Shillong, March 12: The gathering at the auditorium of St Anthony's College here turned emotional while watching a video clip of the last speech of late Purno Agitok Sangma in Lok Sabha last year where he expressed concern over the lack of debate in Parliament.

The clip was shown during an all-faith memorial service to remember the former Lok Sabha Speaker and Tura MP organised by the college, where he had completed his graduation in political science.

Sangma passed away on March 4 in New Delhi following massive heart attack.

The clip of November 27 last year showed him lamenting the frequent logjam in the proceedings denying young parliamentarians a chance to listen to the best speeches he had heard when he himself was a young member. "We must debate and discuss because only through debate we can strengthen Parliament," Sangma had said as he recalled the political crises because of hung Parliament since 1989.

At the end of the clip, those present in the auditorium were touched by Sangma's articulate presentation, while some shed tears.

Archbishop of Shillong, Rev. Dominic Jala, recalled his personal experience with Sangma at Don Bosco Institute in Assam's Dibrugarh, where he (Sangma) was a teacher and looked after the boys in the hostel. He also attended law classes in the evening, Rev. Jala added. "He was never depressed or discouraged and would never want us to get things easily, including reservation, as he believed that we should work hard to achieve things in life. The nation has lost a leader who always fresh with ideas and committed to development," he said.

Rev. G.S. Lyttan, administrative secretary of the Presbyterian Church of India, said Sangma was a man who rendered his Christian life in serving the people of Meghalaya, the Northeast and the nation.

Sayeedullah Nongrum, general secretary of the Shillong Muslim Union, termed his demise a great loss for the state and the country.

Rev. E.N. Sangma of the Baptist Church described Sangma as the God's wonderful gift to the nation, Northeast and Meghalaya, particularly Garo hills.

Assistant secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vedasarananda, said the nation has lost a great visionary and statesman who was devoted to the cause of motherland with his kind and sympathetic treatment. "The Mission has lost a close friend and statesman. The void will be difficult to fill," he said.

Rev. Pachao of the Mizo Baptist Church said Sangma's death was a great loss for indigenous people in India. He termed Sangma as a man of courage who faced great odds while referring to the 2012 presidential elections.

Advocate M. Khalid Khan termed Sangma the voice of the Northeast and an Anthonian whose achievements and works suited the college motto - "Ever More Better Ever".

Activist and editor Patricia Mukhim said Sangma was a fearless leader who could speak on any issue. She recalled his speech in Parliament on intolerance.

Political science professor H. Syiem termed Sangma a "humble man in his greatness", whom many were expecting to contribute a lot.

"He will be one of the most-remembered political leader that the college has produced. When will another like him come?" Syiem wondered.

Sangma's eldest son and MLA James thanked God for giving him such an exemplary father and conveyed the family's gratitude to the college for the memorial service. He also thanked everyone who had supported the family and for their prayers in their bereavement.

People who attended the service and paid tribute included students and college alumni, representatives of different religious institutions, church leaders, political leaders and Sangma's family.

Floral tributes were paid by dignitaries, including home minister Roshan Warjri, in the presence of MLAs Nihim D. Shira and Saleng A. Sangma, among others.

A moment of silence was observed as respect for the departed soul. The auditorium was poignant with special numbers including Abide with me led by Abigail and group.