SHILLONG, March 12: Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik paid rich tributes to freedom fighters even as he exhorted the state government to undertake programmes in line with the ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence on Friday.
The Governor was speaking during a state-level programme at the Raj Bhavan here.
The celebrations will include a range of activities in the next 75 weeks culminating on the August 15, 2022.
The state-level function organised at the Raj Bhavan Durbar Hall was marked by cultural extravaganza with patriotic music and drama performances.
Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Governor Satya Pal Malik paid rich tributes to prominent freedom fighters who contributed immensely towards the country’s independence. “I trust that in the next 75 weeks, we will also be able to discover and celebrate many more unknown heroes. I fervently hope that the young generation is made more aware and better understand that the freedom they enjoy today is hard fought for and should not be taken for granted”, he said.
As Meghalaya is set to celebrate 50 years of statehood next year, the Governor also urged the government to leverage on the ‘India at 75’ programme and utilise the opportunity to celebrate the state’s upcoming Golden Jubilee. “I call upon the state government to plan such programmes and events that in terms of both content and visibility will serve to showcase both India and Meghalaya’s rich legacy, vis-à-vis the freedom struggle”, he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the State Apex Level Committee, representing all stakeholders and prominent citizens from across the state, has been put up to provide policy guidelines and directions for the formulation of state-specific programmes for the commemoration of India’s 75th anniversary which will be consistent with the spirit of freedom struggle.
“Every week there will be a programme in different blocks, districts and towns to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our country’s Independence”, he said.
The various events and programmes will include essay competitions in schools, planting of saplings, digital media campaigns, digital shows, marathons, etc. “The idea behind this is that everybody should feel they are a part of the celebrations”, the chief minister added.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma were among the host of dignitaries present at the function.
Joining the nation in celebrations, a five-day photo exhibition on the theme ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ was inaugurated by Governor Satya Pal Malik in Shillong on Friday.
The event was organised by the Regional Outreach Bureau, Shillong, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which aims to remind the citizens of the value of freedom and sacrifices of the freedom fighters.
As part of the Amrit Mahotsav, a series of events will be organised in the 75 weeks leading to the attainment of 75 years of India’s Independence on August 15, 2022.
Speaking on the occasion, Meghalaya Governor informed the gathering that March 12 marks the anniversary of the Dandi March which is being re-enacted following Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging it off at Sabarmati Ashram on Friday. The march will supposedly culminate on April 5, 2021.
Lauding the effort of the organisers in putting up the exhibition, the Governor hoped that the vision and philosophy of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, will serve as a source of inspiration for the youth. Malik also gave away prizes to winners of different competitions held to mark the occasion.
Elsewhere, the Indiatourism Shillong, in collaboration with Institute of Hotel Management, launched the ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsava’ celebration by kicking off a walkathon from U Tirot Sing Syiem Road in Khyndai Lad to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Square in Jail Road to mark the occasion.
On the other hand, the Meghalaya State Legal Service Authority (MSLSA) also joined the celebrations by organising a Legal Awareness programme on the topic ‘Legal Aid and Fundamental Duties’ at Bellefonte Community College.
In his address, NA Khan, member secretary of MSLSA, informed that the MSLSA will provide legal training to students who can in turn reach out to people in remote areas in accessing legal aid and services while assuring that it will also assist institutions in rolling out legal support centres.
The programme, Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsava’, was also launched by the Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, East Jaintia Hills, DS Marbaniang, and Deputy Commissioner E Kharmalki at the Rymbai Community Hall.
Speaking at the occasion, the DC highlighted on the problems faced by the citizenry with regard to road connectivity, electricity, water supply, health services etc, while assuring that the administration is taking necessary actions to ensure the services are accessible to the people.