Statehood Day celebrated with eye on future glory
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Saturday said Meghalaya has a pluralistic society in which no one can live in isolation.
The Chief Minister, who was speaking at the 45th Meghalaya Day programme in Ampati, said if there are various communities co-existing mutually with the three major tribes of the State “it is because our forefathers have known the art of peaceful co-existence”.
However, he was pained to see that youths are “disconnected with the past” and are resorting to violence in the name of community. “All issues and grievances can always be resolved within the framework of the Constitution,” he said.
Sangma added that the State that has comparatively less population is privileged to have 60 MLAs and that the voters have direct access to the elected representatives.
He urged the electorate to take advantage of the privilege of having 60 MLAs and work towards overall good of their respective areas.
The Chief Minister also reiterated his government’s new approach of formatting all inclusive and sustainable developmental initiatives.
Meanwhile, back in Shillong, the 45th Statehood Day was celebrated in a befitting manner with a series of programmes held to mark the occasion on Saturday.
An official function to commemorate the day was held in the city attended by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and officers of the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo fondly recalled the ‘peaceful hill state movement’ which achieved statehood for Meghalaya.
“Together we will take Meghalaya to the pinnacle of progress, prosperity, peace and all-round development,” he said.
While affirming that everyone in the State is part of the process which would shape the future of Meghalaya, he also made a clarion call urging people to nurture the environment of peace.
He called upon citizens of the State not to lose sight of the responsibility and to make collective efforts to live up to the duties for the golden future that beckons the state while being firmly rooted to its glorious past.
Earlier, Information and Public Relations Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh called upon people to renew their pledge to work together to ensure that Meghalaya soars high on all fronts and indices as the State marches towards the ‘Golden Jubilee’ celebrations in 2022.
During the programme, recipients of the prestigious Meghalaya Day Awards were also announced. The awards will be conferred on the occasion of Republic Day on January 26.
The U Tirot Sing Syiem Award for Arts and Culture will be given to Sumar Sing Sawian, while the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services will be bestowed upon Leander K Marak. Dolyne Kharbhih, the second woman from Meghalaya to scale Mount Everest, will be conferred the U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports. As part of the celebration, Kayakalp Awards were also being given to two district hospitals and four CHCs of the State while acknowledging their outstanding services towards the people. The awards were given to Civil Hospital, Tura and Civil Hospital, Williamnagar, Chokpot, Bhoirymbong, Laskein and Khliehriat CHCs. Meanwhile, to ensure easy access to services, e-District services for Ri Bhoi was also rolled out and 5 mobile apps were launched. Deputy Chief Minister RC Laloo also distributed the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards 2016 on the occasion.
Other highlights of the official programme included songs, flute recitals and performance by artistes from the Centre of Excellence in Indian Classical and Western Music and flower show on the auditorium premises.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Chief Secretary K.S Kropha, Theilin Phanbuh, Chairperson, MSCW and Additional Chief Secretary, P.W Ingty.
A message from the Chief Minister was also read out by the Director, I&PR, M.N Nampui during the programme.