Shillong, Dec 20: A pre-Christmas prayer service was held at the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Mawdiangdiang, New Shillong on Saturday.
The government is yet to open the new Assembly building as the deadline for completion of the building is in June next year. 
The programme was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma; Speaker, Thomas A. Sangma; Deputy Speaker Limison D. Sangma; Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Andrew Simons, Commissioner and Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly; Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly; along with officers and staff of the Assembly Secretariat.
Also present were Cabinet Minister Metbah Lyngdoh, and members of the Legislative Assembly including M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, Paul Lyngdoh, Alexander Laloo Hek, Miani D. Shira, Mizanur Rahman Kazi, Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Marthon Sangma, Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah, Gavin Miguel Mylliem and Pius Marwein.
The prayer service began with a scripture reading from the Holy Bible by B. A. Sangma, Manager, Assembly Press. Special musical performances were presented by the Children of God’s Dream Children’s Home, Lumshyiap, Langkyrding, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Choir, and the Mahila Band of the Nagaland Police or the 15th NAP (IR). Mahila Band is an acclaimed all-female police band from Nagaland that gained national recognition as finalists on India’s Got Talent (IGT) Season 10 in 2023 and it captivated the audience with vibrant performance.
Neil Vimal Kumar, Ministry Director, Life Focus Society, Chennai, shared the Christmas message and offered prayers on the occasion.
In his welcome address, Andrew Simons, Commissioner and Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, said that Christmas serves as a reminder of the timeless values of love, peace, compassion and humanity. He stated that the message of Jesus Christ symbolises hope for humanity and calls upon all to serve one another with kindness and selflessness, fostering harmony and brotherhood in society. He added that the celebration was an opportunity to reflect on these values and renew commitment towards spreading joy, understanding and unity.
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker, Shri Thomas A. Sangma, said it was a moment of great joy and privilege to celebrate Christmas at the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly premises. He said Christmas is a season of reflection and renewal that reminds people of God’s love and encourages everyone to extend kindness, understanding and compassion to others. He expressed hope that the light of Christ would guide thoughts, choices and service to society, and thanked the Members of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly for attending the programme.
The Deputy Speaker, Limison D. Sangma, in his remarks, said that in Meghalaya, Christmas is not only a religious festival but an integral part of the social fabric of the state. He observed that while Christmas has deep religious roots, over time it has evolved into a universal celebration of joy, love and hope, inspiring people to share kindness, generosity and care for those in need.
In his message, Neil Vimal Kumar said that Christmas signifies hope and the revelation of God to humanity. He stated that Christmas reflects God’s closeness to people in a personal way, enabling humanity to understand divine love through His presence.
Later, the Chief Minister, Speaker, along with the members of the Legislative Assembly present, participated in the ceremonial cutting of the Christmas cake.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
