TURA, Aug 16: Along with the rest of Meghalaya, five districts of Garo Hills celebrated the 78th Independence Day with scores of activities performed throughout the day.
WEST GARO HILLS
In Tura, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong hoisted the Tricolour at Matchakolgre L P School Playground, New Tura, and took the Rashtriya Salute of 18 parade contingents.
The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners from the district, West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma, district officials from various departments, senior citizens, principals, teachers and students of different schools.
During the programme, meritorious students and filmmaker Dominic Megam Sangma were also felicitated.
Other highlights of the day included cultural programmes by students of different schools, display of arms by Police department, and stalls by different department at the venue.
Various events comprising of a bike rally from Dakopgre to DC Park, Inter-Mahari Tug-of-War at Matchakolgre LP School playground, exhibition football match between education department, Tura versus Medical Department at Artificial Turf, Chandmary Playground, Tura, Cricket Match between DC XI versus Paramilitary Department at Police Parade Ground, Tura have been organised at multiple locations in and around Tura.
Further, a flea market consisting of visual arts & craft, handloom items, jewellery, food and beverage, sit and paint for children, sports and games for children, live music under Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project were also organised at DC Park, Tura.
SOUTH GARO HILLS
Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya and MLA Amlarem Constituency, Lahkmen Rymbui , hoisted the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute of 24 parade contingents during a programme at Baghmara District Sports Playground.
During the programme, the best performing ASHA and ASHA facilitators of the district and the blocks were rewarded with a cash award of Rs 10,000 and 5000.
Besides, state-level medal winners of the district were also felicitated with certificates and cash awards.
Other highlights of the day included children’s sports, an exhibition football match between DC XI vs Teachers and an exhibition cricket match between DC XI vs SP XI.
NORTH GARO HILLS
In Resubelpara, the National Flag was hoisted by Health Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh during an event at the Resubelpara Mini stadium.
Lyngdoh, during the programme, took the Rashtrya Salute paid tribute to the sacrifices and bravery of the freedom fighters.
The armed forces, paramilitary forces and the police forces of the state were also honoured in recognition of their sacrifices.
Developmental activities of various line departments projecting the growth, progress and prosperity of the state were also highlighted.
As many as 25 district awardees were felicitated for their contribution and dedication to their respective workforces. Police officers of the district who have actively participated in the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan were also awarded citations and mementos.
A splendid display of artistic yogasanas was performed by the Meghalaya Yoga Sana Sports Association, enthralling the gathering during the cultural programme.
The evening session saw games and sports for children and a football match between DC XI vs SP XI that concluded the Independence day celebration in Resubelpara.
SOUTH WEST GARO HILLS
In Ampati, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute before 23 parade contingents during a programme at Ampati Students’ Field.
On the occasion, he also handed over awards and certificates to outstanding employees, athletes and meritorious students and best performing schools of the district. An impressive crowd of nearly 10,000 people attended the celebration.
A colourful cultural programme, including patriotic and cultural dances by school children, and sports and games for children were some of the highlights of the day-long celebration.
Later, the minister, accompanied by DC Hema Nayak, SP Vikash Kumar and local leaders, visited Ampati Civil Hospital and distributed food items to the patients.
EAST GARO HILLS
In Williamnagar, cabinet minister Comingone Ymbon hoisted the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute of 29 parade contingents during a programme at Williamnagar Rongrenggre Govt. Higher Secondary School playground.
During the programme, Ymbon distributed the trophies to the winners of march-past, prizes and certificates to the achievers in various fields of work, competitions and the dedicated government servants of the district.
Other highlights of the celebrations included colourful cultural programme, children’s sports, et al.
