The Story of Lt. P A Sangma & Top 10 Achievements ( Garo Hills )

Lt. Purno Agitok Sangma was born in 1947 in Chapahati, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, and married Soradini K. Sangma in 1973. Widely known as P. A. Sangma, he was a distinguished politician from Tura, Meghalaya, and a prominent figure in Indian politics. A member of the Garo community, Sangma made a lasting impact on the development of the Garo Hills region and the state of Meghalaya as a whole. Throughout his career, he was a visionary leader committed to transforming the socio-economic landscape of his home region. Among his many achievements are: 1. Doordarshan Services: Sangma was instrumental in bringing national television (Doordarshan) services to the Garo Hills, helping connect the region to the rest of the country through media. 2. Radio Station: He established a radio station in the area, which played a key role in improving communication and promoting local culture through radio broadcasting. 3. Home Science College: Understanding the need for educational institutions, Sangma founded a Home Science College to provide specialized education to the local population, especially women. 4. Law College: He also established a Law College, which has been crucial in producing legal professionals from the region. 5. Supermarket: One of his signature projects was constructing the largest supermarket in Northeast India, aimed at boosting local commerce and providing modern amenities to the people. 6. MP Stadium : As part of his efforts to uplift Garo Hills, he oversaw the construction of the MP Stadium and several other major infrastructure projects, improving the region’s connectivity and civic amenities. 7. RVTI: P. A. Sangma brought the Rural Vocational Training Institute (RVTI) to Tura for the development of the Garo Hills, making it the only institution of its kind in Northeast India. People, especially students from across the region, come to Tura to receive education at this institution. 8. Tura Civil Hospital: The 100-bedded Tura Civil Hospital was built on land located at Dermile within the Tura De-Reserved Forest. It was inaugurated on June 22, 1988, by the then Chief Minister, Shri P. A. Sangma. The hospital plays a key role in providing healthcare services to the region, and its establishment marked a significant development in the healthcare infrastructure of Tura, Meghalaya. 9. Coal India : Shri P. A. Sangma was instrumental in bringing Coal India to the region, which contributed to the economic and industrial development of Meghalaya. Coal India, as a significant state-owned enterprise, helped boost the local economy through employment opportunities and resource extraction. Sangma’s efforts in bringing the organization to the area underscore his contributions to the region's development during his tenure. 10. Jengjal Airport : Lt. PA Sangma, a prominent political leader from Meghalaya, played a key role in bringing the Jengjal Airport to Garo Hills. His efforts were aimed at improving connectivity in the region, which is largely hilly and remote. The airport, located near Tura in the Garo Hills district, was developed to boost regional development, enhance accessibility for residents, and promote tourism in Meghalaya. Lt. PA Sangma's vision for the airport was part of his broader goal to improve infrastructure and the economic prospects of Garo Hills. P. A. Sangma's political career was remarkable. He was known for his strategic acumen, never losing an election throughout his extensive career. He became a prominent figure not just in state politics but also at the national level. He served as the 4th Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990, where his tenure was marked by a strong focus on development. As the 11th Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1996-1998), Sangma’s parliamentary leadership was widely recognized, and he was praised for his impartiality and efficiency in managing the House. Sangma represented Tura in the Lok Sabha during various periods: 1977-1989, 1991-2008, and 2014-2016. He also served as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting in P. V. Narasimha Rao’s government from 1995 to 1996. His national ambitions culminated in his bid for the presidency of India in 2012, though he was unsuccessful. Sangma's political journey was marked by bold decisions, including co-founding the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999, which marked a significant break from the Congress. Later, he founded the National People’s Party (NPP), which has since become a strong regional force in Meghalaya and beyond. P. A. Sangma passed away on March 4, 2016, but his legacy continues to inspire. In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2017, India’s second-highest civilian honor. He remains the first recipient of this award from Meghalaya. His children, particularly Conrad Sangma, who is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, continue to build on his legacy of service to the people of Meghalaya and India.