Independence Day was celebrated all across Meghalaya yesterday at official government and non-government functions.
At Raj Bhavan here, Governor Phagu Chauhan hosted an ‘At Home’ on the sprawling lawns of the official residence.
The celebrations saw the attendance of 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.
To mark the occasion, a cultural programme featuring songs and dances was organised by the Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Shillong.
Earlier the Governor also planted tree saplings to commemorate the day.
Raj Bhavan was also kept open for the general public from 3pm to 8pm. Long queues of enthusiastic and curious visitors waited patiently to get a glimpse of the grandeur of Raj Bhavan. By the end of the day, over 10,000 visitors, young and old, were able to enjoy a tour of the official residence of the Governor as well as the lawns.
Independence Day was also celebrated at the High Court of Meghalaya, with Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee attending the programme as the chief guest.
Apart from the larger celebration in Shillong, Independence Day was also observed by the state government in all the various districts and sub-divisions, with Speaker of the Assembly Thomas A Sangma hoisting the tricolour and taking the salute of the marching contingent, while the Deputy Speaker, cabinet ministers and MLAs played this role in other district and sub-divisional headquarters.
At these functions, appreciation awards were also handed out to best performing health centres, NGOs and government employees, as well as the best marching contingents, best turn out, best command and best cultural troupes.
Other events included the singing of patriotic songs and dances performed by school children, mini marathons, swimming competition, games for children, motorbike stunts, football matches, etc.
The Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya also celebrated the 77th Independence Day at the frontier headquarters in Umpling here. The celebration began with the flag hoisting by BSF Meghalaya Inspector General Pradip Kumar. BSF personnel deployed at the border also celebrated this auspicious day by hoisting the flag and distributing sweets to their counterparts.
Students from BSF schools also marked this special occasion by organising cultural programmes.
Additionally, the 110th Battalion of the BSF Meghalaya organised a free medical camp under its civic action programme for the border villagers of East Khasi Hills. During the programme, free health check-ups were carried out by doctors and medicines were also distributed to the villagers.
In Mawlai Mawroh here, the Directorate of Census Operations, Meghalaya undertook a tree plantation drive at the Forest Beat Office. The tree plantation was also aimed at raising awareness on the importance of afforestation and conservation of the natural environment. Earlier in the day, the national flag was unfurled at the office premises.
In Ri-Bhoi, ICAR Umiam, as part of the celebrations, dedicated the institute’s renovated guesthouse in the name of U Tirot Sing Syiem, the noted freedom fighter from Nongkhlaw, in the presence of scientists, administrative, technical and other staff of the institute.
Higher educational institutes also marked the occasion of Independence Day, with North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and IIM Shillong both observing the special day.
NEHU students took part in a ‘Tiranga March’, adorned in traditional attire representing the diverse cultures of the North East, to commemorate the struggles of freedom fighters from the region. The march culminated in the raising of the national flag by the Vice-Chancellor.
The tricolour was also hoisted at IIM Shillong, which used to day to honour outsourced staff members who have contributed to the campus’s functioning. The felicitation was followed by a cultural programme that featured poetry recitations and an instrumental performed by the students of the PGP programme, celebrating the essence of patriotism.
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Shillong Pine City hosted an ‘Azadi Mahotsav’, which attracted a large crowd that was drawn to the engaging games, food stalls and live music. Proceeds raised from the event will be directed towards supporting noble causes and local charities.
The Sanathan Dharmashaba Harisabha also celebrated Independence Day at the mandir premises. The national flag was hoisted by senior members and fun games were also organised, with many children from different parts of Laban taking part.
