TURA/JOWAI/NONGPOH/NONGSTOIN/MAWKYRWAT: Republic Day was celebrated in all districts with respective deputy commissioners unfurling the Tricolour.
In Tura, DC Ram Singh took the salute of 12 Parade Contingents at Dikki Bandi Stadium after hoisting the flag. The parade contingents comprised State Police, DEF, Home Guards and Civil Defence, Girl Guides and Boys Scout Company and Band Party from 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre led by parade commander S Bamania.
The other highlights of the day’s celebration were dances and patriotic songs performed by students of schools and the College of Home Science. A tableau showcasing EVM-VVPAT awareness was on display.
During the function, the Chief Guest presented the Kayakalp Awards to Babadam Public Health Centre and Selsella Community Health Centre for promoting cleanliness and enhancing the quality of public health facilities in the district.
A posthumous special award was announced for Rev. Father Antony Buccieri for social service and community development and contribution to education, literature and religious brotherhood. Rev. Frithing D Sangma received the award for his contribution to peace, social development, religious brotherhood and youth inspiration.
Later in the afternoon, games and sports were organised for children.
In Shillong, Purno Sangma, Warder, District Jail, Shillong, was awarded. Others highlight of the day included cultural programmes and skill display by the dog squad K-9 Unit of the Meghalaya Police.
Meghdoot Club of Mynsain Lumparing organised a blood donation camp in collaboration with NEIGRIHMS. There were over hundred donors.
In Williamnagar, the programme started with similar rituals. Rongrenggre Government Higher Secondary School and Educere Secondary School won the best marching contingents awards in boys’ and girls’ categories, respectively.
In Ampati, DC Cyril Darlong Diengdoh unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of nine marching contingents. Besides sports and cultural programmes, a tableau on EVM-VVPAT was on display.
In Resubelpara, the Kayakalp Award for cleanliness and hygiene was given to Wageasi PHC. From the nine parade contingents, North Garo Hills Scouts and Guides bagged the award for the Best March Past. Other highlights of the day include cultural programme, sports and games and others.
In Baghmara, Deputy Commisioner SN Marak took the Rashtriya salute of the marching contingents comprising BSF jawans, DEF, Baghmara, SF-10 and school students at Government Higher Secondary School Playground, Baghmara.
During the celebration, Kolapara village under Gasuapara C&RD Block received the Cleanest Village Award with Trophy, certificates and cash of Rs 25,000. Awards for Swachhta Champion were also presented.
Other highlights of the celebration include sports and games and community sports like Tug of war, Rongma Chilsusaa etc.
In Jowai, Deputy Commissioner R Rapthap unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 25 marching contingents comprising District Executive Force, 3rd MLP Battalion, District Home Guards, Bharat Scouts & Guides and students from various schools at Jrisalein Playground.
Best PHC was awarded to Shangpung PHC with a cash prize of Rs 2,00,000.
In other places, like Khliehriat, Nongstoin, Mawkyrwat, Nongpoh and Sohra, the day was celebrated with regular programmes, besides display of tableaux for voters’ awareness.
Several primary health centres won accolades for their yeoman service.
In Mawkyrwat, sweets and food packets were distributed at the community health centre and Hope Orphanage.
BSF events
The Border Security Force celebrated Republic Day at various battalion/sectors in Shillong, Tura and Mawpat.
The national flag was hoisted by PK Dubey, IG Meghalaya Frontier at Umpling camp. BSF Senior Secondary School also celebrated Republic Day with the flag hoisting.
R-Day at IIM, USTM
Indian Institute of Management, Shillong celebrated the day with exuberance. The events included march past by the security officials of the institute followed by hoisting of the national flag and the national anthem.
Amitabha De, director of IIM Shillong, said, “We should reflect on our past, and with vigour work towards our future goals.”
At USTM, a group of 20 college students from South Korea sang the national anthem and initiated a cleanliness drive along with their partner students from the Earth Science Department of the University.
The Tricolour was unfurled at 8.30 am by the Chancellor of the university, Mahbubul Hoque, in the presence of staff, faculty members and students.