Tura, Jan 26: Together with the rest of the country, Tura celebrated the country’s 77th Republic Day with a grand event at Matchakolgre field with Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma unfurling the national tricolour and taking the Rashtriya Salute before an impressive array of marching contingents from various schools and NCC units, military and police.
Extending his warm greetings to the people of the state on the special occasion of the 77th Republic Day, he reminded all that it was a double celebration as the event coincided with the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram.
Paying rich tributes to the founding fathers of the nation and freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Speaker Thomas Sangma remembered with reverence the contributions of Meghalaya’s own patriots such as U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah and Pa Togan N. Sangma. He also acknowledged and saluted the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and the Meghalaya Police for ensuring peace and security in the State.
Sangma highlighted that the overall law and order situation in Meghalaya has remained peaceful, with festivals and national events being conducted smoothly across the State. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining peace along the Assam–Meghalaya border and strengthening security measures through coordinated efforts of the civil administration and security forces.
On the development front, Sangma stated that Meghalaya has emerged as one of the fastest-growing States in the country, recording sustained economic growth in recent years. He highlighted the Government’s vision to build a resilient and inclusive economy through Mission 10, improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and public-private partnerships, aimed at generating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life of citizens.
He further emphasized the Government’s focus on responsive and citizen-centric governance through the expansion of services under the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act and the use of digital platforms to ensure transparency, efficiency and timely service delivery. He noted that initiatives aimed at empowering youth, women, farmers and entrepreneurs, strengthening education and healthcare, promoting tourism, and conserving the environment are key pillars of the State’s development strategy.
The celebrations featured an impressive march past by various contingents, a tableaux presentation highlighting developmental themes, and cultural performances reflecting the rich cultural heritage and unity in diversity of the region. Awards and appreciation certificates were presented to individuals and teams for their outstanding contributions. First prize for the march past was awarded to Don Bosco College, Tura, NCC Boys, second prize was won by Don Bosco College, Tura, NCC Girls and the third prize was won by Tura, Government, NCC Girls. While in the tbleau competition, Tura Municipal Board (TMB) was awarded Winner, Meghalaya Tourism Department was awarded as the Runners Up.
Citizens awarded with recognition for outstanding services
Retired educationist from Tura, Biana Watre Momin, who has become an international celebrity for her recent role in the hit Malayalam film EKO was given a special award for her contribution to education, public service and her active engagement in the film industry.
Teacher and headmaster Tyrone D’Brass, who immensely contributed in raising the standard of education in the Garo Hills over the last 30 years, helping students from the region in securing the top education honours of the state, each successive year of the Board examinations, was also honoured for his services in the education sector. Several of his former students have gone on to become scientists and surgeons, among other professionals.
Govt employees awarded for dedicated service
As part of the celebrations, Appreciation & Recognition Awards were also presented to individuals and communities from West Garo Hills in recognition of their outstanding service, dedication and contributions in their respective fields. Among the awardees were Tredian Mansram D. Sangma, LDA, Supply Branch, O/o the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills; Kharsin M. Sangma, UDA, O/o College of Teacher Education, Rongkhon; Swaminath Kushwaha, Head Plumber, PHE Tura Division, for ensuring uninterrupted water supply to Tura town; and Stern Herdton B. Marak, Supervisor, O/o District Social Welfare Officer, Tura, for his tireless efforts in uplifting underprivileged communities.
Smt. Miami A. Sangma, Centre Administrator-cum-Protection Officer, One Stop Centre, Tura, and Smt. Rikmatchi Ch. Sangma, Project Coordinator, Halfway Home (Male), Tura, were recognised for their exemplary commitment to social welfare, mental health care and support services. In the field of education, Jackarias N. Sangma and Sunilson Ch. Marak, Assistant Teachers of Govt. Upper Primary School, Selsella, were honoured for their unwavering dedication towards shaping young minds.
Livingstone A. Sangma, Office Chowkidar under the Office of the Joint Director of School Education & Literacy, West Garo Hills, was recognised for his sincerity, commitment and devoted service to the office. Smt. Kenny S. Sangma, Anganwadi Worker of Kantagre Anganwadi Centre under Rongram ICDS Project, and Smt. Danme K. Marak, Anganwadi Worker of Normal Compound AWC under Tura Urban ICDS Project, were honoured for their dedication and valuable contribution towards child health, nutrition, growth and early education. Smt. Sharmilla B. Marak, UDA (Establishment Branch), and Pillarson Ch. Marak, Driver (Nazareth Branch), both from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, were recognised for their outstanding efficiency, integrity and exemplary service. Greatfield Ch. Momin, Assistant Horticulture Inspector, and Smt. Dilche K. Marak, LDA, Office of the District Horticulture Officer, Tura, were felicitated for their unwavering commitment, proactive work and contributions towards improving horticultural productivity and office efficiency. Rajesh K. Sangma, Grade-IV staff under the District Medical and Health Officer, West Garo Hills, was recognised for his dedication and sincere service, and Dr. Angelice A. Sangma, Medical Professional and Master Weaver, for her exceptional dedication, professional excellence in public health and welfare, and selfless service towards the most vulnerable sections of society.
Recognition was also accorded to individuals and communities for their contribution to art, culture, heritage and community development. Arak Mangsang Sangma was felicitated for his invaluable contribution to traditional art, culture, creativity and research, while Diwal M. Sangma, Community Member from Rombagre village, Rongram Block, was honoured for promoting traditional culture and tourism through folklore and music. Sadolpara Village, Dadenggre Block, was recognised for preservation and promotion of Garo culture, environmental conservation and sustainable rural practices. The Urenggre Village Water and Sanitation Committee was also honoured for its pivotal role in implementing Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission through community-driven initiatives.
As part of the celebrations, games and sports events were held for children, followed by the much anticipated Inter Mahari Tug of War, adding enthusiasm and festive spirit to the celebrations.
Ian Botham takes salute at Dalu
In Dalu Civil Sub-Division, Ian Botham K. Sangma, MLA, unfurled the national Tricolour and took the Rashtriya salute amidst the impressive marching of parade contingents comprising of MLP, BSF & scouts & guides of local schools.
