Raphael Warjri

Shillong, January 20, 2024: Meghalaya today celebrated the 52^nd anniversary of statehood day with cultural fanfare at the District Auditorium and Library at Tura. The Hon’ble Governor, Shri Phagu Chauhan graced the programme as Chief Guest, Chief Minister, Shri. Conrad K Sangma as Guest of Honour and I&PR Minister, Dr.  Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh as a Special Guest.

The celebration is a special occasion for the people of the region as the State level celebration is being held at a different venue other than the State capital.

Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Governor extended his greetings to all the people of the state and paid tribute and respect to the great visionary leaders who fought for the statehood movement, freedom fighters and all the people who fought against British rule and sacrificed their lives to protect their culture and motherland.

Commending the development of various sectors in the State, the Hon’ble Governor said," Improving connectivity is essential to building the future of the state. Efforts are underway to upgrade and construct roads and bridges in various districts of the state.  Our state government is setting a number of infrastructure related to health care in terms of hospitals, CHCs, PHCs across the state to provide quality health care services to the people of remote areas. It is a matter of pride that Meghalaya is the third state in the country and the first state in the North-East to have a comprehensive policy on mental health and social care."

In his concluding remarks the Honourable Governor highlighted that Meghalaya is emerging as a business and investment friendly destination. He further urged our society to work together in creating a happy, progressive and drug-free society with sustainable development.

In his address, Chief Minister, Shri. Conrad K Sangma emphasised on the developmental initiatives of the State Government and said that the state expenditure has more than doubled in the last five years, where in 2017-2018 the Government spent close to 9000 crores  and in 2023-2024 close to 21,000 crores was spent in the financial year.  He further informed that under PMGSY from 2018 till date, close to 2526 Kilometres of PMGSY roads have been laid, connecting 600 villages as in contrast to the previous 70. Allocation for improvement of all Block offices has been made with the process making considerable changes. All 2500 Government schools were given sanctions for either constructing of  new building or complete renovation, he added.

The Chief Minister further stressed that special focus and opportunities are being given to farmers, women and youth of our state, whether it is in the form of creation of self-help groups, or through music platforms, entrepreneurship and sports, all of which will go a long way in spearheading the growth and development of the State.

IPR Minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh while addressing the gathering stated that Meghalaya’s development over the years has been unique and commendable in many ways under the dynamic leadership of our Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. She said that the government has remained committed to tap into the state’s resources and revolutionize all sectors of government machinery through many schemes and initiatives. The government has made several in-roads in the sector of agriculture, tourism, power generation, education, information technology, entrepreneurship and all of the other departments.  

To mark the occasion, Hon’ble Governor released the State Anthem composed by (L) Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir.

On the occasion, the names of Meghalaya Day Awards for this year were announced. Shri.  Risingbor Kurkalang was awarded U Tirot Sing Award for Arts & Literature, Dr. Delphine G Momin received the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services and Phrangki Buam was awarded U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports & Games.

15 persons were awarded the  Governor’s Police Medal  for outstanding service, 6 were given the Chief Minister's Disaster Response Medal for outstanding service and 21 were awarded the Meghalaya Day Excellence awards 2023 on the day.

Traditional songs and dances added pomp and grandeur to the celebrations. (MIPR)