Shillong,Jan 26: Governor CH Vijayashankar handed over the U Tirot Sing Award 2026 for Arts and Literature to Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, Pa Togan N Sangma Award for Social Services to Fr Benoy Joseph and U Kiang Nangbah Award 2026 for Sports & Games to Riiohlang Dhar on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebration, here on Monday.
Felicitation of Hally War
The governor also felicitated the Padma Shri 2026 awardee, Hally War, a social worker from Meghalaya.
War, a noted social worker for revitalized Khasi living root bridges in Sohra, fortified community bonds and environmental heritage, and increased tourism.
War also mentored many families in root bridge weaving and environmental protection.
Jubi Momin, two others get Prez medal
During the programme, announcements were also made for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) to Jubi Gabil Momin, DIG, Police Medal for Meritorious Service to Bashanborlang J. Laloo, Commandant and Babu Chow Sinha, Sub Inspector.
The celebration saw the tableau presentation by the District Commerce and Industries Centre, East Khasi Hills, Divisional Soil and Water Conservation, Territorial Division, Tourism Department, District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Superintendent of Fisheries, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya State Skill Development Society, DMHO, East Khasi Hills, DFO Territorial & Social Forestry, District Agriculture Office, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya, Directorate of Mineral Resources and Anti Narcotics Task Force, Meghalaya.
Best tableau and march past
The best tableau was awarded to the Directorate of Mineral Resources, Tourism Department (2nd place) and District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) (3rd place).
In the march past competition, Phudmuri Presbyterian Higher Secondary, Shillong, bagged 1st prize, while BDW International School and Assam Rifles Public School bagged second and third prizes respectively. Other highlights of the programme were cultural programmes. The prizes for the winners of the tableau presentation and march past were distributed by the Deputy Chief Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar.
The marching contingents comprised the CRPF, BSF, District Executive Force, East Khasi Hills, Assam Police, and 1st MLP Bn. NCC Boys & Girls, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, Phudmuri Presbyterian Secondary School, JNV, Mawphlang, BDW International School, Assam Rifles Public School, Kendriya Vidyalaya NEHU, Brass Band of Meghalaya Police, Border Wing Home Guards and Border Security Force.
The Infinity Choir and Nongrah Presbyterian Secondary School presented the cultural programmes on the occasion.
Felicitation at Lok Bhavan
Later, the Lok Bhavan event included recognition of previous Meghalaya Day awardees, who were felicitated with cash awards.
They are Dr. Delphine Gare Momin (Pa Togan Sangma Award), Kmoin Wahlang (U Kiang Nangbah Award), and Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta ( U Tirot Sing Award).
Winners of the Flower Show were also felicitated, with Kynton Kharkongor receiving the ‘King of the Show’ title and Donald Khardewsaw being declared the ‘Queen of the Show’.
Celebrations at High Court
The High Court of Meghalaya celebrated the 77th Republic Day within its premises.
The National Flag was hoisted by the Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya, Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere, in the presence of Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Justice W. Diengdoh, Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee, and staff of the High Court.
The celebrations continued with a cultural programme held in the Auditorium, where artistes from across the state showcased Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage through performances such as Shad Mastieh, Wangala Dance, and Shad Pliang.
The programme also featured a song performance by an Advocate of the High Court of Meghalaya, and a cultural presentation by the Khmieh Creative Society.
