Shillong, December 20 : The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Friday organised a Pre-Christmas Prayer Service and Celebration at the New Meghalaya Legislative Assembly premises at Mawdiangdiang, New Shillong, bringing together members of the government, legislators and Assembly Secretariat staff.
The programme was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Deputy Speaker Limison D. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and senior Assembly officials including Andrew Simons, Commissioner and Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, and Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Cabinet Minister Metbah Lyngdoh and several MLAs also attended, including 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, among others.
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 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Band of the Nagaland Police, an all-female band that has gained national recognition.
Neil Vimal Kumar, Speaker and Ministry Director of Life Focus Society, Chennai, delivered the Christmas message and offered prayers, describing Christmas as a symbol of hope and God’s closeness to humanity.
In his welcome address, Andrew Simons said Christmas is a reminder of values such as love, peace, compassion and humanity, calling on people to serve one another with kindness and selflessness to strengthen harmony and brotherhood.
Speaker Thomas A. Sangma said celebrating Christmas at the new Assembly premises was a moment of joy and privilege, describing the season as one of reflection and renewal and urging people to extend kindness, understanding and compassion.
Deputy Speaker Limison D. Sangma noted that in Meghalaya, Christmas is not only a religious festival but also part of the State’s social fabric, evolving into a broader celebration of joy, love and hope.
The programme included a ceremonial cutting of the Christmas cake by the Chief Minister, Speaker and MLAs present.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
