Meghalaya exudes patriotism on Republic Day

SHILLONG/TURA, Jan 27: From unfurling the Tricolour to the ceremonial parade, the Republic Day celebrations in Meghalaya on Sunday witnessed widespread and enthusiastic participation, adding a touch of patriotic fervour to the day.
In Tura, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of 13 Parade contingents at Matchakolgre LP School Playground. The parade contingents comprised Tura DEF, 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre, Tura Government College NCC Boys, Tura Government College NCC Girls, Don Bosco College NCC Boys, Don Bosco College NCC Girls, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School NCC Boys, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School NCC Girls, Pechon Memorial Higher Secondary School NCC Boys, College of Community Science, Combine Scout Troop and Combine Guide Company, Band Party.
Among the highlights of the event were the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ conferred upon renowned scholar and former Pro-Vice Chancellor of NEHU Tura Campus, Dr Milton S Sangma, besides appreciation awards to officers of various line departments including John Ferdinand D Shira, Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD (Roads), West Garo Hills, and Rocky A Sangma, Assistant Executive Engineer, Tura East Distribution, Sub-Division, MePDCL, Tura, and Tribal Achievers Award to filmmaker Elvachisa Ch Sangma and one of the Tribal Achievers Awardee 2024, nominated by Director of Arts and Culture department.
The chief guest also distributed appreciation certificates to District Pedagogy Co-ordinator, SSA, Tura, Sindaline D Sangma, peon of Dalu Government Higher Secondary School, Dalu, Dhojendro R Marak, B.Tech student (Mechanical), Kaziranga University, Grikjang Ch Marak, and Assistant Lecturer, Tura Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura, Arbansing A Sangma.
Meanwhile, Selsella MLA Arbinstone B Marak presented the appreciation certificates to journalist, Information and Public Relations Office Tura, Tilotama R Marak, peon of District Horticulture Office Tura, Simche K Sangma, Assistant System Engineer, Election Branch, DC Office, Tura, Swarupa Nanda Banai, and peon of DC Office, Tura, Sengmitchi M Marak.
Further, on the occasion of 10 years of celebration of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, under the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, Tura, the chief guest felicitated the toppers of 2024 SSLC students from the district — Aime Azora G Momin from St Xaviers School, Tura, Ayumi M Momin from Sherwood School, Tura, Lilian Christiano B Marak from Christian Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura, and Eve Amareen A Sangma.
The CM also felicitated women police Sub-Inspectors Salmay Marak and Tanya Marak, who have been recognised as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao champions.
Later, Sangma also flagged off a motorcycle ride of ‘Bike Riders of NH 51 Rebels’ on the occasion. Cultural programmes and tableau presentation were also part of the event. The District Industries and Commerce Centre, Tura, bagged the Best Tableau Award.
As part of the programme, a two-day buyer and seller meet called ‘Mini Bazaar’ was also organised at DC Park, Tura, where 35 stalls were set up by entrepreneurs showcasing handicraft, handloom and woodcrafts items, jewelleries, innovations by PRIME entrepreneurs, art works, eateries and beverages. The event also featured games, painting works and competitions for children and a musical performance by local artists under the aegis of Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project.
In Shillong, Governor CH Vijayashankar led the celebrations at Polo Grounds, Shillong, by unfurling the National Flag and taking the salute of the marching contingents which comprised the BSF, CRPF, East Khasi Hills District Executive Force, Meghalaya Police, NCC Boys, NCC Girls, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indian Red Cross Society, Sacred Heart Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Holy Child Secondary School, Assam Rifles Public School Horse Contingent, Brass Band of Border Wing Home Guards and the BSF.
During the programme, the Governor handed over the U Tirot Sing Award 2025 for Arts and Literature to Sembertush A Sangma, Pa Togan N Sangma Award 2025 for Social Services to Rev. WC Khongwir and U Kiang Nangbah Award 2025 for Sports to Kmoin Wahlang.
Also commemorating the 10 years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the Governor felicitated Class X and Class XII meritorious girl students in 2024, viz., Aleytheia Syiemlieh of St. Margaret’s Higher Secondary School, Nitya Agarwal of Army Public School, Aisha Deka of Loreto Convent, Naaz Bashar of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, A Chokhani of Army Public School, Aditi Duhaka Lyngdoh of Pine Mount School, Amebaaihunsha Kharbhih of St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Deeksha Rathore of Army Public School, Suhani W Pohlong of Pine Mount School, Ferry Filarisha Wann of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School and Vishaka Sharma of Army Public School.
Announcements were also made for the Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Evel N Marak (Armed Police Sub Inspector), Tomol Ch Sangma (Armed Police Sub Inspector) and Havildar Rajesh Thapa.
The Meghalaya Governor’s Police Medal for Outstanding Service were announced in favour of Billygraham R Marak, SP, W/R, Tura; Mac Joel Marngar, Deputy SP (Traffic), EKH; Priyanka W Sangma, Additional SP, Tura; Baniateilang Diengngan, Additional SP, Khliehriat; WPI Pushpa Chettri, office of the Commandant, 5th MLP Batallion, Vikaspuru, New Delhi; UBSI Bekash Gurung, EKH DEF (attached to Police Headquarters as I/C Confidential Branch); UBSU Rovio Nongrum, SGH DEF; UBSI Arki Dalang Wahlang, EKH DEF I/C Pasteur Beat House; Havildar Sebrian Lyngkhoi, office of the Commandant, 5th Meghalaya Battalion, Vikaspuri, New Delhi; WPU/Lnk. Sengtera K Sangma, 2nd MLP Battalion Goeragre Training Branch; ABC Kofi Albert Pathaw, PTS, Umran; Tapash Barua, MPRO HQ, Golf Links, Shillong; and Franky Marwein, Shilong Fire Station.
At the event, the best tableau was awarded to the Divisional Soil and Water Conservation, followed by DCIC-East Khasi Hills and Social Welfare department in second and third place respectively.
On the other hand, Sacred Heart Boys’ Higher Secondary School bagged 1st prize in March Past competition, while Holy Child Secondary School and NCC Girls bagged the second and third prize respectively.
The Tricolour was unfurled across several civil sub-divisions and blocks in all districts by distinguished guests, while impressive tableaux were presented enthralling spectators and guests alike.
PM Vishwakarma artisans fly to Delhi
Two artisans from Ri-Bhoi — Biona Ryntathiang and Probina Lyngkhoi — certified under the Centre’s prestigious PM Vishwakarma scheme travelled to New Delhi to witness the Republic Day Parade as special guests.
These artisans, who have successfully completed basic training in their respective trades, represent the programme’s mission to enhance skills, improve product quality, and expand market access.
The PM Vishwakarma scheme aims to enhance artisans’ skills, product quality and market access, integrating them into global value chains. It is implemented through a three-tier framework at the national, state and district levels, with real time monitoring and support. It provides collateral-free credit with interest subvention, incentives for digital transactions and a platform for brand promotion and market linkages.
NEIGRIHMS joins celebration
The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) joined in on the Republic Day celebration with a sense of patriotism and unity.
At a ceremony on the institute’s premises, Director in-charge, Dr Vandana Raphael, unfurled the National Flag. Dr Raphael, the chief guest, was joined by esteemed dignitaries including Dr Santa Singh (Dean), Dr Animesh Mishra, Medical Superintendent and Lt. Cdr. Pawan Deep (Deputy Director), along with faculty members, staff, their families, and students.
Following the flag hoisting, the audience stood in solemn respect as the National Anthem was sung, echoing the pride and dedication of the nation. The celebration continued as MBBS students performed patriotic songs in English, while Nursing students sung in Hindi.
NEC’s tribute
Alongside the rest of the state and the country, traditional fervour, joy, and enthusiasm engulfed the North Eastern Council Secretariat in Shillong as it celebrated Republic Day on Sunday.
Planning Adviser Som Kamei unfurled the Tricolour in the presence of senior officers and staff, and also paid tribute to the freedom fighters who had contributed to India’s struggle for independence.
Among those present at the celebrations were Financial Adviser Thanglemlian, Adviser (Agriculture and Allied) Iboyaima Meitei, DIPR Ajay Parashar, and XEN P Rajkumar Sana.