Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya celebrated the 75th Independence Day across the state.
In the State capital, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma hoisted the National Flag at Polo Ground, Shillong and took the Rashtriya Salute of three Parade Contingents comprising BSF, CRPF and SF10, Meghalaya Police and the Brass Band of the Border Wing Home Guards.
The Chief Minister also released a book titled “Celebrating India@75”, a collaborative effort of the Department of Arts and Culture and the Synod College Management Authority and the Meghalaya Freedom Song, commissioned by the Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya in commemoration of 75 years of India’s Independence.
Health workers and front line workers were also felicitated on the occasion for working tirelessly in the fight against the COVID-19.
The Chief Minister also handed over the award under the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) to Mawsynram CHC and Laitlyngkot PHC and Diengiei PHC for the top performing CHC and PHCs.
As part of the celebrations, names of medal achievers from the Police Department, Fire Service and Home Guards & Civil Defence were also announced.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong hoisted the national flag and took the salute of five parade contingents of the 6th Battalion Meghalaya Police Umran and a band troop of St Paul’s Higher Secondary School Nongpoh at the NSCA Mini Stadium Pahamsyiem, Nongpoh.
At Nongstoiñ, Home Minister (before he resigned) Lahkmen Rymbui hoisted the national flag and took the salute of three police contingents of West Khasi Hills District Executive Force, the 4th MLP Bn Sohpian, and Home Guards at St Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground Pyndengrei, Nongstoiñ.
At Jowai Urban Affairs Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar hoisted the national flag at Jrisalein playground. The Minister acknowledged the service and contributions made by frontline workers of Covid-19, including doctors, nurses, health workers, and policemen who have put their lives at risk to protect the masses. He also distributed certificates of appreciation to health workers.
At Tura, Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh hoisted the flag at Matchakolgre LP School Field, New Tura, and took the salute of parade contingents comprising Tura DEF, 2nd MLP Battalion, Goeragre, and Home Guards.
During the function, the chief guest presented the certificate of recognition for frontline Covid warriors to Gracefield Marak and Tengsrang B Marak, Tura Municipal Board for their continuous duty.
Further, Lyngdoh also felicitated the Tura Civil Hospital with a certificate of appreciation for its outstanding dedication and effort during the Covid-19 pandemic.
At Mawkyrwat, Public Health Engineering Minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar was the chief guest at a programme held at the playground of Maharam Government Higher Secondary School, Mawkyrwat.
In recognition for their hard work and dedication in the fight against Covid-19, the district administration, during the celebration, gave away awards for good performance in mobilisation of Covid-19 vaccination drive to villages, Zonal Magistrates, Sector Officers, Gramsevak, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers. Villages that have achieved 100 percent vaccination, namely Mawlangwir, Nongmawlein, Nongnad, Sohkhyllam, Rangblang, Sohsynniang, and Wahsiej, will be sanctioned Rs. 5 lakh each for any developmental scheme of their choice by Meghalaya Basin Development Agency (MBDA).
At Ampati, Power Minister James PK Sangma hoisted the national flag and took salute of the parade contingent of 2nd MLP Ampati.
The minister also felicitated five villages of the district that achieved 100 percent vaccination coverage of both first and second doses. It may be noted that nearly 30 villages in the district have achieved full vaccination of 18-44 years and 45-plus categories and were also felicitated in the block-level celebrations. Altogether 74 ASHAs of the district were also felicitated for their untiring efforts and selfless services to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus at the grassroots level.
In remembrance of the martyrs during the celebration, Shaheed CT/D (CRPF) Sugandha Koch of Gandhipara village, South West Garo Hills, who laid down his life in the service of the nation during an operation against the Maoists on May 4, 2005, was given a special honour in the presence of his wife Purnima Koch.
At Khliehriat, Minister of Social Welfare, Kyrmen Shylla handed awards to the best performing PHC – Pamra Paithlu – and CHC – Khliehriat. In East Jaintia Hills, Malidor village was awarded for being the first village to attain 100 percent coverage of Covid-19 vaccination.
At Mairang Civil Sub Division Meghalaya Minister for Water Resources etc, Brolding Nongsiej hoisted the Tri-Colour Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the marching contingent of the Police at the celebration held at Madan Dommawlum, Pyndengumiong, Mairang.
During the programme, the Sub-Divisional Administration handed cash awards to Kevinstrong Lawriniang and Queen Annable Ann Basaiawmoit of St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Mairang for their outstanding performance in the recently announced SSLC results by occupying the 1st and 10th positions respectively, and appreciation certificates were also handed over on the occasion to the Best ANMs, AWWs, Gram Sewaks and Block ASHAs of Mairang and Mawthadraishan C&RD Blocks.
Lawbyrtun, Umthied Lawkasoin, Mawteijrong, and Kynshi Mawria villages of Mawthadraishan C&RD Blocks and Jadap village of Mairang C&RD Block were handed commendation certificates for achieving 100 % COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
After the program, the dignitaries laid floral wreaths at the statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem located at Madan Mot Tirot, Mairang Mission, Mairang.
Meanwhile, Shillong College NCC together with IQAC and NSS organized the flag hoisting ceremony in the college. The principal of the college, E Kharkongor, hoisted the Indian flag and reminded that we may come from different communities, religions, caste, and creed but must always remember that we are Indians first.
