From Our Correspondent
TURA: The 65th Independence Day was celebrated with much pomp and gaiety in Tura and the rest of Garo Hills on Monday as the youth joined in with ever bigger number of participation at all celebration venues in the three districts.
The State Home Minister H. D. R. Lyngdoh unfurled the national flag and took the salute before 45 marching contingents participated by state police and other security forces together with Home Guards, NCC’s, and Guides and Scouts of various Schools and Colleges at the Tura MP Stadium.
In his address, Lyngdoh recalled the freedom struggle and the sacrifices made by our nation’s leaders and said that on this day in 1947 the country not only gained its freedom from colonial rule but also formed the basis for self governance on the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity. Mentioning the prevalence of militancy in the region the Home Minister said that even though the State has been relatively stable in the following years we had to be more vigilant now taking in mind the emergence of new militant outfits disturbing the fabric of democracy.
A dazzling cultural programme was also presented by school and college students during the celebrations with Aeroville Secondary School students presenting a multi cultural dance ranging from the famous bhangra to western classical dance.They went on to win the first prize in the cultural program. Cash prizes and citations were given to students who topped this year’s HSSLC and SSLC examinations from Garo Hills.
Jowai: The Day was celebrated with all pomp and splendor in Jaintia Hills District amidst bad weather and the 24 hours bandh called by the HNLC.
The celebration at Jrisalein play ground in Jowai was attended by the deputy Chief Minister, Bindo N Lanong as the VIP who hoisted the national flag.
Hundreds of people witnessed the celebrationwhere various cultural programs were highlighted by students besides other organizations.
Nongstoin: The Day was celebrated at four different venues in West Khasi Hills where the people seemed to be more jubilant and passionate gathering at each venue despite the bandh call given by the militants.
The highlights of the day were cultural programmes, distribution of eatable to the patients of Civil hospital, Green pastures home, St Peter’s Orphanage Pyndengrei and prize distribution.