He was a tireless champion for justice and inclusive development and constructed the backbone of education. As the state mourns his loss, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya is one of the many institutions that lamented his passing. Over 6000 students, faculty, and staff gathered under thick gray skies at the university's Amenity Centre, Block F, which was incidentally named Dr. D.D. Lapang Block, which he himself had inaugurated in his honour in July 2023!

Mystically, Dr Lapang inaugurated the first building of USTM in 2009 when, as Chief Minister of Meghalaya, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Regional Institute of Science and Technology (RIST), the first academic institution on what is today the successful USTM campus. A team of USTM senior faculty members and students left for Shillong to visit his residence and offer tribute to the late statesman.

He was born in the small village of Nongjri in Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya to a tailor, who passed away when he was just five. At that time, his mother sold tea in the local market. Struggling to make ends meet, the young Lapang assisted his mother by helping sell tea in the Nongpoh market. His life took a pivotal turn when he encountered Rev. S. Mallai, a local priest, who, at his mother's request, took him to the nearby village of Umroi to pursue education.

He completed his primary education in his home village and attended Shillong Government High School for his secondary schooling. Lapang went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from St. Anthony's College in Shillong, a significant achievement given his modest background. This educational foundation, combined with his early experiences of poverty, shaped his later focus on social welfare and education reforms during his political tenure.

Before entering politics, Lapang held a host of jobs. He began as a road laborer, a physically demanding role that he often cited as a humbling start to his journey. He then worked as a school teacher for five years, imparting education in local schools and gaining firsthand insight into the challenges of rural education in the region. He also served in the Assam Civil Secretariat, starting as a typist and eventually being promoted to Lower Division Assistant.

He spent a decade as a Sub-Inspector of schools, overseeing educational institutions and advocating for better facilities in underserved areas. This exposed him to the bureaucratic and social issues facing northeastern India, fueling his interest in public service.

Lapang married Amethyst Lynda Jomes Blah, a journalist, in 1958, and the couple had one son and one daughter. They lived in Pahamsohthri, Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi district. His entry into politics came in 1972, shortly after Meghalaya gained statehood in 1970 as a separate entity from Assam. He contested the Legislative Assembly elections from the Nongpoh constituency as an independent candidate and won, becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). This marked the beginning of a 45-year political career characterized by resilience and strategic alliances. He soon aligned with the Indian National Congress, which became his primary political affiliation for decades.

His most notable achievement was his four terms as Chief Minister of Meghalaya, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the state's history:  In September 2018, he resigned from the Indian National Congress, and joined the National People's Party (NPP). He continued to influence politics as an Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, offering guidance on policy matters until his retirement in October 2024 at the age of 90.

Known for his simple lifestyle, rooted in his faith, his legacy continues to motivate Meghalaya. Rising from a road laborer to becoming a four-time Chief Minister, Donwa Dethwelson Lapang has left Meghalaya churning in precious memories, etched forever, not just on stone, but in hearts.