TURA/NONGPOH, Jan 21: The 53rd Meghalaya Statehood Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and pride across the state on Tuesday, showcasing the unity, culture, and progress of the people. From Tura to Nongpoh, special programmes were organised to honour the historic day when Meghalaya attained full statehood on January 21, 1972.
Celebrations in Tura
The West Garo Hills district administration hosted a grand event at DC Park, Tura, with Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani as the chief guest. In his address, Chelani extended warm greetings to the people and paid tribute to the leaders of the Hill State Movement, including Captain WA Sangma, BB Lyngdoh, and Hopingstone Lyngdoh, whose efforts paved the way for statehood.
Chelani highlighted recent developmental strides, including the inauguration of Captain Williamson State University, which marks progress in the education sector. He also led the gathering in pledging support for the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, emphasising gender equality and girl child education.
The event featured patriotic songs and dances by Rhythm School of Music and Tura Dance Academy, along with a peace prayer led by Rev. Dilseng M. Sangma of the Garo Baptist Church.
Resubelpara’s tribute
In North Garo Hills, celebrations at the Mini Secretariat Conference Hall in Resubelpara brought together district officials and the general public. Deputy Commissioner AK Singh, the chief guest, spoke about Meghalaya’s transformational journey since statehood and called for collective efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive state.
As part of the programme, the North Garo Hills district administration felicitated individuals who brought honour to the district, including legendary singer Browny R Marak, renowned weaver Rajmita Rabha, cricketer Julitha Sangma, and singer Late Hamilton Momin.
Ampati highlights progress
In South West Garo Hills (SWGH), the celebrations at Ampati focused on fostering inclusivity and sustainable development. Deputy Commissioner of SWGH outlined the district’s progress in education, healthcare, and agriculture, highlighting the region’s potential to become the “rice bowl of Meghalaya.” She praised the Fisheries department for achieving surplus fish production and credited the district’s peaceful atmosphere to the efforts of local police and magistrates.
A tree plantation drive, patriotic performances, and the illumination of government buildings marked the occasion. Winners of the Meghalaya Day Run were also felicitated, with Kanen M Sangma and Ringsechimik G Sangma taking the top spots in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Reflections in Ri-Bhoi
Ri-Bhoi district commemorated the day at the District Library Hall in Nongpoh, where Umsning MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh delivered an inspirational address reflecting on Meghalaya’s journey to statehood. He highlighted the role of the Assam Language Act in sparking the demand for a separate identity and emphasised the need for work culture reform to drive development.
Lyngdoh urged officials and workers to dedicate themselves to their roles, stating, “Dedication is the essence of development.” Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal echoed these sentiments, calling for commitment and hard work from government employees.
The programme included a historical presentation on the statehood movement, cultural performances by local groups, and the felicitation of winners from a marathon earlier in the day.
A unifying occasion, the 53rd Meghalaya Statehood Day brought together diverse communities to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage and progress.
