Shillong, January 26 : Meghalaya joined the nation in celebrating its 76th Republic Day today with a grand ceremony held at Polo Grounds in Shillong. Governor C.H. Vijayashankar unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from marching contingents.
The parade included contingents from the BSF, CRPF, East Khasi Hills District Executive Force, Meghalaya Police, NCC Boys, NCC Girls, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indian Red Cross Society, Sacred Heart Boys’ Hr. Sc. School, Holy Child Secondary School, the Assam Rifles Public School horse contingent, and brass bands of the Border Wing Home Guards and Border Security Force.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the state’s prestigious awards:
- The U Tirot Sing Award 2025 for Arts and Literature was conferred upon Shri Sembertush A. Sangma.
- The Pa Togan N Sangma Award 2025 for Social Services was presented to Rev. W.C. Khongwir.
- The U Kiang Nangbah Award 2025 for Sports was awarded to Kong Kmoin Wahlang.
To commemorate the completion of ten years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, the Governor also felicitated the Class X and Class XII meritorious girl students of the year 2024. The students are Aleytheia Syiemlieh of St. Margaret’s Hr. Sec. School, Nitya Agarwal of Army Public School, Aisha Deka of Loreto Convent, Naaz Bashar of St. Mary’s Hr. Sec. School, A. Chokhani of Army Public School, Aditi Duhaka Lyngdoh of Pine Mount School, Amebaaihunsha Kharbhih of St. Anthony’s Hr. Sec. School, Deeksha Rathore of Army Public School, Suhani W Pohlong of Pine Mount School, Ferry Filarisha Wann of St. Mary’s Hr. Sec. School and Vishaka Sharma of Army Public School.
Police medals were also announced:
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service: Evel N. Marak, Armed Police Sub Inspector; Tomol Ch. Sangma, Armed Police Sub Inspector; and Rajesh Thapa, Havildar.
- Meghalaya Governor’s Police Medal for Outstanding Service: Billygraham R Marak, SP, W/R, Tura; Mac Joel Marngar, Dy. SP (Traffic), EKH; Priyanka W Sangma, Addl. SP, Tura; Baniateilang Diengngan, Addl. SP, Khliehriat; WPI Pushpa Chettri, O/o The Commandant, 5th MLP Batallion, Vikaspuru, New Delhi; UBSI Bekash Gurung, EKH DEF (Attached to Police Headquarters as I/c Confidential Branch; UBSU Rovio Nongrum (SGH DEF); UBSI Arki Dalang Wahlang, EKH DEF I/c Pasteur Beat House; Havildar Sebrian Lyngkhoi, O/o The Commandant, 5th Meghalaya Battalion, Vikaspuri, New Delhi; WPU/Lnk. Sengtera K Sangma, 2nd MLP Battalion Goeragre Training Branch; ABC Kofi Albert Pathaw, PTS, Umran; Tapash Barua, MPRO HQ, Golflink, Shillong and Franky Marwein, Shilong Fire Station.
The celebration saw the tableau presentation by the NCC, Shillong; DCIC-East Khasi Hills; Tourism Department; MBDA; District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary; Social Forestry; Social Welfare; Divisional Soil and Water Conservation; Agriculture; MSSDS and East Khasi Hills DMHO. The best tableau was awarded to the Divisional Soil and Water Conservation (1st place), DCIC-East Khasi Hills (2nd place) and Social Welfare (3rd place).
In the March Past competition, Sacred Heart Boys’ Hr. Sc. School bagged 1st prize, while Holy Child Secondary School and NCC Girls bagged the second and third prizes respectively. Other highlights of the programme include cultural programmes.
