By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 20: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Friday organised a Pre-Christmas Prayer Service and Celebration at the New Meghalaya Legislative Assembly premises at Mawdiangdiang, New Shillong.
The programme was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Speaker Limison D. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Andrew Simons, and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Malthus S. Sangma, along with officers and staff of the Assembly Secretariat.
Also present were Cabinet Minister Metbah Lyngdoh and several Members of the Legislative Assembly, including Ampareen Lyngdoh, Paul Lyngdoh, Alexander Laloo Hek, Miani D. Shira, Mizanur Rahman Kazi, Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Marthon Sangma, Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah, Gavin Miguel Mylliem and Pius Marwein.
The prayer service commenced with a scripture reading from the Holy Bible by BA Sangma, Manager, Assembly Press. Special musical performances followed, presented by the Children of God’s Dream Children’s Home, Lumshyiap, Langkyrding, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Choir, and the Mahila Band of the Nagaland Police. Formed in 2012, the Mahila Band, which has earned national recognition for its musical excellence, received a warm response from the gathering.
The Christmas message and prayers were delivered by Neil Vimal Kumar, Speaker and Ministry Director, Life Focus Society, Chennai.
Welcoming the gathering, Andrew Simons said Christmas stands as a reminder of the enduring values of love, peace, compassion and humanity. He said the message of Jesus Christ symbolises hope for humanity and calls upon people to serve one another with kindness and selflessness, fostering harmony and brotherhood in society. He added that the occasion provided an opportunity to renew commitment towards spreading joy, understanding and unity.
Addressing the programme, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma said it was a moment of joy and privilege to celebrate Christmas at the new Assembly premises. He described Christmas as a season of reflection and renewal that reminds people of God’s love and encourages kindness, understanding and compassion. He also thanked the Members of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly for attending the programme.
Deputy Speaker Limison D. Sangma said that in Meghalaya, Christmas is not only a religious festival but also an integral part of the state’s social fabric. He observed that while Christmas has deep religious roots, it has evolved into a broader celebration of joy, love and hope, inspiring generosity and care for those in need.
In his message, Neil Vimal Kumar said Christmas signifies hope and the revelation of God to humanity, reflecting God’s closeness to people and enabling them to understand divine love through His presence.
Later, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma and the Members of the Legislative Assembly present participated in the ceremonial cutting of the Christmas cake.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
