Shillong, Jan 27: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya celebrated the 77th Republic Day yesterday.
In the state capital, Shillong Meghalaya Governor, Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the marching contingents.
During the programme, the Governor handed over the U Tirot Sing Award 2026 for Arts and Literature to Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, Pa Togan N Sangma Award 2026 for Social Services to Father Benoy Joseph and U Kiang Nangbah Award 2026 for Sports & Games to Riiohlang Dhar.
The Governor also felicitated the Padma Shri 2026 Awardee, Hally War. He was awarded the prestigious honour for his lifelong dedication to crafting and preserving Meghalaya’s iconic living root bridges.
During the programme, announcements were also made for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) to Jubi Gabil Momin, DIG, Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Bashanborlang J. Laloo, Commandant and Babu Chow Sinha, Sub Inspector.
The celebration saw the tableau presentation by different departments. The best tableau was awarded to the Directorate of Mineral Resources followed by the Tourism Department and District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in second and third place.
In the March Past competition, Phudmuri Presbyterian Higher Secondary, Shillong bagged first prize, while BDW International School and Assam Rifles Public School bagged the second and third prizes respectively.
Other highlights of the programme include cultural programmes.
The Infinity Choir and Nongrah Presbyterian Secondary School presented the cultural programmes on the occasion.
Republic Day was also celebrated with great patriotic fervour in all the District Headquarters and Civil Sub-Divisions.
Meanwhile, the Governor hosted the traditional “At Home” reception at Lok Bhavan. A rich cultural programme was presented by artists from Meghalaya and all other Sister States of North East. The Cultural performances showcased the diverse cultural heritage of the North Eastern region through traditional dances and musical performances.
During the programme, the Governor felicitated three State Award recipients with citations along with cheque of Rs.51,000 for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
The Pa Togan Sangma Award was conferred upon Dr. Delphine Gare Momin for contribution in the field of for Arts and Culture, the U Kiang Nangbah Award upon Kmoin Wahlang for her outstanding performance as a Runner in the field of Sports & Games, and the U Tirot Sing Award upon Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta in the field of Literature and Education.
The winners of the Shillong Flower Show – 2026 were also felicitated for the beautiful curations of Flowers made under the categories of King of the Show and Queen of the Show.
The celebrations concluded with musical performances by the Assam Rifles Jazz Band, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
