SHILLONG: Governor of Meghalaya, Ganga Prasad on Monday said the statehood movement was a people’s movement, and in spite of numerous challenges, the united efforts of the visionary leaders and the desire of the people for the recognition of the traditions and values ensured the people a State of their own.
He was addressing the programme held on the 46th Meghalaya Day celebrations with grandeur at U Soso Tham Auditorium in the city.
The Governor while expressing pleasure to be a part of the celebration, said that the long-cherished aspiration of the people of the state was met on this day 46 years ago and acknowledged the sacrifice and contributions of the leaders and forefathers to protect the sacred heritage, customs, traditions and practices of the state. The governor also said that while the people were fortunate to have a State of their own, it is the responsibility of every citizen to strive towards progress and development in the State.
Earlier in the programme, Governor also gave away the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards 2018, to 15 Government employees from various government departments for outstanding performance in rendering their respective duties. He also distributed prizes to the winners of the flower show cum competition which was organised by the department of horticulture as a part of the Statehood Day celebrations.
TURA: Along with the rest of the state, the 46th Meghalaya Day was celebrated here on Monday in West Garo Hills District at D C Park, Tura where Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills district, Ram Singh graced the occasion as the chief guest in the programme organised by the district administration, West Garo Hills.
Addressing the gathering, Ram Singh recalled the history of the formation of the state of Meghalaya from the erstwhile undivided Assam and added that the qualities of those visionary leaders should be imbibed by the present day generation. He also urged upon especially the students of the region not to limit their knowledge only to classroom and academic studies but to visit the villages for obtaining first hand work experiences, explore and study the history, culture, art and tradition of the society while understanding the life style of the people in villages during their holidays.
Stating that Meghalaya is blessed with spectacular landscape and scenic beauty he advised the citizens to keep their surrounding clean and green and not to litter places by way of picnicking amongst others and contribute towards the progress and prosperity of the state.
During the function, Special Award for Lifetime Achievement was given to Mrs. Gracie Field K Marak, Retired Principal, Christian Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura and Mrs. Winnish K Sangma, Retired Teacher, Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Tura for their outstanding contribution in the field of Education towards the A∙chik Society.
Further, Award for Cleanest Locality was given to the President and Secretary of R C Road Area Development Committee while Runners Up was awarded to Lower Akonggre Area Development Committee. The Award comprises of a Trophy, Certificate and cash prize. It may be mentioned that Cleaning Drive was organized on 20th January, 2018 in the district on the eve of Meghalaya Day celebrations.
In order to mark this special day befitting songs and dances were also presented by the students of various schools in the district.