Tura, Jan 21 : Together with the rest of the State, the 51st Meghalaya Statehood Day was celebrated today at the district auditorium here where Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills Swapnil Tembe graced the occasion as the chief guest. The function was organized by district administration, West Garo Hills, Tura.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Swapnil Tembe extended his warm greetings to the people of the district and also thanked all the officials for making the event successful. He also congratulated all the awardees for their selfless service and dedication during the function.
Stating the importance of career especially for youth, he said that they should develop their future career when the youth energy is vibrant as well as to work for the development of the community and contribute to the society in future.
Moreover, acknowledging the participation of the citizens and members of development committees in various initiatives such as beautification works of the town, cleanliness and various other developmental activities, he said that public participation is necessary and people should participate in all initiative work towards the development of the State.
Judith G Momin, Associate Professor, Department of History, Tura Government College highlighted the history of the formation of Meghalaya while Blessibon R Marak, retired joint director of Agriculture and Student Volunteer during the Hill State Movement shared her experiences as a volunteer for the statehood movement during that time.
The chief guest distributed the Meghalaya Day district awards to retired professor Caroline R Marak, Renang K Sangma, Phoebe Watre Ingty, Mojoli M Sangma, Sembertush A Sangma, Eugene K Marak, Dewal Sangma for their immense contribution in various fields for the benefit and development of the society.
Further, the Chief Guest also distributed the awards to employees of various government departments in the district namely Killingstone N Sangma from Deputy Commissioners’ Office, Sarlia R Marak, DPM, MGNREGA, etc, Backstar Ch Marak and Ian Singkam Marak from Social Welfare department, Melan A Sangma from District Sports office, Quinish M Sangma from District Research Office and Purno Burman from District Research office, Tura.
In order to mark the occasion, befitting patriotic songs, dance and instrumentals were also presented during the function by different schools and groups in the district while Pastor, Garo Baptist Church, Shillong led the gathering with peace prayer.