Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 535/05

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED IN THE STATE

Along with the rest of the country, the 59th Independence Day of India was celebrated with pomp and gaiety throughout the State.

In the state capital, Shillong, the celebrations began with the hoisting of the tricolor in all government offices and institutions. The official ceremony was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Polo where the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D. D. Lapang unfurled the national flag and took the salute of the marching contingents which included the Assam Regiment, 58 GTC, CRPF,BSF, 1st and 4th MLP Battalion, NCC, Home Guard, District Executive Force, Border Wing Home Guard and Laban Presbyterian Higher Secondary School. In his speech, Dr. Lapang reminded the people of the supreme sacrifices made by great freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru and others. He added that the principles of secularism, social justice, equality and unity in diversity which were the motivating factors of the freedom’s struggle are rededicated on the auspicious day. Saying that maintaining peace, security and public order is the foremost duty of the government, he reiterated the government’s commitment in bringing about the amicable solution with regard to the MBOSE issue. Highlighting the breakthrough achieved with one of the militant outfit of the State, the ANVC that has come forward and signed a peace agreement with the government, Dr. Lapang urged the HNLC to come forward with their grievances to the negotiating table.

In the area of development, Dr. Lapang said that the sate too is on the path of progress with physical infrastructures being increased in the power, communication, water supply and health sectors. He added that implementation of policies and schemes such as the Total Literacy Campaign, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Mid Day Meal for children has improved the education scenario in the state. To foster the agrarian economy of the state, besides providing irrigation facilities, Dr. Lapang added that various projects have been taken under Technology Mission for commercial cultivation of horticulture crops like strawberry, roses and anthurium. He informed that crucial initiatives have been taken to facilitate the growth and development of Information Technology in the state and to this end, the government is in the process of preparing an IT Master Plan evolving a Vision 2020, which would become a blueprint for IT activities in the state. While adding that Meghalaya has achieved substantial development and covered remarkable distance in many sectors since Independence, Dr. Lapang said that the state has a bright future to look forward to. He also called upon all the citizens to take a pledge to work together towards a just and prosperous society.

At Tura, West Garo Hills District, thousands of people, including students, teachers, government officials, public leaders and the general public turned up to participate in the 59th Independence Day celebrations at Chandmary Playground. Meghalaya Minister for Urban Affairs Friday Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute before an impressive parade of 32 marching contingents led by Parade Commander, Mr W. Nongkynrih, MPRO Tura. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr Lyngdoh highlighted the steps and initiatives taken by the State Government in developmental sectors like Education, Health, Energy, road communication and Information technology and stated that the government would do its best to ensure that each and every department provide efficient services to the people of the State for all round development and prosperity.

He also called upon all sections of the society to stand unitedly against forces of evil, both within and outside, and adopt a constructive attitude to strengthen the society and build a prosperous state. Later, the Minister gave away the Bravery Awards to Mr Paul B Lyngdoh, Executive Engineer, Buildings Division, Tura for single-handedly overpowering two armed robbers and Fr.Charles Sangma, Principal, Don Bosco School, Tura who saved a 13-year-old girl student from drowning. The Awards were instituted by the district administration as part of Independence Day celebrations. He also gave away the rolling trophies to the best NCC and Scouts & Guides marching contingents. Other highlights of the day-long celebrations include mock drill by Home Guards & Civil Defence personnel, colourful culture programme and various sports and games in the afternoon.

At Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya Minister for Horticulture etc., Mr. H.D.R. Lyngdoh unfurled the Tricolor and took the salute to the marching contingents which included the police and school students at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground amidst a large gathering. Mr. Lyngdoh, while reminding the people of the supreme sacrifices made by the freedom fighters, stressed upon strengthening of our nation by maintaining peace and tranquility at all cost. The programme of the day included a cultural programme and basketball matches and distribution of award to Anganwadi workers of the District. At Jowai, Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya Chairman of State Resource and Employment Generation, Mr. S. Mulieh hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute to the marching contingents which included the police, home guards, students accompanied by C.T.I. Pipe Band. Mr. Mulieh, in his speech, reminded the people of the great sacrifices made by the freedom fighters like M.K. Gandhi, Tirot Sing Syiem, Kiang Nangbah, Pa Togan Sangma and others. The other highlights of the day included flying of hot gas balloons, presentation of patriotic songs and drill by the local Club and the students. Cash prizes and certificates were also distributed to the winners in the essay and debate competitions and free cinema shows for children below 14 years. At Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi District, the Meghalaya Deputy Speaker, Mr. P.W. Muktieh unfurled the tricolor at Pahamsyiem NSCA Mini Stadium and took the salute to the 17 marching contingents including the police, Scouts and Guides and students from different schools. Other highlights of the day included songs, cultural dances performed by different schools and prize distribution to the winners in the march past. At Williamnagar, East Garo Hills District, Meghalaya Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. S Nongrum unfurled the National flag at Rongrenggiri playground and took to the salute to the marching police contingent and school students. At Baghmara, South Garo Hills District, the Deputy Commissioner, South Garo Hills, Mrs. R N Marak unfurled the tricolor and took the salute to the marching police contingents and school students at the Government Higher Secondary School.

At Khliehriat, Meghalaya Minister for PWD (B), Mr. Shitlang Pale unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute of the marching contingents at the Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, Khliehriat. Other highlights of the day included sports for children, essay and drawing competition for school students. At Amlarem, Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Mr. N.L. Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents consisting of the police and students at a function held at the Amlarem LP School playground. Other highlights of the day included dances, cockfight, athletics, musical chairs and a football match. Awards were also given to the students of the Sub-Division who secured 1st Division in the last SSLC Examination. At Mawkyrwat, Minister for Soil Conservation, Mr. M.N. Mukhim hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute of the marching contingent consisting of the Meghalaya Police and students of Mawlangwir School at a function held at the Maharam Secondary School playground. Other highlights of the day included sports for small children, football and archery competition. At Sohra, the celebration was held at the Pynshadkhurai playground where the Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. B.B. Nongsiej unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the six marching contingents consisting of Police personnel and NCC. Other highlights of the day included distribution of sweets to the children and food packages to patients of NRM Hospital and St. John’s Orphanage Home, Sohra-Maraikaphon. At Resubelpara, the celebration was held at the Resubelpara Boys’ Higher Secondary School playground where Minister for PWD (R), Mr. B.A. Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents consisting of Police personnel, Scouts and Guides and school students. Other highlights of the day included cultural programme, food distribution and sports for children. Independence Day was also celebrated at Asanang, headquarter of the Rongram Development Block where Smti. M.T. Sangma, Block Development Officer, Rongram unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents consisting of school students. At Patharkhmah Administrative Unit, Smti. A.L. Mawlong, Extra Assistant Commissioner i/c Administrative Unit unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents consisting of school students in an impressive function held at the Patharkhmah playground. Other highlights of the day included a football match and cultural programmes presented by different schools of the area.