Our Bureau
SHILLONG/NONGPOH/TURA/JOWAI, Aug 16: As Meghalaya on Friday joined the rest of the country to celebrate 79th Independence Day, patriotism and festive fervour swept across the state, from the bustling capital to the remotest corners. The day was marked by colourful parades, stirring cultural performances, heartfelt tributes and community-driven programmes that united people in the spirit of freedom and national pride.
The state-level function was held at the JN Stadium, Polo Grounds, Shillong, where Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute from 35 marching contingents. The parade featured units from the Border Security Force, CRPF, East Khasi Hills Special Operation Team, 1st MLP Battalion, 5th IRBN Arunachal Pradesh, NCC Boys and Girls, the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, and students from various schools.
On this occasion, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service was conferred upon Commandant Billygraham R Marak and Assistant Sub-Inspector Allan Eddie Marbaniang, while the Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service went to Leading Fireman Rokesh Warjri.
The Civil Defence and Home Guards Department also honoured Divisional Commandant Badalyne Kharkongor and Naik Parsing Ch Marak with the Meritorious Service Medal.
In recognition of healthcare excellence under the MHIS-PMJAY scheme, certificates were presented to top performing hospitals: Dangar PHC (Best PHC), Mawphlang CHC (Best CHC), Ganesh Das Government Maternal & Child Hospital (Best Maternal & Child Hospital), and Nazareth Hospital (Best Private Hospital).
Winners of the March Past were Loreto Convent School (1st), BSF Girls Higher Secondary School (2nd), and St. Joseph Higher Secondary School (3rd).
In the Brass Band category, Sacred Heart Boys Higher Secondary School secured 1st place, followed by St. Margaret Higher Secondary School (2nd) and Auxilium Girls Higher Secondary School (3rd).
For the cultural programme, Pine Mount Higher Secondary School won first prize, with Auxilium Girls Higher Secondary School and St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School taking second and third places, respectively.
Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar hosted the traditional “At Home” reception at Raj Bhavan to mark India’s 79th Independence Day, which was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, legislators, officials, defence personnel and citizens from diverse fields.
The illuminated lawns set the stage for a cultural programme by the Department of Arts & Culture and ICCR, featuring performances from across India, including puppetry, Jogathri Nritya, Khasi-Sitar Jugalbandi, and the Assam Rifles Jazz Band.
The Governor released From Residency to Raj Bhavan and honoured achievers such as para-athlete Iarapborlang Chyne, Everest climber Rifiness Warjri, folk and puppetry artists Padmashree Dr. B. Manjamma Jogathi and Padmashree Bhimmavaa Doddabalappa Shille Kyathara, dancer Steve Jyrwa, painter Baiahunlang Nongrum and recipients of the Crystal Grace Nongkynrih Cash Awards.
Similarly, IIM Shillong marked the occasion with a 100-ft flag hoisting by Director (I/C) Prof. Nalini Prava Tripathy, who urged students to pursue holistic independence through leadership, innovation, and responsible action. An award ceremony honoured outsourced staff, followed by cultural performances.
The BJP Meghalaya Minorities Morcha, led by president Gagann Jain, organised Har Ghar Tiranga outreach with Tibetan, Sikh, Tamang Buddhist, Jain and Muslim communities in Shillong, and distributed national flags in Rajabala, West Garo Hills, fostering unity and patriotism.
In Riatsamthiah, the Dorbar Shnong celebrated with a Walkathon organised by Seng Kynthei at 6:30 am, promoting healthy lifestyles. Rev. Dr. RF Kharkrang, who hoisted the flag, recounted the locality’s history and contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Lumdiengjri Police Station and Lumdiengjri Traffic Branch were felicitated for community service. Achievers including Iasanialang Passah (5th in BSc Zoology) and Rev. Dr. Kharkrang (Doctor of Divinity at age 72) were honoured. The event ended with patriotic songs, prayers and a community breakfast.
On the other hand, the BSF Meghalaya Frontier celebrated at its Umpling Headquarters with Inspector General OP Upadhyay hoisting the flag. Troops along the Indo–Bangladesh border hoisted the Tricolour at their outposts and exchanged sweets with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Cultural performances by BSF school students depicted India’s freedom struggle and diversity.
During the programme, Upadhyay urged the youths to embrace patriotism, discipline, and service.
The Rotary Club Orchid City Shillong, with Royal Enfield and Singla Associates, held a ‘Ride to Freedom’ Bike Rally, which was flagged off by James Sangma.
PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Laitkor Peak, celebrated the day with great enthusiasm and patriotism. The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by chairman Group Capt. Arpit kala accompanied by principal Mohd Ajaharuddin. It was followed by the National Anthem.
During the programme, students showcased their talents through cultural performances, including patriotic songs, dances and skits, highlighting India’s rich heritage and freedom struggle.
Khasi, Assamese, Punjabi and Nepali folk dances as well as patriotic songs were performed during the programme.
At PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Umroi Cantt, students presented speeches, patriotic poems, NCC drills, and dance performances. The principal encouraged students to “Read and Lead” as part of their civic duty
In an emotionally charged programme by the SPARK, less privileged children performed cultural items and delivered speeches, embodying the ideals of equality and hope.
Meanwhile, the Central Government Health Scheme Wellness Centre at Laitumkhrah marked the day with flag hoisting, a cultural programme and a reaffirmation of unity.
District-level highlights
In Nongpoh, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh took the salute of 24 contingents at NSCA Ground, Pahamsyiem. Awards were given to village organisations, ASHAs, SHGs, and sportspersons. Food packages were distributed to hospital patients, inmates of children’s homes and prisoners.
In Mairang, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister AL Hek hoisted the flag at Dommawlum Playground, where 18 contingents participated. The programme included songs, dances, prize distribution and a football match.
In Jowai, cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla saluted 33 contingents at Jrisalein Playground. Students excelling in an academic Olympiad were awarded interactive panels, computers and projectors.
Meanwhile, for the first time, the Land Port Authority of India, BSF, Bureau of Immigration and locals celebrated together. The event included a tree plantation drive under the Regeneration Meghalaya Project.
In Khliehriat, cabinet minister Shakliar Warjri oversaw a 31-contingent parade, cultural events and gifts to shelter homes.
Similarly, in Nongstoin, cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh took the salute from 27 contingents. Cultural performances and community outreach programmes were organised to mark the day.
In Mawkyrwat, cabinet minister Comingone Ymbon honoured march past winners and top-performing health centres. The district also held its 7th Annual Swimming Competition.
In Tura, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar felicitated MBoSE toppers, Army veterans, public servants and sports achievers. The BSF Dobasipara Unit staged a dog show to mark the day. The celebrations ended with a mini-bazaar featuring local entrepreneurs.
In Williamnagar, cabinet minister Marcuise N. Marak presided over 31 contingents and events including tug-of-war and football matches.
In Ampati, Deputy Speaker Timothy D. Shira awarded students, employees and health workers.
Meanwhile, in Resubelpara, cabinet minister AT Mondal led celebrations at the Mini Stadium with patriotic performances.
In Baghmara, MLA Rupert Momin honoured best-performing PHCs, sports achievers and held friendly matches.
At Sohra Civil Sub-Division, MLA Gavin M Mylliem hoisted the National Flag and took the Salute of 20 parade continents comprising of Meghalaya Police, NCC, college and school students at a programme. The celebration also featured cultural programs that highlighted India’s rich heritage and diversity. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the various events adding to the excitement of the day.
At Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, MLA Arbinstone B Marak hoisted the National Flag and took the Salute of the 13 marching contingents at a programme.
At Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, MLA Lahkmen Rymbui hoisted the National Flag took the Salute of 9 contingents comprising of Meghalaya Police and 8 schools. Other highlights of the day’s celebration include cultural performances and patriotic songs, presentation of awards and prizes by the Sub-Divisional Office (Civil), Amlarem and Independence Cup Football Tournament.
At Pynursla Civil Sub-Division, MLA Charles Marngar hoisted the National Flag and took the Salute of the 12 marching contingents comprising of Meghalaya Police and school students.
At Mawshynrut Civil Sub-Division, MLA Remington G Momin hoisted the National Flag and took the Salute of 21 parade contingents comprising of Meghalaya Police and 20 schools. The other highlights of the day include cultural performances and the distribution of eatables to patients of CHC Riangdo.
At Raksamgre Civil Sub-Division, MLA Limison D Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the salute of the 7 marching contingents.
At Ranikor Civil Sub-Division, MLA Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh hoisted the National Flag and took the Salute of the marching contingents comprising of Meghalaya Police and 9 schools. Other highlights of the celebration were cultural programmes by the schools and Village Organisations (VOs) under Ranikor Civil Sub Division and the distribution of sweets to the children.
At Patharkhmah Civil Sub-Division, MLA Mayralborn Syiem hoisted the National Flag and took the salute of 10 parade contingents comprising Meghalaya Police and school students. Other events of the day’s celebration include cultural programmes, football and basketball matches.
At Jengjal Civil Sub-Division, MLA Pongseng R Marak hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at Jengjal Playground.
At Dalu Civil Sub-Division, MLA Brening A Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the salute.
At Rongjeng Civil Sub-Division, MLA Jim M Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the Salute of the 8 marching contingents.
At Chokpot Civil Sub-Division, Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), PR Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the Salute of the 17 marching contingents comprising Meghalaya Police and schools. Other highlights of the celebration include children’s sports and inter-school football final match.
At Hima Shangpung Laskein C&RD Block, MLA Santa Mary Shylla hoisted the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents at Hula Playground, Moosyiem, Shangpung. Other highlights of the day include patriotic songs and cultural dance performed by the students.