Shillong, Jan 27: Thin attendance marked the 75th Republic Day celebrations in the city on January 26.
Unlike the past Independence or Republic Day celebrations, the presence of the crowd was thin at Polo Ground, the main venue of the R-Day celebration.
Governor Phagu Chauhan unfurled the national flag, took the salute of the marching contingents comprising BSF, CRPF, District Executive Force, East Khasi Hills District, Sikkim Police, 1st MLP Bn, NCC Boys, NCC Girls, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, Sacred Heart Girl’s Hr. Sc. School, Brass Band Border Wing Home Guards and Pipe Band Assam Regiment Centre.
Though there were not many defence personnel at Polo Ground, maximum participation of the personnel and their families was visible at Raj Bhavan later compared to civilians.
In Shillong,the governor handed over the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Culture to Risingbor Kurkalang, Pa Togan N Sangma Award for Social Service to Dr. Delphine Gare Momin and U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports to Phrangki Buam.
The Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) & Pradhan Mantri Jan Yojana (PMJAY) awards for top performing hospitals both public and private based on their overall performance, utilisation and quality were also distributed during the programme.
Performing PHC, CHC & hospitals
The top performing PHC in the district of East Khasi Hills was awarded to Pomlum PHC, top performing CHC in the state goes to Mawphlang CHC, East Khasi Hills, top performing private hospitals in the State goes to Bethany Hospital, Shillong and Bansara Eye Care Centre, East Khasi Hills, the top performing Chest Hospital in the State goes to Reid Provincial Chest Hospital, East Khasi Hills District and the top performing Maternal and Child Hospital in the State goes to Ganesh Das Government Maternal & Child Hospital, East Khasi Hills District. Further, the Reid Provincial Chest Hospital, East Khasi Hills District has also bagged the award for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Quality Certification Hospital.
Medals for meritorious service
During the programme, announcements were also made for the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) to Vivek Syiem, Superintendent of Police (City), John M Sangma, AB-Inspector and Teibor Sumer, Havildar and Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service to Aniosca Basaiawmoit, Inspector posted as Senior Instructor at Central Training Institute of Civil Defence and Home Guards, Mawdiangdiang.
Tableau presentation
The celebration saw the tableau presentation by the Tourism Department, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, DCIC-East Khasi Hills, Superintendent of Fisheries, Meghalaya State Skills Development Society, District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, District Horticulture, DFO, Social Forestry, NCC, Divisional Soil and Water Conservation and District Election Officer. The best tableau was awarded to the DCIC-East Khasi Hills (1st place), Meghalaya State Skills Development Society, (2nd place) and District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary (3rd place).
March past
In the march past competition, NCC girls bagged first prize, while NCC Boys and Sacred Heart Girl’s Hr. Sc. School bagged the second and third prizes respectively.
Other highlights of the programme included cultural programmes which were presented by Seng Khasi Higher Secondary School, Mawngap, Christian Multi-Purpose Higher Secondary School Sanmer, Higher Secondary School, Upper Shillong and Mission UP SSA School, Mawryngkneng.
Other districts
At Tura: Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of 11 parade contingents at Matchakolgre L P School Playground, New Tura.
Life Achievement Award to Rodrick Shira
On the occasion, Conrad handed over the Lifetime Achievement Award to Rodrick D Shira for his outstanding and exceptional achievements, contributions and excellent service to the people of the state and the nation as a whole. An alumnus of the prestigious IIT Kharagpur in Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering, he was awarded gold medal for Electronics in 1967 and started his career in Fertilizer Industries as Process Control Engineer and worked in FCI Sindri and has served in different places in various capacities. Being selected by Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) in 1998 he became the Director of Production in the Bongaigaon Refinery and Petrochemicals limited presently Indian Oil Corporation Limited and retired in the same position in 2003. In 2017, he was selected as the first Vice Chancellor of Captain Williamson Sangma’s Technical University at Jewilgre by the Government of Meghalaya.
Awards to PHC
Further, the chief guest also presented the Certificate of Appreciation in respect to Water and Sanitation Award to Kama Galwanggre Village and Babadam Village and the Award for the Top Performing PHC to Darengre PHC which was selected based on overall performance under the MHIS and AB-PMJAY implementation in the district.
The Certificate of Appreciation to the staff of various departments in the district namely Lendith N Sangma from PHE Office, Tura, Pran Gobinda Saha from District AH &Veterinary Office, Tura, Ningring M Sangma from Medical Department Tikrikilla, Crystone T Sangma from Dalu PHC, Chrisdy Myithaline A Sangma and Anna Mary M Momin both from District Social Welfare Office Tura, Bijoy Joshi and Wisefield D Marak from Tura Distribution Division, MePDCL, Tura, Willen Ch Marak and Uttam R Marak from District Horticulture office, Tura, Ankur Newar and Jesse Ch Sangma from Superintendent of Police, Tura, Bidalling Airo A Sangma from Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura, Marcyldha K Sangma and Mellorious Ch Marak from District Sericulture Office, Tura, Sulata Hajong from District Handloom Office, Tura, Damseng R Sangma and Tenny Boshen R Marak from DC Office (Revenue) Branch, Tura. These awards were presented by Dr. M G R Kumar, DIG, Western Range, Tura.
In the Tableau presentation, the Tura Municipal Board bagged the first prize for the scientific approach to waste disposal for greener Tura, the District Commerce and Industries Centre the second prize for presentation of the Prime Minister’s Vishwakarma Scheme and the Election Department, the third prize.
Further, the chief guest also flagged off the vehicles for Bilgaro Republic Day Run 2024 which focused on road safety awareness fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants. It was organised by the Tura Motor Sports Club.
Later in the afternoon, games and sports were organised for children and exhibition football match between DC XI and Medical XI was also organised at P A Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre, Tura.
The republic day celebrations were also held in Raksamgre and Dadenggre Civil Sub-Divisions where Limison D Sangma, MLA and Brening A Sangma, MLA were Chief Guests respectively.
At Williamnagar: Education Minister, Rakkam A Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of 15 contingents at Rongrenggiri Govt. Higher Secondary School playground.
At Ampati: PHE Minister, Marcuise N Marak unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the 17 parade contingents.
The Minister also presented the trophies for best three tableau presentation to DCIC, Labour department and PHE department, respectively, while the best marching contingent trophies were presented to St. Dominic Savio Higher Secondary School, St. Claret Secondary School Scouts and Birin-Nuchong School Scouts.
Other highlights of the day’s celebration were distribution of food to patients of Ampati Civil Hospital, children’s sports and friendly cricket match between District Administration and District Police teams.
At Resubelpara: Deputy Chief Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents at Resubelpara Mini Stadium.
Marking the celebration, tableau presentations by various departments showcasing departmental activities drew the attention of the crowd wherein the office of Soil & Water Conservation bagged the best tableau award.
The best march past trophy was awarded to Resubelpara RMSA Secondary School.
Other highlights of the day were felicitation of best employees of the district, ASHA award and athletes who brought laurels to the district during the 5th edition of Meghalaya Games which concluded in Tura recently, were also honoured with citation and trophies during the programme.
At Baghmara: Power Minister, AT Mondal unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of 11 marching contingents comprising Meghalaya Police, BSF and schools at a function held at Baghmara Sports Complex.
In the tableau presentation, Soil and Water Conservation, DCIC and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. In the march past, United Baptist Secondary School, Girls, JNV Girls School, and United Baptist Secondary School, Boys bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. Siju PHC was awarded the best performing PHC in the District of South Garo Hills under Megha Health Insurance Scheme and Baghmara Civil Hospital was awarded the best performing district hospital in the State under Megha Health Insurance Scheme.
At Jowai: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, A.L Hek unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 20 marching contingents at Jrisalein Playground, Jowai.
In the tableau presentation District Horticulture Office, Jowai bagged the first prize while District Commerce & Industries Centre, Jowai and Divisional Soil and Water Conservation Office, Territorial Division Jowai secured the second and third prize respectively.
Awards were also presented to the top performing PHC where Sahsniang PHC was awarded the best performing Public Health Centre (PHC) in the district for its performance and service under Megha Health Insurance scheme (MHIS) & Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana) (AB PM- JAY).
At Khliehriat: Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Shakliar Warjri unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of 12 marching contingents at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School playground.
During the function, Rymbai PHC was awarded for overall performance under MHIS & Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY implementation while officials of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), East Jaintia Hills District were felicitated by Rotary Club, Jowai. Office bearers of the One Stop Centre, Khliehriat were also handed awards in recognition of their contributions in the project ‘Assisting women in Accessing Justice (AWAJ)’, for educating community members about the prevalence of abuse and for encouraging people to take action and to promote social change.
Other highlights of the celebration include prize distribution to the winners of the March Past in which Little Star Secondary School, Lad Rymbai and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Rymbai were adjudged winners and runners up respectively. In the cultural items segment, the winners and runners up prizes were bagged by Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Rymbai and Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, Khliehriat respectively while in the tableau presentation section, the tableau of the District Rural development Agency (DRDA), East Jaintia Hills District was adjudged as the best tableau while that of the Agriculture Department was adjudged the second best tableau.
At Nongstoin: Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the 14 marching contingents.
Other highlights of the day include the tableau display from different government departments of West Khasi Hills District, football match between the Nongstoin Football Association and the Officers Club Nongstoin (Veteran), distribution of edibles to patients of Civil Hospital, St. Peter’s Green Pasteur Orphanage, Pyndengrei, Rev. S. Wollington Children’s Home, Nongpyndeng and Shelter Homes for Boys and Girls, Nondein.
At Mawkyrwat: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Kyrmen Shylla unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the 8 parade contingents at Nativity Higher Secondary School playground, Mawkyrwat.
The other highlights of the day include tableau presentations by six government departments, cultural programmes and prize distribution to the winners of the March Past. J.K.M.P. Higher Secondary School emerged the winners of in the March Past, with Little Start Higher Secondary School and Maharam Government Higher Secondary School claiming the 2nd prize and 3rd prize, respectively.
In the cultural programme, certificates of participation were also presented to Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya (JNV), Mawkyrwat and Nativity Higher Secondary School, Mawkyrwat for their cultural performances during the event. In the tableau presentation, the PHE Department received the 1st prize, followed by the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Election) in the 2nd Prize, and the Office of the Divisional Soil and Water Conservation securing the 3rd Prize. Additionally, an award was given to Umjarian HWC-SC for the Best Performaning Health and Wellness Centre in the District, and Nongbah Marshillong Village was awarded as the Best Village Health Council in the District.
At Nongpoh: Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the 16 Contingent at NSCA Mini Stadium Pahamsyiem.
The celebration includes presentation of tableaus by different government departments and cultural programmes.
At Mairang: Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Comingone Ymbon unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the marching contingents at Dom Mawlum Playground.
The other highlights of the celebration include tableau presentation by various departments with the offices of the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Mairang, the Block Development Officer, Mairang C&RD Block, Mairang and the Fishery Officer, Mairang winning the first, second and third prizes respectively and cultural items competition where Seng Khasi Secondary School, Pyndengumiong bagged the first prize, St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Mairang the second prize and Multipurpose Secondary School, Lumrit Sohdadek bagged the third prize.
At Sohra Civil Sub-Division: Arts & Culture Minister, Paul Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the 10 marching contingents comprising the East Khasi Hills DEF, NCC and schools at St. John Bosco Ground, Sohra. Other highlights of the programme were cultural programmes.
At Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division: MLA Brening A Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the marching contingents.
At Amlarem Civil Sub-Division: MLA Lahkmen Rymbui unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute at Amlarem Government Lower Primary School Playground.
At Pynursla Civil Sub-Division: Banteidor Lyngdoh unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the 7 marching contingents at Urksew Umkor Pynursla Sport Club Stadium.
At Mawshynrut Civil Sub Division, Santa Mary Shylla unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute at Riangdo PlayGround.
Other highlights of the day were cultural programmes, distribution of gifts to the differently abled persons and a friendly football match between Government officials and Sordar Rangbah Shnong.
At Raksamgre Civil Sub-Division: MLA Limison D Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the marching contingents.
At Chokpot Civil Sub-Division: MLA, Sengchim N Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute at Chokpot UP School Playground.
At Ranikor Civil Sub-Division: MLA, Pius Marwein unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute of the marching contingents at Nolikata playground.
The day’s celebration included cultural programme, followed by sports and games for children, distribution of sweets to children by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Ranikor, and prize distribution to the winners of the march past wherein Jingaiti Secondary School, Nonghyllam, clinched the 1st Prize, with Nolikata Higher Secondary School securing the 2nd Prize, and Indira Gandhi Secondary School, East Rangasora, claiming the 3rd Prize.
At Patharkhmah Civil Sub-Division: MLA, D Lamare unfurled the National flag and took the Salute of 7 marching contingents at Western Ri Bhoi Sport Association Umsaw, Patharkhmah Playground.
The celebration included presentation of patriotic songs and dances performed by the school children, a friendly football match and prize distribution to the winners of March-past and cultural programmes.
At Jengjal Civil Sub-Division: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, Timothy D Shira unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute at Jengjal Government Upper Primary School playground.
At Dalu Civil Sub-Division:, MLA, Ian Botham K Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute at Dalu Govt. Higher Secondary School playground.
At Rongjeng Civil Sub-Division: MLA, Jim Sangma unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute at Rongjeng ME School playground.
At Hima Shangpung, Laskein C & RD Block, MLA lWailadmiki Shylla unfurled the National Flag and took the Salute at Hula Playground, Moosyiem, Shangpung.
