Shillong, Jan 21: Meghalaya celebrated its 50th Statehood Day at the JN Stadium in Shillong on Friday. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma graced the programme as Chief Guest in absentia and delivered his speech virtually. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also delivered his speech via VC. The speech of the Meghalaya Governor was also read out during the programme.
The programme was attended by the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul M Sangma, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. W. R Kharlukhi, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and MDCs, Meghalaya Chief Secretary RV Suchiang and Senior State and Central Government officials among others.
During the programme, the dignitaries launched the Documentation on 50 years of Meghalaya and the State Emblem and released the Commemorative Stamp of the State. A foundation stone for the New Administrative Township was also laid during the programme.
Other highlights of the celebration include airing of documentary on ‘Statehood Movement’ by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Meghalaya; presentation of docu-drama – ‘Meghalaya: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow’ by the Department of Arts & Culture, Meghalaya; announcement and distribution of the Meghalaya Day Awards to Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta (U Tirot Singh Award for Arts and Literature), Father Charles Ch Sangma (Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services) and Halen Nongtdu (U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports); Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards; sealing of the Memory Crate and performance by the Shillong Chamber Choir.
