Meghalaya, the Abode of the Clouds, celebrates its 45th Statehood Day on Saturday with a variety of events held throughout the State.
Together with the rest of the state, the Tura the district headquarters of the West Garo Hills district recently joined in the celebration of 45th years of state's birth anniversary with much pomp and gaiety.
A variety of cultural songs, dances, prayers coupled with award giving ceremonies were organised to mark the occasion in a colorful programme held in the District Auditorium on Saturday.
People from all walks of life comprising of senior citizens, retired bureaucrats, students and even people from various religious backgrounds attended the function. The prominent amongst them were, Bluebell R. Sangma, MLA of Chokpot, Boston Marak, Chairman of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, L.R. Sangma, former Chairperson of MPSC, L.R.Ch. Momin, former Chairman of GHADC, L.K. Marak, President of 100-Drums wangala Festival Committee, Pravin Bakshi, Deputy Commissioner and Bhimsing Sangma, former Chief Executive Member of GHADC. Zenith M. Sangma, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs etc. graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Congratulating the people of the state on the occasion, Zenith Sangma, described the event as 'historic' as the state is in the threshold of reaching half century and recalled the tireless and selfless services of our forefathers like Capt. W. A. Sangma, Nichols Roy, B.B. Lyngdoh and others who were instrumental in achieving a dream state of our own without shedding even a drop of blood.
Looking back, he said in these past 45 years, state has made much progress in terms of developments and cited various statistics to buttress his points. Outlining the vision and road map for future developments, he said in addition to the existing ones, more Community Development Block Offices will be opened to bring administration and developments right to the doorsteps of the people and mentioned the names of Sohiong in East Khasi Hills and Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills in particular which are in the agenda of the government for creation of next C&RD Blocks.
Informing the people about the State's bagging for hosting the National Games in 2022, he pointed out preparations for the same has started in right earnest as lands have been identified in the stretches between Shillong and Jowai and Rongram and Tura respectively for development of facilities and necessary infrastructures for hosting the same in a grand manner.
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The minister also informed that a District Sports Committees had been formed giving adequate budget allocation with a view to improve and promote sports in a big way.
Sangma also made a fervent appeal to all the misguided youths to give up their anti social activities saying one cannot achieve one's agenda by resorting to killing, kidnapping and extortions.
The highlights of the day were presentation of 'Appreciation Award' to Biswajit Nandi for his outstanding contribution towards Bengali Literature, Prose and Poetry.
The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- It may be mentioned that Nandi a local resident of Tura fancy Valley who worked in the PWD (R) NEC Division, Tura, as an Assistant Engineer, is a Bengali Poet and author of international repute who bagged numerous awards and appreciations both in national and international levels, for his highly acclaimed literary works particularly in Bengali language.
Taking opportunity of this solemn occasion, a beautiful and aptly designed logo for celebration of 150 years of Tura town was also unveiled by the Chief Guest. This celebration too has just been started coinciding today's event and will culminate on 1st December this year with some mega events.