From Our Correspondent
TURA/AMPATI, Jan 21: Garo Hills region on Saturday was witness to programmes befitting the 51st Statehood Day celebration.
The District Auditorium in Tura reverberated with patriotic songs, while dance performances and instrumentals by different schools and groups from the district enthralled the attendants of the statehood day celebration programme.
A peace prayer was also held by the Pastor of Garo Baptist Church, Shillong.
Apart from this, several speeches were made by district officials including West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Swapnil Tembe, who was the chief guest.
In his address, Tembe emphasised on the importance of career for youths, while stating that they should work on their career when the youth energy is vibrant and 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, the deputy commissioner said that public participation is necessary and people should participate in all initiative work towards the development of the state. Associate Professor, Department of History, Tura Government College, Judith G Momin, 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 at that time.
Tembe 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 contribution in various fields for the development of the society.
The chief guest also distributed the awards to employees of various government departments in the district, viz., 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.
At Ampati, the South West Garo Hills district administration remembered the selfless endeavour of the hill state movement leaders while calling for preservation and promotion of the state’s unique cultural identity.
The district administration also honoured a blind footballer and a craftsman with the Meghalaya Day Awards during an elaborate gathering marking the 51st Statehood Day celebration at the Multi Facility Centre, near Ampati Market on Saturday.
Jebilbang M Sangma, a visually impaired resident of Rongbakgre village under Rerapara C&RD Block, is a State Blind football player and a member of Garo Blind Football Club, Meghalaya.
Having represented the state in numerous tournaments, lately, he represented the country under India B-Team and played against Japan. He was conferred with the ‘Meghalaya Day Award 2023’ in appreciation and in recognition for his outstanding contribution and remarkable performance in the field of Sports and Arts and Culture.
Another awardee who was recognised for his outstanding craftsmanship was Modin N Marak, a resident of Kangkanggre village under Zikzak C&RD Block. He was honoured for his contributions in preserving traditional art form by handcrafting musical instruments like the Dotara or Dotdrong, a guitar-like folk musical instrument of the Garos.