Ampati, Jan 21: The State Day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in South West Garo Hills, Ampati, reaffirming the district’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, peaceful, and thriving society. The celebrations featured a range of activities, including an official function, a video presentation, patriotic songs performed by officers and employees, a tree plantation drive, and prize distribution to winners of the Meghalaya Day Run. In the evening, all government buildings and institutions were beautifully illuminated to mark the occasion.
In her keynote address, Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills highlighted the rich cultural heritage and the harmony among the diverse communities of Meghalaya, describing the people as the state’s greatest asset.
“Our state is a treasure trove of natural wonders, but Meghalaya’s true wealth lies in its people. SWGH has made significant progress across various sectors, thanks to the unwavering efforts of all line departments,” she said.
She outlined key achievements in the district, emphasizing progress in the health and education sectors despite existing challenges. She noted the contributions of the Civil Hospital in Ampati and other health facilities in providing essential medical services and stressed the need for further enhancement, particularly in rural areas.
On the agricultural front, the Deputy Commissioner praised the efforts of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments in boosting production and improving livelihoods. She underscored Ampati’s potential to become the “rice bowl of Meghalaya” due to its superior soil quality, calling for the expansion of agriculture and horticulture sectors. She also commended the Fisheries Department for making SWGH a surplus district in fish production through sustainable practices.
Recognizing the efforts of the district police and magistrates, she attributed the peaceful and calm atmosphere in the district to their dedication to maintaining law and order.
The Deputy Commissioner called on officials and residents to work collectively towards building a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future, with a renewed focus on education and healthcare. She proudly highlighted that SWGH ranked first among districts in the state for incremental progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators.
Additional Deputy Commissioner R.Z.D. Shira also addressed the gathering, lauding the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the district’s development.
As part of the celebrations, the Meghalaya Day Run, organized by the District Sports Office, saw enthusiastic participation. Winners of the race were felicitated during the event. In the Men’s Category, Kanen M. Sangma of Bongoara Village finished the race in 36:38 mins and finished first, while Bhishmadev Hajong of Malpara Village and Laichang T. Sangma of Rangsakona Village finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
In the Women’s Category, Ringsechimik G. Sangma of Chegitchakgre Village completed the race in 54:07 mins and finished first while Bendera B. Marak of Janghapara Village and Rikme K. Marak of Bolchugre Village finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of commitment to achieving inclusive growth and sustaining peace in the district, marking another milestone in the state’s journey toward progress and development.
