Cabinet announces awardees for R-Day

SHILLONG, Jan 15: The state cabinet has finalised the awardees from various categories for the Republic Day celebrations.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Kmoin Wahlang, a 73-year-old international marathoner from South West Khasi Hills, has been chosen as the recipient of this year’s U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports.
Wahlang, a mother of 12 children, has participated in numerous marathon events across the country, including the Mumbai International Marathon, World 10K Bengaluru, Myntra Marathon, 25K Kolkata Marathon, 1st Master Federation Cup and the Sohra International Half Marathon. She is also a regular participant in local marathons organised by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, among others.
It is noteworthy that the cabinet last year increased the cash prize for the Kiang Nangbah and other Meghalaya Day Awards to Rs two lakh, up from Rs one lakh. The previous revision was in 2013.
Additionally, the Cabinet has finalised the recipients of the Meghalaya Day Awards 2025.
The U Tirot Sing Award for Arts & Literature will be conferred on Sembertush A. Sangma, while the Pa Togan N. Sangma Award for Social Services will be awarded to Rev. Wailie Copper Khongwir.
Rev. Khongwir, a retired pastor of the KJP Synod Sepngi and former senior pastor of Jaiaw Presbyterian Church, has made significant contributions to society through his involvement with the Meghalaya Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS). Notably, he organised a health camp last year for displaced people from Manipur at the Kuki Church in Lumbatngen.
On the other hand, Sembertush A. Sangma has contributed to various local architectural projects in the Garo Hills. He is dedicated to reviving A’chik traditional architecture and craftsmanship by collaborating with and training local youths.