TURA, Aug 16: The country’s 77th Independence Day was on Tuesday celebrated with much pomp and grandeur in different venues all across the five districts of Garo Hills.
In Tura, the celebration was marked by a daylong colorful cultural programme and a grand march past performed by 21 contingents from the 2 MLP battalion, Tura DEF, NCC from Tura Government college, Don Bosco college, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Pechon Memorial School and Scouts & Guides from St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, St. Xaviers Higher Secondary School, Christian Girls Higher Secondary School, Garo Union Higher Secondary School and Government Girls Higher Secondary School.
Meghalaya Speaker and Nor.h Tura MLA, Thomas A Sangma was the Chief Guest of the programme in Tura and Unfurled the Tri Color as well as took the Rashtriya salute.
In his address the Speaker expressed gratitude to the great freedom fighters of the nation who were responsible for unshackling the country from the chains of colonialism. Speaking on the nations achievements post independence he apprised the gathering of the role of the country in the G8 summit and stated that it was an honor for the nation to be able to participate in such a stage. Delving nearer home Mr. Sangma stated that the government had created employment opportunities for 1100 youth who are now employed in various sectors in state. Speaking on creating further employment opportunities the speaker said that the completion of the Shillong Technology Park would present job avenues for 1500 aspirants. Speaking on the border issue between Assam and Meghalaya he stated that both the states had signed an MOU to help mitigate the matter. Among others Mr Sangma also stated that a U Tirot Singh memorial was being set up at Dhaka to commemorate the state’s own freedom fighters.
During the celebration Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma gave out appreciation awards to the best performing health centers, NGOs and government employees.
Later the Speaker accompanied by the DIG, Western Range and Superintendent ff Police gave out awards to the best marching contingents, best turn out, best command and best cultural troupes.
The 1st , 2nd and 3rd prizes in the march past NCC category was bagged by Tura Government College boys, Don Bosco College boys and Pechon Memorial School boys respectively. In the Scouts & Guides category the 1st, 2ndand 3rd prizes were awarded to St. Mary’s higher secondary school, Christian Girls higher secondary school and St. Xaviers secondary school respectively. The Best Command and best Turn-out was awarded to Don Bosco College NCC boys and Tura Government College NCC boys respectively.
In the cultural show the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes were awarded to Dokaku Arts & Cultural Association, Don Bosco Secondary school and College of Community Sciences, Tura respectively.
Throughout the day games for children and inter locality tug of war was organized /by the sports department as part of the celebration.
At Jengjal Civil Sub Division, Ian Botham K Sangma, MLA, unfurled the Tri Colour and took the Rashtriya salute amidst a parade display by eight marching contingents comprised of the 2 MLP battalion and Scouts & Guides.
Mahendraganj MLA, Sanjay A Sangma unfurled the Tri Color at Dadengre Civil Sub Diviison Sanjay A Sangma and took the Rashtriya salute while local MLA, Limison D Sangma did the honours at Raksamgre.
In North Garo Hills’ Resubelpara, the chief guest of the day Comingone Ymbon, Minister for Food & civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Water Resources, etc; hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtrya Salute.
In his speech he paid tribute to the nation and state’s freedom fighters for their selfless sacrifices and contributions laid by them in the fight for an independent India. The major achievements, progress and schemes being undertaken by the government and various departments’ functionaries for the overall growth and development of the state were highlighted. A salutation for the district administration and police forces initiatives in prevailing peace and order throughout the district was also noted by the chief guest.
The 77th Independence Day celebration in Resubelpara was marked with the ceremonial parade of 25 marching contingents composed of Meghalaya Police Battalion, Mendipathar College’s NCC, Scouts & Guides and students from various schools of the district. The Parade Commanders were UBSI Priyanka K Marak and second Commander UBSI Sengwat R Marak. The best march trophy was adjudged to St. Thomas Higher Secondary School (Boys) followed by Paschal Secondary (Boys) & (Girls) bagged the second and third position respectively.
As part of the observation, Kayakalp Award for best performing CHCs, PHCs and sub centres was also held wherein Resubelpara CHC, Bajengdoba PHC, Gabil PHC, Wageasi PHC and Chibongga sub centre received the award respectively.
Cash prizes to athletes from various sports disciplines were also conferred during the day-long celebration. Later, games and sports were organized for children and eggs and sweets were also distributed to the inmates of Resubelpara CHC.
The occasion was also celebrated in South West Garo Hills at district headquarters, Ampati and all the four C&RD blocks with full patriotic fervour and gaiety.
At the ceremonial function held at Ampati Students’ Field, Minister for C&RD, Power, etc A.T. Mondal unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute before 28 parade contingents consisting of the District Police, NCC and Scouts & Guides from various schools of the district.
In his in-depth speech o the occasion, he reflected on the sacrifices of the leaders of the freedom struggle and highlighted the efforts of the state government to meet the aspirations of the people.
The main highlights of the day’s celebration were the colourful cultural program showcasing the diverse cultural heritage and spirit of patriotism, children’s sports, felicitation of meritorious students, outstanding government employees, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, among others and Best performing PHC (Garobadha) in the implementation of MHIS.
Among the esteemed dignitaries who graced the occasion were Miani D Shira, MLA of Ampati and Stevie M Marak, MDC of Boldamgre.
Meanwhile, the NEHU in Tura also observed the day at its campus in Chasingre.
Campus in-charge, Prof Sujata Gurudev, who unfurled the National Tri colour on the occasion, reminded the gathering that the Country’s Independence was gained at a terrible cost.
As part of the day’s celebration, the Campus-in-Charge also handed over a “Letter of Appreciation” to Dr. Bentinck M. Sangma and Mr Dewal M. Sangma for their contributions to the society in the field of Garo traditional medicine and traditional musical instruments respectively.
The children of the NEHU Tura Campus’s fraternity, who passed SSLC and HSSLC in this year, were also felicitated by the Campus-in-Charge. The programme was attended by the teaching, non-teaching staff and the family members of the NEHU Tura Campus.
