Shillong: In a move that could mean a break from tradition where schools observe Independence Day separately in their respective campuses, they can now team up and celebrate the same under the aegis of respective Dorbar Shnong to make the programme more meaningful and involve the community. On Thursday, the Umpling Sports Club and Dorbar Shnong, Umpling, hosted a grand Independence Day celebration at the Umpling Football Ground.
There are five schools under Umpling Dorbar namely St Rose High School, Rosebud Higher Secondary, Umpling Presbyterian School, Hubert Memorial Secondary School and BSF Higher Secondary School. MLA of the area David Nongrum said it was heartening to note that a combined celebration had been organised this time.
“In the past, I had to run from one school to the next and it was not possible to make it on time. This time we are celebrating it together and it makes the celebration special,” Nongrum said adding that this should be emulated by other Dorbar Shnong. Nongrum also reminded the students about their duty to the environment and the need to respect Mother Nature by not polluting the rivers and spaces around them with plastics. He lauded the Khasi Hills District Council for its plastic ban.
Earlier addressing the participants and the audience the Rangbah Shnong, Umpling, SF Pyngrope said that in the past, the younger students could never participate in Independence Day celebrations because of the bandh calls. Also many could not go all the way to Polo Grounds for the official function.
“I am happy that the children and youth are now able to pay homage to their motherland and can be part of its heritage when we observe Independence Day at the locality level. Also their parents and other members of the locality can also be part of the celebrations,” Pyngrope added.
A colourful march-past by five schools led by Sushil Kumar Chettri of BSF Higher Secondary School lent grave and dignity to the function.
Students of Hubert Memorial School staged a mime on the evils of drug addiction which resonated with the young audience and their parents.
The daily challenges that BSF personnel have to undergo at the borders at great risk to their lives was poignantly depicted by the students of BSF Higher Secondary School and moved the audience to tears. The other schools presented a Khasi traditional dance, songs and dances.
MDC of the area, Latiplang Kharkongor, who was also present, lauded the efforts of the Umpling Dorbar Shnong and said it was a great idea to be celebrating I-Day as a locality.
Jaiaw Lumsyntiew
Meanwhile, the Jaiaw Lumsyntiew Block Committee under the Jaiaw Laitdom Dorbar, for the first time in its history, organised a function to celebrate the day. The celebration was graced by 94-year-old Alma G. Dkhar as the Chief Guest.
