our party, and in every life touched by his leadership.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his example continue to guide us in service to our people.
K. James Vizo
Vice President, NPP Nagaland