Staff Reporter
SHILLONG:
A pall of gloom descended on former Home Minister Robert G Lyngdoh’s, who was fondly addressed as Bob, residence at Nongrim Hills on Sunday as a large crowd assembled to pay their last respect to the veteran politician.
Scores of people, including politicians, artistes, bureaucrats and his near and dear ones attended the service as Robert’s mortal remains rested under a blanket of flowers and notes from his loved ones. Congressman Vincent Pala, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sanbor Shullai, North Shillong legislator Adelbert Nongrum and artiste Raphael Waziri, among others attended the service.
His funeral service commenced with an instrumental piece by his grandson, Lian followed by a prayer service by Deaconess Atola Subong. There was not a dry eye in the house as Robert’s niece Eden Rumnong accompanied by a few others sang a heartfelt number.
Speaking at the service, Bob’s eldest son Zachariah Nongkynrih remembered his father, and his love for music and vision for a better Meghalaya.
Paying tribute to the departed, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Committee on Women Empowerment and Bob’s sister, Ampareen Lyngdoh expressed gratitude to all for attending the service and also to those who could not make it but had sent their condolence messages.
“I stand here today in the absence of Bah bah (R G Lyngdoh), and I thank all of you and all the political parties for appreciating him. I thank the Indian National Congress, who helped Bahbah shine and display his talent as a legislator,” Ampareen said.
The Congress leader said that she is grateful to the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, who helped the family and Robert during his treatment.
“My brother travelled to Delhi and often moved around the city and the MDA government helped him a lot. They were always there to lend support when he needed them. I want to thank the leaders of all the other political parties who came here to pay their last respect, to this great visionary called R G Lyngdoh,” said Ampareen.
Others who spoke at the service included Carreen Lyngdoh (sister) and Rev. Dr Meyu Changkiri, among others.
Soon after, Robert’s mortal remains were taken to the Shillong Electric Crematorium at Jhalupara as the hymn, It Is Well With My Soul serenaded in the background. Shrieks of wails sprang up as his remains went out of sight and the inconsolable family members bid Bob their final goodbyes.
Robert had passed away after a prolonged illness, on Friday. He was 62 and he breathed his last at his residence in Shillong. The former minister was undergoing treatment in the ventilator care of a city hospital where he was admitted following deterioration of his health on July 11.