SHILLONG: The 26th Ri Bhoi Foundation Day was observed on Monday by the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The programme was attended by Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Umsning MLA Jason S. Mawlong, Umroi MLA George B. Lyngdoh, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, Deputy Commissioner R.M Kurbah, Superintendent of Police S. Thamar, officers from different line departments, Syiem Raid, headmen and teachers and students from various schools in the district.
Speaking at the programme, the Nongpoh legislator lauded the initiatives taken by the district administration for celebrating the Ri Bhoi Foundation Day and recalled the selfless contributions of prominent personalities of the district like late Fr. Sylvanus Sngi Lyngdoh, former chief minister D.D Lapang and others.
The Umroi legislator asked the gathering to consider June 4 as an awakening day and to look back at the achievements of the last 26 years.
He mentioned that though the district has been marching ahead in all aspects like education, agriculture, sports etc, a lot more needed to be done for development. He sought the cooperation of the Syiem Raid, the headmen, government officials and the MLAs to promote and uplift the socio- economic lives of the people of the district.
The Umsning legislator lauded the district authorities for having maintained peace and law & order and also a spirit of unity among the citizens.
He sought collective responsibility among the citizens, the officials and the MLAs for the all round upliftment of the district.
The Jirang MLA said the district has been blessed with fertile soil and a temperate climate and the land is conducive for activities like agriculture, cottage industries and handloom. He called upon the people, particularly the unemployed youths to refrain from depending only on white color jobs and seize opportunities for self-employment for a better livelihood.
Traditional songs and cultural dances were performed by the students and youths on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the DC’s office in collaboration with other allied department like PHE, CDPO and DM&HO presented awards and certificates to the Tyrso Valley Wildlife Protection Society, P. Ranee, retired employee of PHED, four ASHAs and three Anganwadi workers of the district and to the representatives of three villages.
