TURA: The 69th Republic Day was celebrated in a big way in the Garo Hills with Tura leading the way in a glittering ceremony at the Dikki Bandi Stadium where Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Ram Singh, unfurled the National Tricolor and took the Rashtriya Salute of 12 Parade Contingents before a crowd of several thousand people on Friday morning.
The parade contingents comprised of State Police, DEF, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Girl Guides and Boys Scout Company and Band Party from 2ndMLP Battalion, Goeragre led by parade commander S Bamania, IPS.
While addressing the gathering on the occasion, Ram Singh recalled the great contribution of the visionary leaders of the state and added that the qualities of those great leaders should be inculcated by the present-day generation. Moreover, with regard to the safeguarding and protecting of our environment he appealed to all the citizens to keep their surrounding clean and green. Further, he also urged the teachers to educate the students to minimise the use of plastic products since plastics are non bio-degradable and causes various health hazards to people as well as pollute the environment.
Stressing on the importance of identity and cultural roots of the society, he urged everyone to visit their ancestral home and uphold and preserve the traditional practices of the society.
Meanwhile, in view of the upcoming State Legislative Assembly Election on 27th February, 2018, the Chief Guest appealed to all the voters to cast their vote ethically.
The other highlight of the day’s celebration comprises of colourful traditional dances and patriotic songs performed by school students and College of Home Science including a tableau presentation by Deputy Commissioner Election showcasing EVM-VVPAT awareness which would be used for the first time during State Legislative Assembly Elections on February 27, 2018.
During the function, the chief guest presented the Kayakalp Award to Babadam Public Health Centre and Selsella Community Health Centre for promoting cleanliness and enhancing the quality of public health facilities in the district.
Further, on the occasion the chief guest presented the Special Award to Lt. Rev Father Antony Buccieri posthumously for his outstanding contribution in the field of Social Service, Community Development, Education, Literature and Religious Brotherhood and Rev Frithing D Sangma for his contribution towards Peace, Social Development, Religious Brotherhood and Youth Inspiration.
Later in the afternoon games and sports were organised for children.