Tura, Jan 21: Together with the rest of the State, the Golden Jubilee celebration of Meghalaya Day was celebrated today at DC Park, Tura where Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills Ram Singh graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The function was organized by District Administration, West Garo Hills, Tura.
Speaking on the Golden Jubilee year of Statehood, Ram Singh while recalling the history of the formation of the state of Meghalaya, reminded the people about the unique geographical features, exotic flora and fauna of the region and urged the citizens to protect and preserve these unique features for future generations. Further, mentioning about the massive commercial plantations being practiced in the region, he said that these plantations are destroying the forest cover which needs to be regulated so as to regenerate the forest cover and rejuvenate water sources also.
Moreover, on the large scale migration of youth to urban areas, he said that there should be special focus on education sector so as to enable the youth to continue their studies in their own villages which would also help them to learn about farming activities and practice integrated farming for enhanced benefit as well as improve the economic status of the people of the area.
President, Nokma Council, Tura and Retired IGP Skylance G Momin while speaking on the occasion thanked the leaders who struggled for our statehood and for fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the region. Moreover, time and again he reminded the then Garo Hills which abounds with green forest cover including wide variety of fauna and flora amongst others in the region but, with development and increase in human habitation there has been drastic reduction in the forest area. Therefore, keeping in mind the present situation, he urged everyone to safeguard and preserve the environment for future generations and work for the progress and development in the area.
Albinstone M Sangma, Ex-CEM, GHADC who is ninety eight years now shared his presence at the Garrison Ground, Shillong on the attainment of Statehood Day on 21st January, 1972. He was one of the surviving members who took active part in the struggle for Statehood.
Blessibon R Marak who was a student volunteer during the Statehood Movement while addressing the gathering during 50th Meghalaya Statehood Day said she is proud to be the volunteer for the Movement and stated that the main reason to demand separate Hill State was due to imposition of Assamese language as the main language of the state. Then the leaders led by Captain W A Sangma and many other leaders and Volunteers have fought till the attainment of Statehood Day on 21st January, 1972, she stated. Mentioning that at present much development has taken place in various sectors and she expressed hoped that the state move forward with greater heights in the years to come.
For the contribution during the Meghalaya Hill State Movement, the active members and student volunteers were given citation as a token of appreciation and gratitude. Lt Captain Williamson A Sangma, Lt. Emerson Momin, Lt. Emonsing M Sangma, Lt. Rangam G Momin, Lt. Karnesh R Marak, Lt. Mody K Marak, Lt Bronson W Momin, Lt. Grohonsing A Marak, Lt Sandford K Marak, Lt. Nimosh S Sangma, Lt. Garnette Bangshal, Lt. Anondo Kishore Ghosh, Lt. Suresh Das, Lt. Rosely P Marak, Lt. Percylina R Marak, Albinstone M Sangma, Netji M Marak, Lt. Mon Bahadur Newar, Brewingson M Sangma, Lt Arshid P Marak, Lt. Lambert K Sangma, Lt. Bokrin R Marak, Lt. Patrick R Marak, Lt. Ashabendro M Mommin, Lt. Mereni R Marak, Lt. Clifford R Marak, Lt. Masonsing M Sangma, Lt. Throbish R Marak, Lt. Barol D Shira, Lt. Chandana Arengh, David Ch Sangma, Filimina B Sangma, Blessibon R Marak, Lt. Eunice R Marak, Veronica Ch Momin, Lt. Meena R Marak, Kyrus Ch Sangma, Lt. Sukbir Rai, Lt. Dolbir Rai, Deben Hajong, Nidhuram Hajong, Lt. Deochand Teli, Lt. Pohora Diwani Hajong, Lt. Gajendra Hajong, Lt Lal Behari Hajong, Lt. Rameshwar Hajong, Lt Janardhan Tiwari, Lt. Khelaram Barman (Hajong), Lt. Jogobandu Barman (Hajong) and Lt. Dhabeol Barman (Hajong) have been felicitated during the function..
In order to mark this historic day, befitting patriotic songs and instrumentals were also presented during the function.
The Member of District Council, GHADC, Tura Bernard N Marak, Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Mary T Sangma, EACs, WGH, Dimse A Sangma, Rezia Ch Sangma, Mary Liza K Marak, Dolrich B G Momin, Commandant 2nd Battalion, Goeragre, S Rynjah, Heads of line departments, officials of the district, Members and Volunteers of Hill State Movement and their family members, Senior Citizens were amongst others present at the function.
Earlier in the programme, Additional Deputy Commissioner West Garo Hills, Mary T Sangma welcomed the gathering while Extra Assistant Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Dolrich B G Momin proposed the vote of thanks.
