The current Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla, laid flowers at a portrait of former Lok Sabha Speaker Shri P.A. Sangma on his birth anniversary. The tribute took place in the Central Hall of Samvidhaan Sadan on September 1, 2026. Senior members of Parliament, former MPs and senior officials from both Houses also participated in the ceremony.
Who was P.A. Sangma and his legacy
Shri P.A. Sangma was a nine-term member of the Lok Sabha who began his parliamentary career in 1977. He held various positions as a Union Minister and served as Chief Minister of Meghalaya before his election as Speaker of the Eleventh Lok Sabha in 1996. He was the first member from the Opposition parties to become Speaker, elected unanimously by the House.
During his tenure as Speaker, Sangma was known for his deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures and his efforts to maintain the dignity and orderly functioning of the House. He worked to strengthen parliamentary democracy and played a notable role in increasing women’s representation in legislatures. He also strengthened ties between different parliaments across the world.
Sangma remained committed throughout his life to the development of the North-Eastern region, with particular focus on tribal and disadvantaged communities. He was recognised for his work on labour welfare and support for marginalised sections of society. He passed away on March 4, 2016.
His portrait, painted by Shri Vijender Sharma, was unveiled by then President Pranab Mukherjee on February 10, 2014. It hangs in the Outer Lobby of Samvidhaan Sadan.
What this means for you
The tribute ceremony reflects how parliamentary institutions remember their leaders and the values they stood for. For citizens, Sangma’s legacy underscores the importance of parliamentary traditions, democratic governance and inclusive development, particularly for regions and communities that have historically remained on the margins of India’s growth story.