Voice of the People Party (VPP) Member of Parliament from Shillong, Dr Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, died at Dr H. Gordon Roberts Hospital on Thursday, February 19, after collapsing while playing football. He was 54.
The first-time MP was participating in a friendly futsal session with friends at Mawlai Mawiong when he suddenly collapsed on the field. He was immediately rushed by his companions to the nearby Mawiong Community Health Centre for emergency medical attention. However, due to the absence of a doctor at the CHC, he was quickly referred and shifted to Dr H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw for advanced treatment.
Despite efforts by the medical team, doctors declared Dr Syngkon dead at around 8:42 pm. Hospital sources indicated he had suffered a massive cardiac arrest.
As news of the MP’s death spread, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, along with several legislators, senior political leaders and party workers, rushed to the hospital.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed grief at the untimely demise, highlighting Dr Syngkon’s faith-driven approach to public service. “Dr Ricky was a dedicated and compassionate leader, with deep enthusiasm for public service and unwavering commitment to his people. He was rooted in faith and served with humility, vision, and a sincere desire to uplift society. My heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, friends, and countless well-wishers during this difficult time. May he rest in peace,” he wrote on X.
Born on 6 January 1972, Dr Syngkon hailed from Sansaimitre Nongsder in Ri Bhoi District. He was the son of the late S.J. Syngkon. He emerged as a prominent political figure after registering a landslide victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Contesting on a VPP ticket from the Shillong (ST) constituency, he secured 5,71,078 votes, defeating three-time Congress MP Vincent H. Pala by a margin of 3,71,910 votes. He also defeated ruling party candidate and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who secured 1,86,488 votes. The result marked a significant shift in Meghalaya’s political landscape.
Dr Syngkon held a PhD in Economics from the School of Economics Management and Information Sciences at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), which he completed in 2007. He also held an MA in Economics and M.Com from the same institution. Before entering politics, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at NEHU, where his research focused on small-scale industries, entrepreneurship development, and the tribal economy in Meghalaya.
In a recent interview, Dr Syngkon had described himself first and foremost as a teacher. “Teaching shaped how I see society, responsibility and leadership,” he had said, reflecting values of service that marked his approach to public life. Away from politics, he loved sports, especially basketball and football.
His entry into politics was unplanned and rooted in community need rather than personal ambition. “I never imagined entering politics. It happened because people wanted representation and change,” he had said, revealing that he once dreamed of becoming an architect before his academic journey led him to economics.
Dr Syngkon was the general secretary and a founding member of the VPP, which was formed in November 2021. He was known for his grassroots connect and advocacy on indigenous rights, governance and transparency. Speaking about his electoral victory, he had said, “This is a victory of people that was possible due to the blessings of the Almighty.”
In Parliament, Dr Syngkon emerged as a strong voice for Meghalaya. As recently as March 2025, he brought a Zero Hour Notice in the Lok Sabha calling for the removal of NEHU’s Vice-Chancellor, highlighting the leadership crisis affecting his alma mater. “The incompetency of (the VC) has led to protests by students, teachers and non-teaching staff and it has brought NEHU to a standstill,” he had stated.
Speaking to media after his election victory, Dr Syngkon had emphasised his party’s commitment to fighting corruption. “We stood against corruption and abuse of power in Meghalaya,” he had said. When asked about political alignments, he had firmly stated, “We may be a party of just one MP but I am making it clear that we will not compromise on our ideology.”
In the same interview, Dr Syngkon had spoken about the importance of maintaining one’s humanity and values in public life. “Politics should not consume your humanity,” he had remarked, a principle that guided his brief but impactful tenure in Parliament.
His sudden passing leaves a void in state and national politics, particularly within the VPP. He was widely regarded as a strong and articulate voice for Meghalaya in national politics.
Tripura royal scion and TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma also condoled the demise. “Shocked to hear the sudden demise of Shillong MP Ricky Syngkon,” he posted on social media.
Details regarding his last rites and official condolence arrangements are awaited.
Article photo from Government of Meghalaya Web Portal.
