Shillong/TURA: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya celebrated the 71st Republic Day with sheer zeal and fervor, with unfurling of national flags, parades, award-giving ceremonies, tableaux showcasing, cultural activities, food and gift distributions, etc., marking the day.
In the state capital, Shillong, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of 10 marching contingents comprising 58th GTC, BSF, CRPF, Manipur Police, Meghalaya Police (MLP) DEF, 1st MLP Bn., Meghalaya Police Football Team, NCC (Boys and Girls), Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides and a combined brass band of Border Wing Home Guards and BSF, and ARC pipe band at Polo Ground.
During the celebration, Sangma also conferred the U Tirot Sing Award for Art & Literature to Pradip Kurbah and Dominic Megam Sangma; Pa Togan N Sangma Award for Social Services to Bro. Jose Joseph Kolangauil; and U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports to Tlanding Wahlang. He also distributed the Kayakalp Award for the public health facilities that maintain a high degree of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control practices in line with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to two district hospitals, viz. Williamnagar Civil Hospital and Ampati Civil Hospital, two CHCs of East Khasi Hills (EKH) district, viz. Mawphlang and Sohiong and three PHCs of EKH, viz. Laitryngew, Laitlyngkot and Mawsahew PHC. The President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Meritorious, Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service and Governor’s Police Medal were also announced.
Other highlights of the celebration include song, dance and tableau presentation by Departments of Information and Public Relations; Social Welfare; Animal Husbandry and Veterinary; Public Health Engineering; Soil and Water Conservation; Agriculture; Horticulture; Forest and Environment; Fisheries; District Task Force, EKH and Office of the Chief Electoral Officer.
At NE-SAC Umiam, the day was observed with unfurling of the tricolour by the Director, NE-SAC, and ‘Reflex Demo’ organised by CISF personnel. Sweets and wishes were also exchanged during the day.
IIM Shillong, on the other hand, also celebrated the day at its campus in Umsawli, where unfurling of the national flag, tributes to the slain soldiers, cultural performances by students, marked the day. The students were also encouraged to work towards the betterment of the country.
North Eastern Council Secretariat, Shillong campus also celebrated the day by unfurling of the national flag at NEC Secretariat’s premises in the city, which was followed by singing National Anthem.
Various events were also organised across the city which include fishing competition, entertainment for children, among others.
Free entry at Ward’s Lake and Lady Hydari Park, display and rally of vintage cars, talent show and performance by Meghalaya Talent Search Organisation, etc., also were some of the highlights of the day.
In Jowai, Transport Minister, S Dhar, unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 18 marching contingents comprising DEF, SF-10, District Home Guards, NCC and students at Jrisalein Playground. Tableaux presentation, cultural activities, sports, and distribution of gifts to inmates of Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital, Jowai Civil Hospital and Jowai District Jail, were some of the highlights of the day.
In Khliehriat, PHE Minister, Samlin Malngiang, unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 15 marching contingents comprising MLP and NCC at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School playground. Tableaux presentation, cultural programmes, football match and distribution of gifts to children and inmates of CH and shelter home were some of the highlights of the day.
In Nongstoin, Adviser to the chief minister, Thomas A Sangma, unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of 14 Parade contingents comprising of the MLP, DEF, NCC, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides and schools at New Nongstoin playground. He and Nongstoin MLA also conferred Kayakalp Award to two PHCs, viz. Dongki Ingding PHC and Kynrud PHC during the programme.
Others highlights of the day were tableau presentation, cultural programme, sports and games, distribution of food packages to patients of CH; TB Hospital; and S Wollington Children’s Home, Nongpyndeng.
In Mawkyrwat, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh, unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of 10 marching contingents comprising of MLP, schools and pipe band from Meghalaya Home Guards & Civil Defence at Maharam Higher Secondary School, Mawkyrwat. Other highlights of the day include tableaux presentation, distribution of sweets and food packages to the inmates of CHC, Mawkyrwat and Hope Orphanage, among others.
In Nongpoh, Fisheries Minister, Comingone Ymbon, unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 16 marching contingents comprising MLP, NCC, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides, schools and a band from St. Paul’s Higher Secondary School, Nongpoh, at NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem, Nongpoh. The celebration was also marked by Republic Day Run, tableau presentation, cultural programmes and distribution of food packages to the inmates of Leprosy Colony, Nongpoh CH, Children’s Home at Saiden and Umlyngkdait and jail inmates of Mawsyntai.
Garo Hills
Just like the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills, too, relished the day with holding various programmes across the region.
In Tura, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of 11 Parade Contingents comprising MLP, DEF, Home Guards and Civil Defence, NCC Boys, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides, and a band party of 2nd MLP Bn. at PA Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre, Tura.
During the programme, the chief guest presented Certificate of Appreciation to the Best Village with regard to Water and Sanitation Committee under West Garo Hills (WGH) District, and for Village Level Entrepreneurs for their valuable efforts in citizen-centric services towards the people of WGH through Digital India Schemes, among others. Other highlights of the day include tableaux presentation, song and dance performances, and sports and games.
In Williamnagar, Social Welfare Minister, Kyrmen Shylla unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 15 marching contingents comprising of 5th MLP Bn., DEF, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, and NCC at Rongrenggre Government Higher Secondary School playground.
In Ampati, Urban Affairs Minister, Hamletson Dohling unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of 13 marching contingents comprising of the MLP, NCC, and Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides at Ampati Mini Stadium.
Other highlights of the day were tableau presentation, distribution of food items to the inmates of Ampati CH, among others.
In Resubelpara, Edu. Minister Lahkmen Rymbui unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of 11 marching contingents at Resubelpara Mini Stadium.
Other highlights of the day included tableau presentation and cultural programme.
At Baghmara, Water Resources Minister, B Nongsiej took the Rashtriya Salute of the 13 marching contingents comprising of BSF, DEF, SF-10 and schools at Government Higher Secondary School Playground, Baghmara. Other highlights of day include sports and games, cultural programmes, among others.