To commemorate the completion of ten years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar felicitated meritorious Class 10 and Class 12 girl students of 2024 at the official Republic Day celebration here yesterday.
The students were Aleytheia Syiemlieh of St Margaret’s Higher Secondary School, Nitya Agarwal of Army Public School, Aisha Deka of Loreto Convent, Naaz Bashar of St Mary’s HSS, A Chokhani of APS, Aditi Duhaka Lyngdoh of Pine Mount School, Amebaaihunsha Kharbhih of St Anthony’s HSS, Deeksha Rathore of APS, Suhani W Pohlong of Pine Mount, Ferry Filarisha Wann of St Mary’s HSS and Vishaka Sharma of APS.
Vijayashankar unfurled the national flag and took the salute of the marching contingents comprising of the BSF, CRPF, East Khasi Hills District Executive Force, Meghalaya Police, NCC Boys, NCC Girls, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indian Red Cross Society, Sacred Heart Boys’ HSS, Holy Child SS, Assam Rifles Public School horse contingent and brass band of Border Wing Home Guards.
The Governor handed over the U Tirot Sing Award 2025 for Arts and Literature to Sembertush A Sangma, Pa Togan N Sangma Award 2025 for Social Services to Rev WC Khongwir and U Kiang Nangbah Award 2025 for Sports to Kmoin Wahlang.
Various tableaux were presented, with the winner being that of the Divisional Soil and Water Conservation. The best school in the march past was Sacred Heart Boys.
In his message, Vijayashankar extended warm wishes to the citizens of Meghalaya and called for collective efforts to uphold the ideals of democracy, unity and progress. He emphasised the importance of inclusivity and development, reiterating Meghalaya’s commitment to the vision of a strong and united India.
Later, the Governor hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Raj Bhavan, Shillong. The event was attended by dignitaries, officials and prominent citizens from various walks of life. He also presented the awards to the winners of the flower show organised at Raj Bhavan, which is a calendar event now.
Meanwhile, in Tura, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma unfurled the national flag and took the salute of 13 parade contingents.
During the function, the CM presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Milton S Sangma, renowned scholar and former Pro-Vice Chancellor of NEHU Tura. Further, he felicitated girl toppers of 2024 SSLC exams from the district, namely Aime Azora G Momin from St Xaviers School, Tura Ayumi M Momin from Sherwood School Tura, Lilian Christiano B Marak from Christian Girls HSS, Tura and Eve Amareen A Sangma. Sangma also felicitated the Women Police Sub-Inspectors Salmay Marak and Tanya Marak for their exceptional and gender sensitive police work and recognition as Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao Champions.
The state’s two Deputy Chief Ministers, Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, were the chief guests at Republic Day celebrations in Nongstoin and Mawkyrwat respectively. Other cabinet ministers and MLAs performed the duties of unfurling the tricolour and taking the salute at other district headquarters, civil sub-divisions and at the Hima Shangpung, Laskein C&RD block.
Republic Day was also celebrated by other institutions, such as the High Court of Meghalaya and NEIGRIHMS.
