Shillong, Jan 26: Meghalaya joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day with grandeur and patriotic fervour at the Polo Grounds here on Monday, where Governor C H Vijayashankar unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of marching contingents drawn from central and state armed forces, police units, NCC cadets, scouts and school students.
In his Republic Day address, the Governor highlighted Meghalaya’s emergence as one of India’s fastest-growing states, recording a 9.66% real GSDP growth in 2025 and sustaining an average 10% growth for three consecutive years after the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the State was firmly on track to triple its economy by 2032, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The Governor noted that law and order in the State remained peaceful over the past year, with effective interventions along the Assam–Meghalaya border and strengthened coordination with the BSF along the Indo-Bangladesh border. He also underlined governance reforms, citing faster service delivery through the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, expansion of online citizen services, and digital platforms such as Meghalaya One and CM Connect, which has addressed over 43,000 public grievances.
Highlighting infrastructure growth, Vijayashankar referred to the construction of 3,500 km of rural roads, record sanction of ₹2,200 crore for state road projects, expansion of air connectivity, and progress on major projects including the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor. He also pointed to major strides in healthcare, education, IT, tourism and sports, including the upcoming 39th National Games in 2027, improved hospital quality standards, and the rise of Meghalaya as an emerging IT and concert economy hub.
During the ceremony, the Governor conferred the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Literature on Dr Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, the Pa Togan N Sangma Award for Social Services on Father Benoy Joseph, and the U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports and Games on Riiohlang Dhar.
He also felicitated Padma Shri awardee Hally War, recognising his pioneering work in revitalising living root bridges in Sohra, strengthening community stewardship and environmental heritage.
Announcements were made for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service to Jubi Gabil Momin, DIG, and Police Medals for Meritorious Service to Bashanborlang J Laloo, Commandant, and Babu Chow Sinha, Sub-Inspector.
The celebrations featured vibrant tableau presentations by various state departments, with the Directorate of Mineral Resources winning first prize, followed by the Tourism Department and the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). In the march-past competition, Phudmuri Presbyterian Higher Secondary School secured the top position, while BDW International School and Assam Rifles Public School took second and third places respectively.
Cultural performances by the Infinity Choir and Nongrah Presbyterian Secondary School added colour to the event. Prizes were distributed by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Concluding his address, the Governor called upon citizens to actively participate in building a cleaner, inclusive and sustainable Meghalaya, urging collective responsibility as the State advances towards its development milestones.
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