Shillong, Feb 20: The fraternity of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) deeply mourned the sudden demise of Dr. Ricky A. J. Syngkon. A condolence meeting was held at the University’s Multi Use Convention Hall, where teachers, officers, staff, research scholars, and students gathered to pay their heartfelt tributes to the departed soul.
Prof. Rajkumar Giridhari Singh, Head of the Department of Commerce, in his address, recalled Dr. Syngkon’s long and dedicated service to the University. He informed that Dr. Syngkon joined NEHU as a Lecturer in the Department of Commerce on 9th April 2002 and rendered over 23 years of committed service as an academician.
He served as In-charge Head of the Department from 22.12.2021 to 08.11.2023 and was also Director (In-charge) of the University’s Career Counselling Cell, particularly guiding aspirants for Civil Services.
Prof. Singh highlighted that Dr. Syngkon specialized in Entrepreneurship and taught subjects including Managerial Economics, Human Resource Management, and Entrepreneurship. As an educator and researcher, he was devoted to academic excellence and community development.
He presented papers at national conferences, published research articles in refereed journals, and guided several Ph.D. scholars. Under his supervision, four scholars were awarded Ph.D. degrees, with two more currently pursuing their research under his guidance.
Prof. Moses M. Naga, Dean, School of Economics, Management and Information Sciences, remembered Dr. Syngkon as a kind-hearted teacher who was deeply loved by students and colleagues alike. He described his passing as a great loss to the University community.
Prof. Naga also spoke of Dr. Syngkon’s deeply spiritual nature, recalling how, during his hospitalization in Dimapur, Dr. Syngkon had personally called to offer prayers for his speedy recovery. He remarked that such humility, kindness, and faith defined Dr. Syngkon’s character.
Prof. Lakhon Kma, President of NEHUTA, expressed his profound condolences to the bereaved family. He fondly recalled the time when he and Dr. Syngkon contested the MP elections, and Dr. Syngkon emerged victorious. Prof. Kma shared that upon congratulating him through a message, Dr. Syngkon promptly called back to express his gratitude and emphasized working together for the benefit of the University, the state, and its people.
Speaking on behalf of the research scholars, Ms. Amoreena L. Nongpiur described Dr. Syngkon as an exceptional supervisor who was kind, generous, and compassionate. She stated that he was always understanding of students’ challenges and extended his support during difficult times. “A supervisor like Dr. Syngkon is difficult to find. The void he has left can never be filled,” she said emotionally.
Chairing the condolence meeting, Prof. Sumarbin Umdor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, shared personal memories of his long association with Dr. Syngkon. He recalled that they were classmates in Economics, and their friendship grew from those early student days.
Prof. Umdor noted that it was Dr. Syngkon who had recommended him to join NEHU as a Guest Lecturer, which eventually shaped his professional journey. He also mentioned that Dr. Wandinecia Tariang, sister of Dr. Syngkon, serves in the Department of Economics.
Prof. Umdor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Dr. Tariang and the entire family and prayed for the eternal repose of the departed soul. He remarked that Dr. Syngkon would be dearly missed by the University and the state for his dedicated service to society.
The condolence gathering concluded with the observance of two minutes of silence as a mark of respect and prayer for the repose of Dr. Ricky A. J. Syngkon’s soul.
