TURA: Country’s 71st Republic Day was celebrated in different districts of Garo Hills on Sunday in which prominent leaders and representatives of the state unfurled the National Tricolor and took the Salute.
In Tura, it was Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong who unfurled the National Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute of 11 Parade Contingents at P A Sangma Stadium in Dakopgre.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong paid homage to all the freedom fighters who fought for our country’s independence and remembered with reverence Meghalaya’s own patriots namely U Tirot Singh, U Kiang Nongbah and Pa Togan N Sangma and many other unsung heroes.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 was passed by the Parliament exempting the 6th Schedule areas of the State and the State Government has passed a Resolution in the Special Session of the Assembly held on December 2019 to implement the “Inner Line” under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 to ensure further protection and safeguard the interest of the people of the State.
Informing that the State shares an international border of 444.857 Kms with Bangladesh out of which fencing has been erected for 329,160 Kms, Tynsong said the State Government is committed to complete the border fencing at the earliest. Special attention has been given to the development of border areas along the international and inter-state borders by implementing the Border Areas Development Programme including various developmental schemes, he added.
The highlight of the day’s celebration comprised of colourful dances and patriotic songs performed by school students and College of Home Science including a tableau presentation by various department in the district.
The Chief Guest also presented the Yamuna Naik Award 2019 for five meritorious students of West Garo Hills namely Shamin Islam from Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School, Shreya Bhowmik, Aishwarya Chatterjee and Pratik Kumar Dev from Sherwood Secondary School, Tura and Jimbirth Ch Momin from Stephen Memorial Secondary School, Tura.
On the occasion the Chief Guest also presented the Certificate of Appreciation to Daniel M Sangma and Tejimala Sangma for rendering long and dedicated service as a teacher in Monfort Centre of Education and Florence Marak for service delivery in education sector.
Certificates of Appreciation to the Best Village with regard to Water and Sanitation Committee, Awards of Recognition and Kayakalp Awards were also presented by the Chief Guest to several recipients on the occasion.
Later in the afternoon games and sports were organised for children and Exhibition Football match between Mrong Mahari and Agitok Mahari was also organised.
In South West Garo Hills, the occasion was celebrated at district headquarter Ampati in all the three C&RD blocks with full patriotic fervour.
At a ceremonial function held at Ampati Mini Stadium, Urban Affairs Minister, Hamlet Dohling unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute before the 13 parade contingents consisting of Meghalaya Police, NCC and Scouts & Guides. This was followed by a tableaux presentation by various government line departments and vibrant cultural programme by school students and cultural clubs. Other highlights of the day’s celebration included sports & games for children, Exhibition football match played by DC XI vs SP XI and distribution of food items to the inmates of Ampati Civil Hospital.
Resubelpara in North Garo Hills also celebrated the occasion at Mini Stadium Resubelpara where Meghalaya Education Minister, Lakhmen Rymbui was the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the Education Minister highlighted the various on-going governments’ progressive projects as well as the completed and sanctioned schemes.
He appealed to all the citizens to work together for the overall development of the State and pledged to rededicate selflessly towards preservation and strengthening the unity of the country.
A total of 12 parade contingents comprising of various schools, Scouts and Guides, NCC and Meghalaya Police took part in the Republic Day parade which was led by Commander Dy SP HQ, Ravi Sangma. The Best parade was bagged by Resubelpara Govt. RMSA (Boys) School.
Later, Kayakalp Award on cleanliness and hygiene was presented to Wageasi PHC. The Best Tableau was received by North Garo Hills Soil & Water Division. Other departments who took part in the tableaux presentation were Election, DRDA, Health & Family Welfare, Agriculture, Fisheries and PHE (SBM).