Shillong, January 27, 2010: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya too celebrated its 60th Anniversary of Republic Day with much pomp and gaiety in all its District Headquarters, Civil Sub-Divisions and Administrative Units of the State.

At Shillong, the Governor of Meghalaya, Mr. R. S Mooshahary unfurled the National Flag at Polo Grounds and took the salute at an impressive march past of nine contingents which included State Police, Assam Regiment, BSF, CRPF, Home Guards, NCC boys and girls, Scouts and Guides.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor remembered with reverence the patriots of the State - U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nongbah and Pa Togan N. Sangma who made supreme sacrifices for the country. He also highlighted the growth of various sectors of the State such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Transport, Tourism and Health Services besides others while acknowledging the efforts of various departments such as the Community and Rural Development Department, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, Information and Communication Technology and many more.

Other highlights of the day included distribution of the Meghalaya Day Awards where Ailad Kharngapkynta received the U Kiang Nongbah Award for Sports, Bikromjit A Sangma the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Literature and Smti. Bluebell W. Marbaniang the Pa Togan N. Sangma Award for Social Service. Tableaux by government departments and NGOs were also presented on the occasion wherein the first prize was bagged by ‘Pla iew’ carrying a message on environmental awareness. The second and third place went to Tourism and Agriculture Department respectively.

At Tura, the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul M. Sangma hoisted the tricolor at MP stadium, Tura and took the Rashtriya salute followed by an inspection of the parade contingents which included paramilitary forces, state police, Bharat scouts and guides and schools students.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mukul Sangma, stressed on the implementation of various developmental schemes initiated by the State Government under the support of the Central Government for the upliftment of the rural as well as the urban populace. Stressing on the need for the existence of a peaceful environment for successful developmental initiatives, he discouraged groups from resorting to violence and bandh, saying such forms of agitation were detrimental to the development of the state and appealed to the youth to shun such activities and come forward in building a strong and prosperous Meghalaya.

Other highlights of the day included prize distribution for the best tableaux, sports for children and final match of the Captain Sangma memorial running trophy and tennis ball cricket tournament.

At Jowai, the Minister of Forest and Environment, Dr. R C Laloo unfurled the National flag and took the salute of an impressive marchpast comprising of 16 contingents from Police, Home Guards, Colleges and schools students.

Other highlights of the celebration included presentation of Tableaux by different government departments of the district, cultural programmes, display of fire balloons, tug of war competition, free cinema show for children and distribution of food packets to inmate of various hospitals at Jowai.

At Nongpoh, the celebration was held at the NSCA Mini Stadium Pahamsyiem, Nongpoh. The Minister in-charge of Education, Mrs. Ampareen Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of an impressive march past of 14 contingents including Police and students from different schools. Tableaux were also presented by different government departments highlighting their works and schemes.

Other highlights of the day included songs and dance presented by students and prize distribution to the winners in the tableau presentation and marchpast which was bagged by PHE Department and SOS Children’s village respectively. The day ended with a friendly football match played between Officers XI and Staff XI.

At Baghmara, Minister of Transport and Communication, Shri. Ismail R. Marak unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute of an impressive march past

At Williamnagar, the Meghalaya Minister of PWD, Mr M. M Danggo unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute to marching contingents of students, scouts & guides and police.

Other highlights of the day were presentation of tableaux by various government department, sports, cultural programmes, patriotic songs and dances which were presented by school students.

At Nongstoin, the Chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Mr Ronnie V. Lyngdoh unfurled the Tri-Colour and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 12 parade contingents which included the police, NCC and school students at a function held at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School playground, Nongstoin. Besides the ceremonial parade, tableaux presentation by five government departments comprising of Forest, Soil Conservation, Agriculture combined with Irrigation, Education, and PHE department added colour to the celebration. The best tableau presentation was awarded to the Soil Department.

Other highlights of the day included cultural programme, basketball between the Women Officers and the Seng Longkmie New Nongstoin, prize distribution, distribution of food packages to patients of Civil Hospital, Green Pastures Home and St. Peter’s Orphanage at Pyndengrei.

At Sohra Civil Sub Division, Minister for PWD (Building), GAD, etc, Mr. Paul Lyngdoh unfurled the Tri Colour and took the Rashtriya salute of the marching contingents comprising of the Meghalaya Police Border Wing and Battalion and Fire Service of Sohra Police Station and Schools students at a function held at Sohra Football Stadium, Saitsohpen, Sohra.

Other highlights of the day included songs, recitation of patriotic poem, football match and distribution of sweets and gift packages to the patients of NRM Hospital and St. John orphanage.

At Mairang Civil Sub Division, the day was celebrated at Madan Tirot in a befitting manner where the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. B M Lanong unfurled the Tricolor and took the Rashtriya Salute of the 7 marching contingents comprising the Meghalaya Police and school students. Cultural programmes were also presented on the day.

At Mawkyrwat Civil Sub-Division, Minister of Agriculture, Mr. J.A Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at a March past of 13 parade contingents comprising of Police force, scouts and guides and students at Maharam Government Secondary School Playground.

Other highlights were tableaux presentation by three departments, sports and games for children, archery competition, distribution of food items to patients in hospital, cultural programmes and a football match between the officers of Ranikor and the officers of Mawkyrwat.

At Khliehriat Civil Sub Division, the day was celebrated at Khliehriat West playground wherein Mr. E Kharmalki, SDO (Civil) unfurled the Tricolor and took the Salute to the parade contingents.

At Amlarem Civil Sub Division, Mr. Pynshngain Syiem, Parliamentary Secretary, Health & Family Welfare unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the march past by police contingents of the Sub Division and school students.

At Resubelpara Civil Sub Division, Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Samuel M. Sangma unfurled the National flag and took the Rashtriya salute of a March past comprising of 4 contingents at a function held at Tekachang playground, Resubelpara.

At Ampati Civil Sub-Division, Minister for Taxation, Mr. A. T. Mondal unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the parade contingents at Ampati mini-stadium.

Other highlights of the day included tableaux presentation by various departments, cultural programmes, sports and games for children and distribution of sweets and food to patients at Ampati CHC.

At Dadenggiri Civil Sub-Division, Minister of State, Mr. L. S. Sangma unfurled the National Fag and took the salute of marching contingent from MLP 2nd Battalion and school students.