By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 12: The Independence Day fever has started to grip the capital city even as elaborate security arrangements have been planned for peaceful celebrations.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtnger on Monday said elaborate security arrangements have been made for peaceful celebrations of Independence Day and security has been beefed up in all parts of the city.
Apart from the official Independence Day programme at Polo, two national flags of heights 100 feet and 52 feet will be installed and hoisted at the Legislative Assembly Secretariat in Police Bazar on August 15.
Some citizens are planning to organise a rally in the city with a massive 77-metre-long national flag.
The Raj Bhavan will be kept open for the general public from 3:30pm to 8:30pm on August 15.
I-Day invite to Delhi elates 30 from state
Thirty individuals from Meghalaya, along with their families, have been invited as special guests to the 78th Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi.
The Centre has extended invitations to more than 6,000 special guests from across the country under the theme ‘Viksit Bharat’, reflecting the nation’s commitment to progress and inclusivity.
The delegation from Meghalaya represents a cross-section of society, including women, youth, and representatives from NITI Aayog and the Panchayati Raj Ministry.
Among the invitees is Brotibon Mukhim, an ASHA worker, who expressed her appreciation for being selected to participate.
Balalupa Mawlong, another invitee representing the Panchayati Raj Ministry, urged the citizens to revel in the spirit of Independence Day.
While young participants like Laibynta Mylliem, a Class 5 student of JS Memorial LP School in Laitlyngkot, are excited about travelling outside the state for the first time, Sanky Syih, an assistant teacher at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, thanked the Prerana Utsav programme that facilitated his participation.
Merilyn Nongrum, the secretary of Seng Iakyntiewlang Self-Help Group (SHG) from Umling C&RD Block, emphasised the importance of the occasion for her and her community. This will be her first visit to New Delhi to see an Independence Day celebration.
“Freedom is the ability to think freely, do whatever one wants, and have the hope to progress in life independently. Independence is the ability to do everything by oneself without depending on others and to support and stand on one’s own feet,” she said.
Nongrum highlighted her work with the SHG in her village, where they engage in various community activities such as clean-ups, helping the sick, and implementing rainwater harvesting, kitchen gardens and other schemes.
Other members of the Meghalaya delegation also shared their patriotic sentiments. Rikimbath S Marak, a student of St. Francis de Sales Higher Secondary School in South Garo Hills, said she is fortunate to be a part of the national event.
Tinamuri Marak from Resubelpara in North Garo Hills, representing the NITI Aayog, aired a similar sentiment.
The invitations to these special guests were sent by the respective departments through the Ministry of Defence.