SHILLONG, JAN 22: Meghalaya today celebrated its 46th statehood day in a befitting manner by remembering and paying rich tribute to the leaders of the hill state movement.
In the state’s capital, Governor Ganga Prasad felicitated as many as 15 employees who were honoured with the Meghalaya Day Excellence Award as part of the celebration.
Earlier in his address, chief secretary Y Tsering recalled the contributions made by leaders of the hill state movement.
“Meghalaya attained its statehood in a Gandhian way without having to shed any blood. We should pay tribute to the leaders who fought for statehood as what we are today is because of them,” he said.
Tsering added it is also important to look back and pause on whether the state after 46 years has been able to live up to the aspirations of the leaders who fought for its statehood.
Pointing out on the various achievements, the chief secretary however said, “We have come so far, yet there is more that needs to be done. We need to promise ourselves to work hard to achieve the aspirations of the people.”
Stating that in term of education, the state’s literacy rate was at 74.4% as per the 2011 Census, he however said but educational facilities in rural areas of the state have not pick up.
“Shillong is also losing its glory of being once an educational hub in the Northeast region. We have to see that we regain back its glory,” he said.
With the state having huge potential in the power sector, Tsering however regretted that not much was able to be done to harness this potentiality that the state has.
Regarding the road infrastructure, the chief secretary said, “Although national highways have come but still many villages in rural areas are still remain unconnected.”
On the other hand, he said that the state has been able to preserve its rich culture and tribal population even as he added that the demographic is being maintained at the same level.
In Williamnagar, East Garo Hills District, the statehood day was also celebrated. Deputy Commissioner Ram Kumar S in his address said that attaining statehood was tryst destiny for the people of Meghalaya and the statehood day is the day for a better future.
He also informed that since attaining the statehood, the tribal society had witnessed a significant improvement and urged the people of the district to assess themselves with a planning for the next generation.
Williamnagar being named after the first chief minister of the state, should excel in all aspects and he assured to provide better services to the people of the district. He also urged the people to dedicate themselves to the cause of the state.
Also addressing at the celebration in North Garo Hills District, deputy commissioner Sibhi C Sadhu said, “it is a befitting day to recall the foundational values set by the State’s visionary leaders and to pay tribute to their ceaseless contributions who has brought about the creation of the State” and therefore urged all stakeholders to unite together and work for the development and welfare of the State.
Focusing towards the Youths, the DC said shouldering collective responsibility among every individual in channeling the energy of the youths towards positivity and encouraging them to identify and follow their passion in the right spirit would further bring prosperity in the State.
A.V.D.Shira, Additional Deputy Commissioner who chaired the occasion said that “the celebration of Meghalaya Day reminds of the need to renew dedication, commitment and sacrifice in making the State a better place to live”.
By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours