Independence Day sees overwhelming fanfare

SHILLONG/TURA/NONGSTOIN/JOWAI, Aug 16: An overwhelming fanfare and trumpet-blare is one way of defining this year’s Independence Day celebration, which took place in almost every nook and corner of Meghalaya with enthusiasm.

Like every year, schools, universities, colleges and other educational institutes were frontlining the show of celebrations in the state with variety of programmes, while NGOs, government institutions/agencies, etc were equally engrossed in marking the 75th year of India’s independence.
A bike rally was also organised by the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday. It was flagged off by MPCC chief Vincent H Pala from Mawpat ground.
Bikers traversed Lumshyiap, Golf Links, Pynthorbah, Nongmensong, Nongthymmai, Laitumkhrah, Upper Shillong and culminated at Congress Bhawan here.
Earlier, a small function was held which was presided over by MPCC working president PN Syiem and attended by senior party leaders including Deborah C Marak and Wansuk Syiem.
The North Eastern Council (NEC) also celebrated the occasion in the NEC Secretariat at Nongrim Hills, where the National Flag was hoisted by Member (NEC) Air Marshal (Retd) Anjan Kumar Gogoi.
Also, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Shillong, Central Puja Committee (CPC), Meghalaya, and Regional Office for Health & Family Welfare organised similar programmes at different locations.
Two personnel from the Meghalaya Civil Defence & Home Guards Department were awarded the Home Guards and Civil Defence Medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2022.
The awardees are Kharnesh A Sangma, Sub-Inspector, District Training Centre, Home Guards, West Garo Hills, and Timothy Marbaniang, Havildar, District Training Centre, Home Guards, South West Khasi Hills. The duo is amongst only seven other recipients of these Medals from the Civil Defence and Home Guards Organisation from the North East, this Independence Day.

To commemorate the occasion, the Rotary club of Shillong organised a ‘Freedom Run’ on Monday, which was flagged off by Chief Secretary of Meghalaya DP Wahlang at Shillong Club.
Runners from Border Security Force, BK Bajoria School and College, Laban Bengali Girls HS School, Little Flower School and Women’s College as well as accomplished runners of the state participated in the event.
In a little less than an hour, the group covered the entire route which circled well-known landmarks from the Shillong Club till Fire Brigade and then back. Rotary club of Shillong had established four water stations at key points along the route to ensure adequate hydration of the participants. Apart from this an ambulance was on standby for emergencies. Adequate police personnel ensured a smooth conduct of the event. All participants received certificates of participation.
The Innerwheel Club of Shillong had joined hands with Rotary Club of Shillong in making the Freedom Run a grand success.
The Innerwheel Club of Shillong also organised a flag hoisting ceremony at Halfway Home (rehabilitation centre for mentally-ill women) at Don Pynthor, Shillong.
The members celebrated the day with the inmates by hoisting the flag, singing patriotic songs and thereafter distributing 40 food packets among the inmates and staff.
The members also gave each inmate a small Indian flag.
Earlier, the club had donated a television set to Halfway Home for the entertainment of the inmates.
Meanwhile, members of the Innerwheel Club Pine City Shillong planted seeds of fruit and flower trees at Hindu Mission. The seeds were sponsored by Pastel Crumbs, a bakery run by Meghna Jain.

Joining them and the rest of the state and country in the celebrations, NGOs AROH Foundation and SPARK held creative programmes in different locations.
AROH Foundation organised a programme at Langkawet village, where the National Flag was hoisted by chief guest S Umsong, Headman of the village. The National Anthem was sung by all the participants and a short speech was delivered by the Headman.
SPARK, on the other hand, celebrated the day with more than 300 underprivileged children from Ri-Bhoi and East Khas Hills.
An outing was arranged for the children, with the objective to create awareness among them about the significance of the occasion and to inculcate a sense of responsibility in them and
Meanwhile, Laban Sanathan Dharmasabha Harishava, Laban, Shillong organised a ‘Mini Run’ (Marathon) on the occasion of Independence Day as well as 125th year of Durga Puja celebration. The run, which saw the participation of 93 participants, was flagged off by Dr Deepankar Dutt.
The committee also organised a women’s cricket tournament, which was inaugurated by Dr P Nongbet, co-owner of Super Care Hospital. A total of three teams competed in the tournament.
In Tura, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong led the charge by hoisting the National Flag and taking the Rashtriya Salute of the 13 marching contingents comprising 2nd MLP Battalion Goeragre, Tura DEF, National Cadet Corps Boys and Girls from Tura Government College, Don Bosco College, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Pechon Memorial School, Scouts Troop and Guide Company from St. Mary’s School and Band Party from 2nd MLP Battalion, Tura, at Matchakolgre LP School Playground, New Tura.
Other highlights of the event in Tura were tableau presentations by different departments of the district and cultural items befitting the occasion. Certificates of appreciation were also distributed to officers and staff of the Police department and Babadam PHC.
SSLC and HSSLC toppers and meritorious students as well as teachers of the district were also felicitated on the occasion. An exhibition football match between DC XI, Tura versus District Football Association (DFA) was also held at Artificial Turf, Chandmary Playground, Tura.
The dignitaries who hoisted the Tricolour in other parts of the state were Water Resources Minister Brolding Nongsiej (Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills), C&RD Minister Hamletson Dohling (Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi), Transport Minister Dasakhiatbha Lamare (Jowai, West Jaintia Hills), local MLA Marcuise N Marak (Williamnagar, East Garo Hills), MLA Thomas A Sangma (Baghmara, South Garo Hills), Assembly Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira (Resubelpara, North Garo Hills), PHE Minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar (Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills), Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister James PK Sangma (Ampati, South West Garo Hills), Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla (Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills), Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh (Mairang, Eastern West Khasi Hills), Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh (Sohra Civil Sub-Division, East Khasi Hills), Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui (Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, West Jaintia Hills), MLA Abdus Saleh (Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, West Garo Hills), MLA Macmillan Byrsat (Pynursla Civil Sub-Division, East Khasi Hills), Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Chokpot, Raymond Shira (Chokpot Civil Sub-Division, South Garo Hills), Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Raksamgre, N Hajong (Raksamgre Civil Sub-Division, West Garo Hills), MLA Gigur Myrthong (Mawshynrut Civil Sub-Division, West Khasi Hills), MLA Pius Marwein (Ranikor Civil Sub-Division, West Khasi Hills), MLA Sosthenes Sohtun (Patharkhmah Administrative Unit, Ri-Bhoi), and MLA Comingone Ymbon (Hima Shangpung Laskein C&RD Block, West Jaintia Hills).
Several colleges and universities such as Martin Luther Christian University, William Carey University, Meghalaya, Shillong Commerce College, Buddha Bhanu Saraswati College, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sohra, Kendriya Vidyalaya Umroi Cantt., Nongthymmai Evening School, etc. also celebrated the occasion with fervour and different programmes in their own capacities.