Curtains drawn on Jubilee celebrations ​

​By Our Reporter​

SHILLONG, JUNE 10: The Closing Ceremony of Ri Bhoi Silver Jubilee Celebrations on Friday the 10th June 17 at Nongpoh was celebrated amidst much pomp and fanfare which was attended by Chief Minister, Dr Mukul M Sangma as the Chief Guest.

Addressing a large gathering at Nongpoh Stadium, Chief Guest, Dr Mukul M Sangma while congratulating Ri Bhoi for 25 years of progress that the district has witnessed said that it is with the vision of prosperity and to achieve inclusive growth and to deal with disparities of socio economic growth that the leaders had decided to create Ri Bhoi District 25 years ago. He also said that many leaders have come together collectively in the march of 25 years in moulding the District.

The Chief Minister also said that Ri Bhoi is one of the most progressive districts in the state and is the Gateway to Meghalaya. “Anything that happens has to enter Meghalaya through Ri Bhoi, anything good that happens in the state because of the socio economic transformative changes, Ri Bhoi will always be the beneficiary, therefore it is necessary to ensure that we create an enabling platform that everyone is able to connect with the benefits that the state provides,” he said.

He also said that Ri Bhoi with its hard working people that have produced scholars and eminent personalities and said that if the potentiality of the District if leveraged upon correctly can position the District as number one district in the state of Meghalaya. He also added that as we revisit the past and glorify the good things that have happened it is now important to prepare the generation next so that they can take it further.

Dr Sangma also said that there is also a need to collectively ensure a peaceful environment in the state and this should be the new benchmark for progress and growth. He also informed that it is the commitment of the government to deal with contentious issues with complete spirit of engagement and dialogue. He also informed that Meghalaya in spite of its international and interstate boundaries has been able to stabilize its demography. “We have a strong, effective law and the provision of the Constitution to protect the rights of our people so that our people do not get alienated from the most important resource, the land”, he said. He also informed that Meghalaya has come up with a number of legislative measures to ensure that there is no influx resulting in diluting our actual demography. He urged upon all to have faith in the government and that issues would be taken care of collectively.

Dr Sangma also highlighted the potentiality of the District in Tourism and also spelt a number of initiatives for the District in Sports, Arts & Culture, Health and Education. He added that the glory of 25 years is celebrated there is a need to look at the developmental agenda so that the right kind of growth agenda is set.

The Chief Minister also felicitated the achievers and awardees in various fields. A book of Fr Michael Makri was also released by him during the occasion. Songs and dances by various students and Youth organizations, Fireworks and a Concert in the evening were among the various highlights of the closing ceremony. Prizes to winners of various competitions that formed part of the Jubilee Celebrations were also distributed by the Chief Guest and other guests.

Among others who spoke at the gathering were Guest of Honor, P Tynsong, Minister, PHE, DCA etc., Dr D D Lapang, Chief Advoisor, Govt of Meghalaya, Dr C Lyngdoh, MLA and Chiarman, Silver Jubilee Celebrations and C D Kynjing, First Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District. Also present were Minister, PWD (R) M M Danggo and MLA Umroi, N Dhar. The function was also attended by former and present MLAs, Members of District Councils, District Officers and students.