52nd Meghalaya Day celebrated

Tura, Jan 20   Meghalaya celebrated its 52nd Statehood Day on Saturday at a programme held at District Auditorium and Library, Tura, West Garo Hills with Governor Phagu Chauhan and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma greeting the people on the occasion.
Meghalaya was carved out of the then composite Assam on January 21, 1972 following a Hill State Movement during the tenure of Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister.
The 52nd Statehood Day celebration is a special occasion for the people of the region as the State level celebration is being held at a different venue other than the State capital.
Extending his greetings to all the people of the state, Chauhan paid tribute and respect to the great visionary leaders who fought for the statehood movement, freedom fighters and all the people who fought against British rule and sacrificed their lives to protect their culture and motherland.
Commending the development of various sectors in the State, the Governor said, “Improving connectivity is essential to building the future of the state. Efforts are underway to upgrade and construct roads and bridges in various districts of the state.”
“Our state government is setting a number of infrastructure related to health care in terms of hospitals, CHCs, PHCs across the state to provide quality health care services to the people of remote areas.”
Chauhan added : “It is a matter of pride that Meghalaya is the third state in the country and the first state in the North-East to have a comprehensive policy on mental health and social care."
Noting that Meghalaya is emerging as a business and investment friendly destination, the Governor urged the citizens of the state to work together in creating a happy, progressive and drug-free society with sustainable development.
In his address, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the state expenditure has doubled in the last five years that has resulted in transformative changes in various key sectors like roads, health, education, sports and youth affairs.
Sangma further stressed on the special focus on farmers, women and youth of the state in several fields including Self Help Groups, music, entrepreneurship and sports.
Information and Public Relation Minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh while addressing the gathering stated that Meghalaya’s development over the years has been unique and commendable in many ways under the dynamic leadership of our Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
She said that the government has remained committed to tap into the state’s resources and revolutionize all sectors of government machinery through many schemes and initiatives.
To mark the occasion, Governor Chauhan also released the State Anthem composed by (L) Neil Nongkynrih, the founder, conductor, and mentor of Shillong Chamber Choir
On the occasion, the names of Meghalaya Day Awards for this year were announced. Shri. Risingbor Kurkalang was awarded U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Literature, Dr. Delphine G Momin received the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services and Phrangki Buam was awarded U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports and Games.
Moreover, 15! police personnel were awarded the Governor’s Police Medal for outstanding service, six were given the Chief Minister's Disaster Response Medal for outstanding service and 21 were awarded the Meghalaya Day Excellence awards 2023 on the day.
Traditional songs and dances added pomp and grandeur to the celebrations.