SHILLONG/JOWAI, Aug 16: A fervour of patriotism gripped Meghalaya on Thursday as it joined the rest of the county to celebrate the 78th Independence Day with scores of programmes at both district and subdivisional levels.
EAST KHASI HILLS
In the state capital, Shillong, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma hoisted the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute from the marching contingents comprising BSF, CRPF, District Executive Force, EKH, 1st MLP Bn. Mizoram Police, NCC Boys & Girls, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indian Red Cross Society, Holy Cross Hr. Secondary School, St. Joseph Hr. Secondary School, Gorkha Patshala Hr. Secondary School, Hubert Memorial Hr. Secondary School, Phudmuri Presbyterian Hr. Secondary School, Auxilium Higher Secondary School, St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Assam Rifles Public School Horse Riding Contingent, Border Wing Home Guard Brass Band, BSF Brass Band, Auxilium Hr. Secondary School Brass Band and St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School Brass Band.
On the occasion, the names for the Police Medal for Meritorious Service were also announced during the day.
Further, Home Guards & Civil Defence Medals for Meritorious Service and Director General, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Meghalaya Disc & Commendation Certificates were also given away during the programme.
A total of 48 scholars under the Chief Minister’s Research Grant (CMRG), who are undertaking quality research and documentation in various areas of interest that concern Meghalaya were also felicitated and awarded.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of March Past with Holy Cross Secondary School, St. Mary’s Hr. Secondary School and Auxilium Higher Secondary School for winning the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively.
Felicitation of Shillong Municipal Board workers and cultural programmes were other highlights of the day.
ABVP’s Tiranga Rally
To commemorate the day, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Shillong Unit organised a Tiranga Rally, featuring a magnificent 75-metre-long national flag.
The rally was participated by more than 200 youths, students and residents from across Shillong apart from the karyakartas of ABVP.
NEHU, IIM and NIFT join celebrations
The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Shillong, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Shillong joined the 78th Independence Day celebrations by holding various programmes.
The NEHU, as part of the 78th Independence Day, organised Swatantrata March, a symbolic parade that brought together students from all halls of residence.
Dressed in the traditional attires of the Northeastern states, the students marched with pride towards the Administrative Building, paying homage to the diverse cultural legacy of the region.
The march culminated in the ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag by NEHU Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, which was followed by the stirring rendition of the National Anthem, resonating with the spirit of patriotism and unity.
“The celebrations also featured the distribution of prizes for the winners of an Essay Writing Competition organized by NEHU under the initiative “Viksit Bharat @2047.” The competition saw enthusiastic participation from students across various categories,” a statement in this regard said.
Similarly, the IIM Shillong, as part of the celebrations, paid tributes to the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters of India during a programme here.
IIM Shillong Director Prof. DP Goyal hoisted the Tricolour, which fluttered majestically at a towering height of 100 ft.
A special highlight of the event was the award ceremony, honouring the outsourced staff members. The felicitation was then followed by a cultural programme that featured poetry recitations, a dance and a skit performance performed by the students.
The NIFT Shillong, on the other hand, marked the day by holding a programme that began with the hoisting of the Tricolour by NIFT Shillong Director Shankar Kumar Jha.
As part of the celebrations, a cultural programme was organised during which students showcased their diverse talents through a variety of performances, including traditional dances and patriotic songs that reflected the rich cultural heritage of India. Some of the other activities included Tiranga Yatra Independence Day Run, Logo competition, Handloom Fashion Walk, Handloom Selfie Competition, et al.
Tributes to state’s Kargil War hero
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Rotary Club of Orchid City Shillong, in collaboration with Singla Associates, organised a ‘Bike Rally – Freedom Drive for Independence’, paying tributes to Kargil War hero from Meghalaya, Keishing Clifford Nongrum.
The event commenced from the Central Library in Shillong, with the family of Nongrum flagging off the rally.
“Participants, ranging from students to bikers and members of the local community, rode through the streets of Shillong, paying homage to the freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence and freedom. The route was filled with the spirit of unity and national pride as participants celebrated the freedom that was hard-won by heroes,” a statement in this regard said.
Celebrations at BSF Frontier HQRs
BSF Meghalaya celebrated the day at its Frontier headquarters in Umpling, Shillong, during which Inspector General of BSF Meghalaya, Harbax Singh Dhillon, hoisted the Tricolour.
Addressing the programme, the BSF IG encouraged the students to uphold national values and strive to become responsible citizens of India.
It may be mentioned that BSF personnel deployed on the border across the state also celebrated the day by hoisting the National Flag and distributing sweets to their counterparts in the border force, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Adding to the patriotic fervour, students from BSF schools presented a series of cultural programmes that highlighted the rich cultural heritage and unity of the nation.
Har Ghar Tiranga Run in city
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs and the Department of Arts & Culture jointly organised the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga 5.8K Run’ on Thursday.
The run, which commenced and concluded at the State Central Library in Shillong, was participated by a total of 618 people.
Prizes were also given away to the winners of the 5.8-km run.
RI-BHOI
In Nongpoh, the Independence Day was celebrated during a programme at NSCA Mini Stadium Pahamsyiem, during which Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri hoisted the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya salute of the 25 parade contingents.
Other highlights of the programme include cultural shows comprising patriotic songs and dances performed by schoolchildren, distribution of the awards of recognition to select individuals, organisation, and sportspersons.
The celebrations ended with distribution of food package to the inmates of Civil Hospital, Leprosy Colony, Children’s Home, Saiden and jail inmates.
WEST KHASI HILLS
In Nongstoin, the day was celebrated at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground, which was attended by Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 26 parade contingents.
Other highlights of the day included a cultural programme, distribution of prizes and distribution of food packets to Green Pasteur Orphanage, Pyndengrei, S. Wollington Children’s Home, Nongpyndeng & Shelter Homes for Boys and Girls, Nondein New Nongstoin.
SOUTH WEST KHASI HILLS
In Mawkyrwat, South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai hoisted the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute during a programme at Nativity Higher Secondary School playground.
As part of the celebration, South West Khasi Hills District Swimming Association, in collaboration with the Office of the South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, conducted an Annual Swimming Competition at Phot Umnew, Mawkyrwat.
EASTERN WEST KHASI HILLS
In Mairang, Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla hoisted the Tricolour and took the Rashtrya Salute of 10 parade contingents at Dommawlum, playground, Pyndengumiong Mairang.
As part of the celebrations, cultural programmes were also held.
EAST JAINTIA HILLS
In Khliehriat, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar hoisted the Tricolour and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 28 parade contingents during a programme at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School playground.
As part of the celebrations, a friendly football match was played between government officials and schoolteachers from the district at East Jaintia District Sports Association Football Ground, Dienchynrum.
Gifts were also distributed to inmates of Shelter Homes at Khliehriat and 7Tyndai Child Care Counseling Centre, Tuber Kmaishnong.
WEST JAINTIA HILLS
In Jowai, Power Minister AT Mondal hoisted the National Flag and took the Rastriya Salute from 32 contingents during a programme at Jrisalein Playground.
Other highlights of the day included distribution of awards and mementoes, singing of traditional and patriotic songs, dance performances and a final Independence Day Cup under-17 football tournament.
Another programme to commemorate the day was organised by Khynroo Khyllood Committee Seiñraij Jowai, during which homage was paid to u Kiang Nangbah.
During the programme, a short story was told about u Kiang Nangbah while the youths were urged to follow in his footsteps.
