SHILLONG/ NONGSTOIN/ TURA/ JOWAI, Jan 27: Tricolour was erected tall in every district, diverse cultures and traditions were on display, military-style musicales reverberated in the breeze this year. Needless to say, these are the wonted activities that are performed on Republic Day celebrations every year. But what made the 72nd Republic Day celebration different across Meghalaya was the the citizenry singing the praises of the health and frontline workers and the state government felicitating them for acting as a bulwark between COVID-19 and people.
In East Khasi Hills, the COVID-19 warriors were felicitated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma during a function at Polo Ground.
The chief minister also handed over certificates to Pomlum PHC, Mawphlang CHC, Ganesh Das Government Maternal and Child Hospital, and Nazareth Hospital, Shillong, for their performance under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aroya Yojana (AB-PM-JAY) and Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).
In Ri Bhoi, the celebration was held at NSCA Stadium, Pahamsyiem, where Power Minister James Sangma, unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute of 5 marching contingents. Display of tableaux by different government departments, cultural dances and songs, penalty shoot-out, tug of war and distribution of prizes to the winners marked the celebration.
The day ended with the presentation of awards to the officers of various government departments for their services during COVID-19 pandemic, presentation of award for the best-performing health institution, best-performing ASHA, Best Health & Wellness Nurse, best-performing ASHA facilitator, best-performing VHSNC and distribution of BBBP Award in various categories like sports and academic performance.
In West Garo Hills, the day was celebrated at PA Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre, Tura, where Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh, unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute. During the programme, Certificates of Appreciation were handed over to the two best-performing Health & Wellness centres of the district. Twenty-one health workers from the district were also felicitated. The Speaker also gave away prizes to the winners of the cultural programme and tableau presentation.
In East Garo Hills, the celebration was held at Rongrenggre Govt Higher Secondary School playground, Williamnagar, where C&RD Minister, Hamletson Dohling, Minister, unfurled the Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute.
The other highlights of the celebration included cultural programmes. Tableaux were displayed by the Soil and Water Conservation department, PHE department, Health department, et al.
In South West Garo Hills, GAD Minister, Dasakhiatbha Lamare, unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute. During the programme, tableaux were presented by various government departments while students and troupes performed cultural activities. Certificates of Appreciation certificates were also handed over to the frontliners. Lower Damalgre VHSNC was awarded the Best VHSNC 2020-21 while Garobadha PHC received the appreciation certificate for exemplary performance under ABPMJAY and MHIS.
In East Jaintia Hills, the function was held at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School playground, where PHE Minister, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute to the tune of the National Anthem. The other highlights of the celebration include cultural programmes and tableau presentations by different government departments.
The Minister, during the programme, also handed over awards for cleanest village in East Jaintia Hills to Latyrke village, Rymbai village and Moolamylliang village. Pamra Paithlu PHC was also awarded as the top-performing PHC in the district in the implementation of MHIS and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY).
As part of the celebration, the district officers distributed gifts among children and inmates of Civil Hospital, Khliehriat, and Sutnga and the Children’s homes in the district.
In West Jaintia Hills, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui unfurled the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute to the tune of the National Anthem led d at Jrisalein playground. Tableaux were also displayed by various departments. Health and Wellness Centre Awards were also given away on the day.
In South West Khasi Hills, Health Minister AL Hek, unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at a function held at Maharam Govt. Higher Secondary School, Mawkyrwat.
During the programme, the district administration felicitated frontliners and health workers. The Department of Health & Family Welfare Govt. of Meghalaya (MHIS) selected Mawthawpdah PHC as the top-performing PHC in the district. The other highlights of the day were tableaux presentation by different departments.
In North Garo Hills, the day was celebrated at the Resubelpara Mini Stadium where MLA Brolding Nongsiej took the Rashtriya Salute and unfurled the Tricolour.
On the occasion, awards were conferred upon Wageasi PHC and Resubelpara CHC for being top-performing PHC and CHC under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana & MHIS. The (L) Yamuna Naik Award 2019 and 2020 for outstanding performance in SSLC Examination were also given to Nardino Sangma, Ariel Cherik Marak and Santara Rabha.
In West Khasi Hills, the day was celebrated at St Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground, where Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong unfurled the Tricolor and took the Rashtriya Salute.
During the day, Markasa PHC was recognised as the top-performing PHC in the district while items were distributed among patients of Civil Hospital, St. Peter’s Green Pasteur Orphanage Pyndengrei, S. Wollington Children’s Home Nongpyndeng and Shelter Homes for Boys and Girls Nondein, Nongstoin.
A topper was also felicitated during the day.
In South Garo Hills, the day was celebrated at District Sports Playground, Baghmara, where Minister of Transport, Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, took the Rashtriya Salute.
COVID-19 warriors, including health workers and community leaders, were also felicitated on the day. The award for the top-performing PHC in the district under the Megha Health Insurance Scheme was conferred upon Nongalbibra PHC.