Shillong, Aug 16: Independence Day was celebrated all across Meghalaya yesterday at official government and non-government functions.
The elegant lawns of Raj Bhavan, glowing under the illumination of the Tricolour, served as the backdrop for a meticulously organized ceremony that honoured India’s legacy of freedom, showcased Meghalaya’s cultural heritage, and celebrated the achievements of exceptional individuals from across the country.
The celebrations saw the attendance of Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, senior officials of the state government, paramilitary forces, armed forces, freedom fighters, representatives from various NGOs, students and cadets of the National Cadet Corps and the Bharat Scouts and Guides.
The Governor also released the book titled “From Residency to Raj Bhavan”, highlighting the historical journey of the Governor’s residence in Meghalaya.
At the Meghalaya High Court, Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji hoisted the national flag in the presence of judicial officers, court staff, and dignitaries.
Former Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Justice W. Diengdoh, and Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee of the High Court of Meghalaya were present on the occasion.
In his address, Chief Justice Mukerji emphasized the importance of duty over reward, stating, “Karma is in our hands, not the fruits of it.” Expressing pride in being part of Meghalaya’s judiciary, he lauded the court’s infrastructure, natural surroundings, and the efficiency of its staff. He also noted the scope for further development of the judicial system in the state and reaffirmed his commitment to public welfare through judicial service.
Former Chief Justice of India Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud delivered a thought-provoking speech on the deeper meaning of freedom. “Independence does not only mean freedom from colonial rule, but also internal freedom—a freedom of the mind and spirit,” he said. He highlighted the progress India has made in the past 75 years, especially in areas such as education, infrastructure, and food self-sufficiency, citing the improved road connectivity between Guwahati and Shillong as a sign of development.
Justice Chandrachud also called attention to the need for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among India’s youth, stating, “The future of India lies in liberating the energy of its young population and transforming it into self-motivation.” He urged young citizens to safeguard the nation’s diversity and uphold the values of inclusion and unity.
He praised the High Court of Meghalaya for its vital role in upholding the rule of law, not just within the state but as part of the larger Indian judiciary. “The High Court is a sentinel of governance, a bridge between citizens and the law, especially in a culturally rich state like Meghalaya,” he observed.
Justice Chandrachud emphasized that judges, while not always able to offer material relief, play a crucial role in healing societal wounds through empathetic listening and fair hearings. “Sometimes, just giving a citizen a patient hearing is an act of healing,” he said.
Apart from the larger celebration, Independence Day was also observed by the state government in all the various districts and sub-divisions.
In the state capital Shillong, the celebration was held at J.N. Stadium, Polo Grounds, wherein Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 35 marching contingents.
Police Medal for Meritorious Service Billygraham R Marak, Commandant and Allan Eddie Marbaniang, Assistant Sub Inspector, and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service to Rokesh Warjri, Leading Fireman were announced during the day.
Further on the occasion, Badalyne Kharkongor, Divisional Commandant of Home Guards, Shillong Home Guards Division and Naik Parsing Ch Marak, Central Training Institute of Civil Defence & Home Guards were awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the Civil Defence & Home Guards Department of the State.
On the occasion, certificates were also distributed to the top performing hospitals (both public and private) under East Khasi Hills District for best implementation of MHIS-PMJAY scheme.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the march past, where Loreto Convent School, BSF Girls HS School and St. Joseph HS School won the first, second and third prizes respectively. In the Brass Band, Sacred Heart Boys HS School, St. Margaret HS School and Auxilium Girls HS School won prizes. Pine Mount HS School, Auxilium Girl HS School, St. Anthony’s HS School won prizes for cultural performance.
The Border Security Force Meghalaya Frontier celebrated Independence Day with grandeur and patriotic fervour at its headquarters in Umpling and border outposts. In a gesture symbolizing friendship and mutual respect, BSF troops exchanged sweets with their counterparts the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie between the two forces.
Education institutions also took the initiative to celebrate Independence Day.
The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) celebrated the 79th Independence Day with 7000 students, staff, and guests in attendance. A festive flag-marching ceremony highlighted the occasion’s magnificence, followed by a special performance featuring cultural dances and patriotic songs, culminating in the enchanting “Vande Mataram.”
The university students innovatively crafted tri-colour Independence Day badges from bottle caps. An Azadi Rally and a glorious Tricolour balloon release lit up the grey August skies, with flecks of colour heightening the stateliness of the weighty occasion.
IIM Shillong celebrated the day reaffirming its commitment to shaping leaders who will contribute to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Umroi Cantonment also celebrated Independence Day. In-Charge Principal, Deepak Bedi reminded students of the importance of education and moral values. He urged them to take a pledge to “Read and Lead”, making learning a guiding force in their lives.
Dorbar Shnong Riatsamthiah celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor.
Localities like Riatsamthiah held its own function. The day’s program began with a walkathon. The National flag was hoisted by Dr. (Rev) R.F. Kharkrang, who delivered a brief history of Riatsamthiah’s humble beginnings as a small hamlet in the early 1900s and its contribution to India’s independence struggle.
The program also recognized the dedicated service of the police department, with felicitations awarded to Lumdiengjri PS and Lumdiengjri Traffic Branch for ensuring the safety and security of residents.
Additionally, two outstanding individuals were felicitated for their achievements: Iasanialang Passah, who secured the fifth position in BSc Honours Zoology, and Dr. (Rev) Revan Field Kharkrang, who was awarded the Doctor of Divinity from Bukiram City Church, Bangkok, Thailand, at the remarkable age of 72.
