Meghalaya Day celebrated in Tura
From Our Correspondent
TURA: Together with the rest of the State, the 40th Meghalaya Statehood Day was celebrated in Tura on Saturday with a “March for Peace and Prosperity”.
An impressive function was organised at Chandmary Playground to mark the occasion.
C&RD Minister Saleng A. Sangma, who was the chief guest on the occasion, participated in the march along with the Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal, Chief Executive Member, GHADC Purno K. Sangma, local leaders, district officials, government employees and several members from the public, walking from the DC’s Office to Chandmary Playground via Babupara, Hawakhana Petrol Pump and Ringrey and converging at the playground for the function.
Addressing the gathering, Saleng Sangma reminded the people about the peaceful and non-violent way through which Meghalaya attained Statehood and appealed to all sections to work for peace and development of the State.
The chief guest also released the second edition of the souvenir Teng’suang brought out by the West Garo Hills administration to mark the Statehood Day celebration.
CEM, GHADC Purno K. Sangma in his brief speech also called upon the people, in whatever profession they are, to be sincere and hardworking in order to build a strong and vibrant State.
Former Pro-VC, NEHU Tura Campus and present Pro-VC, ICFAI, Tura, Prof. Milton S. Sangma highlighted the role played by the Garos in the making of Meghalaya and the Hill State Movement and appealed to the people to “make Meghalaya an island of peace, a patch of beauty and grace”.
Earlier Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal in his welcome address, exhorted all the government officials in the district to rededicate themselves to the service of the people so as to instill in them faith and confidence in the governance.
As part of the celebration, 25 sets of agro-service machineries were distributed.
An exhibition was also organised at the Chandmary playground. Various government departments as well as small-scale industrial units and self-help groups put up stalls at the exhibition which will continue up to January 23 and 24 coinciding with the Tura Winter Festival.
W’nagar celebrates Meghalaya Day: Meghalaya Day was also celebrated in a big way at Williamnagar parade ground, East Garo Hills, with Deputy commissioner Pravin Bakshi leading the people in the official celebration.
The Deputy Commissioner gave his greetings to the people and recalled the selfless sacrifice and contributions of our great forefathers in fighting for the statehood of Meghalaya.
Fr. Joseph Dias, Dean of Loyola College highlighted the abundant natural resources, bio-diversity of flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage that the state is blessed with while speaking on this occasion. With all this wealth and human resources, he seeks for the unity of the people and strive for the progress of the nation.
President of Women’s Federation, Mrs LW Momin, reiterated that this state is a legacy given by our forefathers in view of growth and development of the region.
Our Reporter adds: Meghalaya Day was also celebrated with great pomp in Kolkata on the Meghalaya House premises there on Saturday.
P.Tynsong, Minister i/c Forest graced the function as the chief guest.
The celebration was attended in large numbers by Meghalayans residing in Kolkata.Cultural programmes, traditional songs were presented by the youths and students of Meghalaya studying in Kolkata. The main attraction of the celebration was the traditional cuisines of Meghalaya.
The others present on the occasion were Ronnie V Lyngdoh, MLA, Timothy D Shira, MLA and D Gangopadhayay, IAS, ex-Chief Secretary.