It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Lt. Kebil (Jack) A.Sangma a friend, a colleague, and a leader whose presence left an indelible mark on those who knew him. The news of his sudden departure has brought an overwhelming sense of grief, and it is in these moments of sorrow that we seek solace in the eternal words of Scripture: “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18). His life was one dedicated to service, to the upliftment of his people, and to the unwavering pursuit of justice and dignity for the A’chik community.

I had the privilege of working alongside him during our time together at AHAM, an experience that deepened my admiration for his passion and his commitment to our shared cause. Even after my resignation in 2021, as I stepped apart from the path we once walked together, he continued forward with resolute determination, eventually rising to become the President of ACHIK. His journey was one of selfless dedication, a testament to his vision for a better future for his people. His leadership was not just administrative but also moral-he led with wisdom, humility, and an unshakeable sense of duty.

In moments like these, we are reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Indeed, Jack A. Sangma ran his race with endurance, never faltering in his mission to serve. His passing is not just a loss for his family and friends but for the entire A’chik community and all who stood alongside him in the struggle for justice and empowerment. The weight of his absence will be felt in the halls of ACHIK, where his voice once resounded with clarity and conviction.

Grief, though heavy upon our hearts, is not without hope. Our faith assures us that those who walk righteously will find their rest in the presence of the Almighty. As it is written in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear

from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy shall remain as a guiding light. The seeds he planted through his labor and sacrifice will continue to bear fruit, inspiring generations to come.

To his beloved wife, children, family, and friends, I pray that the Lord grants you the strength to bear this loss and the comfort to heal from this wound. As Jesus assured in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” In this time of sorrow, may you find refuge in the arms of the Almighty, knowing that Jack A. Sangma’s life was one well lived, dedicated to a cause greater than himself. May his memory be a blessing, and may his soul find eternal peace in the embrace of our Creator.

The passing of a great man reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of living with purpose. Death is not an end but a transition into the eternal; it is the completion of our earthly toil and the beginning of our rest in God’s divine presence. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Though his time on earth has reached its conclusion, his influence, his works, and his dreams live on in those who were privileged to know him.

The bonds of brotherhood we shared, the moments of struggle and triumph, and the aspirations we held for the betterment of our people will never fade from memory. His voice may have been silenced, but his ideals will continue to speak through the movement he championed and through the many lives he touched. It now falls upon us, the ones left behind, to carry forward the mission he so ardently pursued. In honouring his life, we must reaffirm our commitment to the causes he held dear, ensuring that his sacrifice was not in vain.

As we bid farewell to a dear brother, let us not dwell in sorrow alone, but also in gratitude for the time we were given with him. His was a life of meaning, one that did not merely pass by but left a profound impact. We thank God for granting us the opportunity to walk beside him, to learn from him, and to be inspired by his unwavering faith in justice and righteousness.

To the ACHIK team, Is extend my deepest sympathies. The void left by his passing will be difficult to fill, but I urge you to stand strong, to continue the path, he paved, and to uphold the principles he lived by. Leadership is a stewardship entrusted to us for a time, and in his time, Jack A. Sangma upheld it with honor and integrity. It is now upon us to ensure that his vision does not wane but grows ever stronger.

In this moment of mourning, let us turn to prayer, seeking comfort in the presence of God, who alone understands the depths of our sorrow. Let us remember the promise given in John 11:25-26, where Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” With this hope, we entrust the soul of Jack A. Sangma into the hands of our Lord, believing that he has found peace beyond the pains of this world.

Though we weep today, our tears are not in despair but in remembrance of a life well lived. We mourn, but we also celebrate the legacy of a man who gave his all for his people. The echoes of his kindness, his wisdom, and his strength will remain long after his earthly journey has ended.

Rest in peace, dear friend and brother. You have fought your fight, you have finished your race, and you have kept the faith. May the angels welcome you into the heavenly home prepared for the faithful. And may we, who remain, honor your memory by continuing the good work that you began.

May God’s grace be upon his family, his loved ones, and all who mourn his loss. Amen.

Regards,

Shri. Cherian G. Momin

Social Activist and Sociologist Walbakgre, Tura, West Garo Hills Meghalaya.