SHILLONG/TURA/NONGPOH/JOWAI: Meghalaya completed 46 glorious years of attaining statehood on January 22 and the day was celebrated with solemn grandeur as well as fanfare in different corners of the state. Governor of Meghalaya, Ganga Prasad was the chief guest at the official programme held at U Soso Tham Auditorium in the capital city, which was attended by the Chief Secretary, Y Tsering and other top-ranking government officials and functionaries.
In his address, Prasad said the long-cherished aspirations of the people of the state were fulfilled on this day 46 years ago, adding that the statehood movement was a people’s movement and despite numerous challenges, the united efforts of visionary leaders finally brought recognition to the unique traditions and values of Meghalaya.
Acknowledging the contributions of those stalwarts, Prasad observed that they had sacrificed greatly to protect the sacred heritage, customs and traditions of the state. While the people are fortunate to have a state of their own, he pointed out, it is the responsibility of every citizen to strive towards progress and development.
The Governor gave away the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards 2018 to 15 government employees from various departments for outstanding performance in discharging public duties, besides distributing prizes to the winners of the Flower Show-cum-Competition organised by the Department of Horticulture.
In his speech, Chief Secretary Tsering said that even though Meghalaya’s statehood was achieved in a Gandhian way through non-violent means, it is vital for the people to remain connected to the aspirations of the forefathers who fought for statehood. A collage of traditional dances and musical events were staged to mark the occasion.
46th Meghalaya Day was celebrated in West Garo Hills District at DC Park in Tura with Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills District Ram Singh as the chief guest. The programme was organised by the West Garo Hills District Administration.
Addressing the gathering, Singh recalled the history of the formation of Meghalaya from undivided Assam and urged the youngsters present to imbibe the qualities of those stalwarts who fought for statehood.
He urged the students not to limit their knowledge to academics but to visit the villages to obtain first-hand experience of the history, culture, art and traditions of the state.
Stating that Meghalaya is blessed with spectacular landscapes and scenic beauty, he advised people to keep their surroundings clean and green.
At Ampati, the day was celebrated in South West Garo Hills at an elaborate function organised by the district administration at DRDA Conference Hall, which was attended by officers and staff of line departments, senior citizens and students. Various cultural groups regaled the audience with patriotic numbers.
In his brief address, South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Cyril Darlong Diengdoh stated that the day is observed to celebrate a shared spirit of unity and brotherhood. “It is a celebration of the coexistence of various tribes,” he said, adding that 46 years has been a long journey and the people of Meghalaya are unfortunate to have carved out their own destiny and independent identity.
“If every family inculcates the right values in their children and become a model family, we can build a model society,” he said while simultaneously urging the people of the district, particularly the government officials, to rededicate themselves to work concertedly for the overall growth of the state.
A senior citizen of the district, Gospel G Sangma who participated in the celebrations, recalled the utter backwardness of Ampati before the attainment of statehood, adding that he had never imagined that one day the region would witness the kind of development taking place today. After the achievement of statehood all aspirations and grievances could be addressed through dialogue and discussion, he added.
In Jowai, the celebrations were held at District Library Auditorium, Mynthong and the colourful programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner, R Rapthap, Additional Deputy Commissioner, S C Laloo, senior citizens and government officials.
Addressing the gathering, Rapthap recounted the selfless contributions of the state’s founders. Calling upon every citizen to reflect on their great achievements, he reiterated the need to increase the literacy rate in the district and to that end announced a special programme to be launched by the District Rural Development Agency to help increase literacy.
In Williamnagar, the day was celebrated at DRDA Hall-I in Williamnagar with Deputy Commissioner, Ram Kumar S as the chief guest. In his address, he said that attaining statehood was a tryst with destiny for Meghalaya and since 1972 the predominantly tribal society has witnessed significant development. Named after the first Chief Minister of the state, Williamnagar should excel in all respects, he said.
In Amlarem, 46th Meghalaya Day was celebrated by the Sub-Divisional Office (Civil) and the programme was attended by government officers and staff of the different sub-divisional offices, heads of educational institutions and village elders.
In Nongpoh, the District Administration of Ri Bhoi organised an official programme at District Auditorium Hall, Nongpoh on Monday. Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, CP Gotmare attended the programme as chief guest.
In his speech, Gotmare said that Meghalaya could blaze a trail by attaining statehood in a non-violent way, sans bloodshed, because of its matured and responsible leadership.
