Shillong, October 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday inaugurated the year-long centenary celebrations of Rilbong, marking 100 years of the locality, the Rilbong Durga Puja and the Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha. Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai was also present at the inaugural programme held at Rilbong, Shillong.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma congratulated the residents of Rilbong on achieving the historic milestone, highlighting the locality’s rich legacy of peaceful coexistence among diverse communities and the contributions of its residents to various fields over the past century.
As part of the celebrations, 25 distinguished personalities who played significant roles in shaping Shillong’s development over the last 100 years were posthumously honoured as “Trailblazers” for their contributions to literature, education, institution-building, political leadership, sports and journalism.
Commending the awardees, the Chief Minister said their determination and perseverance through difficult times had left a lasting impact on society. He expressed gratitude to their families and emphasised that their legacies should be preserved not only through remembrance and recognition but also by upholding the values, principles and ideals they stood for.
The 25 Trailblazers were selected by an advisory committee headed by former Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, recognising individuals from different communities and professions who contributed to Shillong’s institutions, public life and cultural identity. The posthumous awardees included Khan Saheb Amjad Ali, Ardhendu Chaudhuri, Bibhu Bhushan Chaudhuri, Sudhindra Bhushan Chaudhuri, Jyotindra Nath Chaudhuri, Saradamanjori Datta, Dr Basudeb Datta Roy, Dr Pulin Behari Deb, Dr Bidhu Bhusan Dutta, Rai Saheeb Shivnath Dutta, Primrose Garfield Gatphoh, Jeewan Ram Goenka, Hopewell Elias Khariong, Brington Buhai Lyngdoh, Mavis Dunn Lyngdoh, Dr Homiwell Lyngdoh, Neil Nongkynrih, Babu Wilson Reade, Babu Jeebon Roy, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, Rev. J.J.M. Nichols Roy, E.N. Shullai, Ratanlal Singhania, U Soso Tham and Col. Puran Bahadur Thapa. Family members of the awardees travelled from the United States, Delhi, Kolkata, Dibrugarh and Shillong to receive the honours on behalf of their loved ones.
Speaking on community development, Sangma said the State Government continued to support localities through Dorbar Shnongs, residents’ committees and other local bodies, alongside broader urban development initiatives. He highlighted the government’s efforts to beautify cities and towns while ensuring that public spaces remain safe and accessible to residents.
The Chief Minister also outlined various government initiatives supporting cultural and faith-based institutions through the Arts and Culture and Tourism departments, the North Eastern Council and the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF). During the programme, Sangma handed over a sanction letter amounting to Rs 25 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund to the Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha.
The centenary celebrations will continue throughout the year, commemorating Rilbong’s history, cultural heritage and the contributions of individuals and institutions that have played an important role in Shillong’s development over the past century.
