Tura, August 30 : Salantini Janera, Meghalaya’s only Garo language daily newspaper, celebrated its Silver Jubilee (2000–2025) at Hotel Polo Orchid, Tura, in a ceremony graced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as Chief Guest. The event also saw the presence of Member of Parliament Saleng Sangma, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, and other dignitaries.
Congratulating the newspaper, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma praised Salantini Janera for completing 25 years of uninterrupted service despite numerous challenges. “Credibility is your greatest strength,” he remarked, stressing the importance of trust in an era when information, opinion, and rumor often overlap.
He also underlined the government’s efforts to introduce Khasi and Garo as mandatory school subjects and reiterated Meghalaya’s push for inclusion of both languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges facing print media in the digital era but affirmed its indispensable role as a watchdog of democracy. Reflecting unity, he said the presence of leaders from both ruling and opposition parties on the same stage sent a message of common purpose: “We may belong to different parties and approaches, but our goal is the same—the welfare of the people of Garo Hills and Meghalaya.”
MP Saleng Sangma described Salantini Janera as not just a newspaper but a movement in itself. He called for indigenous languages like Garo to be recognized in national discourse and advocated for their use in competitive examinations such as IAS and IPS.
Dr. Mukul Sangma congratulated the daily for overcoming hurdles to reach this milestone, noting its crucial role in enabling citizens of Garo Hills to remain vigilant and assertive of their rights. He emphasized the need for better media infrastructure, wider accessibility, and the responsible use of technology to strengthen the press.
Veteran journalist Manas Chaudhuri, proprietor of The Shillong Times, hailed the Silver Jubilee as “historic,” recalling the newspaper’s growth from a weekly eight-page black-and-white edition in the 1990s to a vibrant four-page daily today, with plans to expand into full color.
He also announced the institution of an annual award of ₹20,000 for the student securing the highest marks in Garo at MBOSE.
As the only Garo daily in the world, Salantini Janera has played a unique role in bridging the gap between the government and the people of Garo Hills, preserving language, culture, and identity while amplifying the voices of its readers.
