Meghalaya celebrates 77th R-Day with patriotic fervour
Out Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA/JOWAI/KHLIEHRIAT/NONGPOH, Jan 27: Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar on Monday announced that Meghalaya has emerged as India’s second-fastest growing state, recording a real GSDP growth of 9.66 per cent in FY 2025—nearly double the national average.
Addressing the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Governor stated that the state’s
economy is on track to reach $16 billion by 2032 under the "Mission 10" initiative. He noted that Meghalaya’s GSDP has already grown by 102 per cent since 2018, despite pandemic-related disruptions.
The Governor outlined the Meghalaya Excellence Framework, which aims to place the state
among India’s top 10 in per capita income and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by
2032. To support this, he highlighted the establishment of a DNA Unit, the sanctioning of a
Cyber Forensic Science Unit, and the ongoing recruitment of 3,000 police personnel.
On infrastructure, the state has completed nearly 3,500 km of roads under PMGSY over the
last seven years, with a record Rs 2,200 crore sanctioned for road projects in the last
financial year. Major connectivity projects include the Rs 22,000-crore Shillong–Silchar
Greenfield High-Speed Corridor and the expansion of Umroi and Baljek airports.
The Governor also noted growth in tourism and the "Concert Economy," which has created over 5,600 jobs. He mentioned that two five-star hotels are now operational, with 850 homestays sanctioned and 3,000 more planned by 2028.
During the event, the Governor presented the state awards for 2026. Dr. Kynpham Sing
Nongkynrih received the U Tirot Sing Award, Father Benoy Joseph was conferred the Pa
Togan N. Sangma Award, and Riiohlang Dhar received the U Kiang Nangbah Award. Padma
Shri awardee Hally War was also felicitated.
The celebrations included various departmental tableaux and a march-past competition,
which was won by Phudmuri Presbyterian Higher Secondary School.
Meghalaya joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day on Monday.
Ceremonial functions, parades, and cultural programmes were held across all district
headquarters and civil sub-divisions to mark the occasion.
In Tura, Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A. Sangma, unfurled the
national flag and took the salute at the L.P. School Field, Matchakolgre. The event featured a march past, developmental tableaux, and cultural performances. NCC units from Don Bosco College and Tura Government College secured top honours in the parade, while the Tura Municipal Board won the first prize for its tableau.
Appreciation awards were presented to several individuals for their public service. Notable
awardees included Swaminath Kushwaha for ensuring Tura’s water supply, Stern Herdton B.
Marak for community upliftment, and healthcare professionals Miami A. Sangma and Rikmatchi Ch. Sangma. Educators Jackarias N. Sangma and Sunilson Ch. Marak were also honoured, alongside several government staff members for their efficiency. In the cultural sector, Arak Mangsang Sangma and Diwal M. Sangma were recognised for promoting Garo heritage, while Sadolpara Village was commended for environmental conservation.
In Nongstoin, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar unfurled the tricolour at St. Peter's Higher Secondary School. JNV School won the march past, and the Soil and Water Conservation Department received the best tableau award. Health awards were conferred upon ASHA workers Risuklin and Greater Chance D. Sangma for their grassroots contributions.
In Mawkyrwat, MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar took the salute at the Nativity Higher Secondary School playground. Balang Mawlangwir Girls’ Secondary School won the parade competition, while the Office of the Superintendent of Police secured the first prize for its tableau.
In Nongpoh, Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh unfurled the flag at the NSCA Mini Stadium. The event, attended by local MLAs and district officials, featured vibrant cultural displays and awards for community development and public service.
In Jowai, Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla took the salute at the Jrisalein playground. PM Shri
School JNV Mukhla won the march past, while the District Commerce and Industries Centre
(DCIC) bagged the best tableau award. Healthcare workers Rijoy Lapasam and Lama Muroh
were recognised for their excellence in family planning and community mobilisation.
In Williamnagar, Fisheries and Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira graced the celebration at the Rongrenggre Govt. Higher Secondary School playground. The event included 16 parade
contingents and displays by various government departments, alongside the felicitation of local sports personalities.
In Baghmara, Minister for BADO, Civil Defence, and Home Guards, Brening A. Sangma, unfurled the flag. The United Baptist Secondary School won the march past, and the PHE Department received the best tableau award.
In Resubelpara, PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak unfurled the tricolour, accompanied by
Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin. NCC Mendipathar College was named the best parade
contingent, and the DRDA won the tableau competition. Health officers Dr. Rezia K. Sangma and Dr. Arfina M. Sangma were recognised for their leadership in the district’s immunisation and health programmes.
In Ampati, Health and Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla took the salute at the Ampati Students' Field. Awards were presented to Belbari PHC as the best PHC and Tarapara VHC as the best Village Health Council.
In Khliehriat, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui took the salute at the Holy Family Parish
Ground. JNV Rymbai won the march past, and the MBMA was awarded the best tableau. Runita Phawa received the Best Cluster Coordinator award for her work with Self Help Groups, while Byrwai VEC was named the best performing Village Employment Council.
In Mairang, Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar unfurled the flag at Dommawlum playground,
where 15 contingents participated in the parade.
Celebrations were also held in various civil sub-divisions led by high-ranking officials and
legislators. In Sohra, Minister Sanbor Shullai took the salute; RKM Higher Secondary School won the march past. In Amlarem, MLA Nujorki Sungoh graced the event; Deimonlang SHG was named the best performing group. In Dadenggre, Deputy Speaker Limison D Sangma unfurled the flag. In Ranikor, MLA Pius Marwein took the salute; the Horticulture Department won the best tableau. In Patharkhmah, C&RD Minister S. Sohtun presided over the function, which included a friendly football match. Additional celebrations were held in Pynursla, Chokpot, Raksamgre, Mawshynrut, Rongjeng, Dalu, Jengjal, Zikzak, and Hima Shangpung, where local leaders highlighted developmental achievements and honoured community contributors.
Celebrations elsewhere
The High Court of Meghalaya celebrated the 77th Republic Day on Monday at its premises in Shillong.
Chief Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere hoisted the National Flag in the presence of Justice HS Thangkhiew, Justice W Diengdoh, Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee, and court staff.
The celebration included a cultural programme in the auditorium, featuring traditional performances such as the Shad Mastieh, Wangala, and Shad Pliang. The event also included a song by a High Court advocate and a presentation by the Khmieh Creative Society.
The ICFAI University Meghalaya marked the 77th Republic Day at its campus on Monday with a flag-hoisting ceremony and a patriotic rally through the city.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Alicia Gatphoh hoisted the National Flag and spoke on the historical
significance of the date, tracing its origins to the 1929 Lahore Session and the 1930 declaration of Purna Swaraj. She called on students and staff to uphold the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity in their daily lives.
Following the address, the university organized a rally through the streets of Shillong to promote national unity. Led by the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and Controller of Examinations, the march saw active participation from faculty, staff, and students.
