Tura, Aug 30: Meghalaya’s only Garo language daily ‘Salantini Janera’ celebrated its silver jubilee (2000-2025) at Hotel Polo Orchid in Tura on Saturday.

The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, as the Chief Guest, along with Member of Parliament Saleng Sangma and the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma who attended as guests of honour.

West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Vibhor Aggarwal, also attended the event alongside other dignitaries and guests.

In his speech, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma congratulated Salantini Janera for completing 25 years of dedicated service to the people of Garo Hills and Meghalaya.

Speaking about the prevalence of local newspapers in the state especially in Garo Hills, the Chief Minister said, “Before entering active politics my late father, P A Sangma also started a newspaper in Garo language titled Chadambeni Ku’rang, but it could not sustain due to various challenges and factors.”

He lauded the newspaper for its resilience, consistency and courage in continuing despite many challenges, calling 25 years of survival and growth, a testament to its strength.

“Credibility is your greatest strength,” he said, emphasizing that in an era where information, opinion, and rumor often blur together, Salantini Janera has built trust over decades.

Sangma also stressed during the occasion on the need to promote and popularise local languages and said, “As citizens of our beloved state everyone should have basic knowledge of the languages spoken in our state especially the Khasi, the Garo and the Pnar languages and it is for this purpose to enable citizens to have basic communication skills that the government is working on introducing Khasi and Garo languages in schools as mandatory subjects.”

He further said that as the state government awaits positive response from the central government for the inclusion of the Khasi and the Garo languages in the 8th Schedule, he solicited everyone’s cooperation and collaboration to make it a success.

He also highlighted challenges faced by the media worldwide, including declining print readership and the rise of digital platforms, but praised the newspaper for retaining its identity and trust with readers. He noted that the role of media is to highlight concerns and act as a watchdog, even if that sometimes creates friction with governments.

Reflecting on the spirit of unity, he observed that his presence, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Member of Parliament together on the same platform sent a positive message. “We may belong to different parties and approaches, but our goal is the same—the welfare of the people of Garo Hills and Meghalaya,” he said.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of political leaders and the media working with mutual respect, accountability and independence for the greater good. He thanked all dignitaries present and extended his best wishes to Salantini Janera, hoping it would continue to uphold truth, integrity, and public trust in the years to come.
Shri Saleng Sangma described the occasion as an “honor” to witness and be part of, calling Salantini Janera not just a medium of communication but a “movement in itself.”

Stressing the importance of the mother tongue, he said, “When we speak and listen in our mother tongue, it creates a different feeling, a different atmosphere altogether.”

He drew attention to the neglect faced by many languages of the Northeast in national discourse, noting that while 22 languages have been recognized in the Constitution, others—including Garo—remain outside this framework despite having literature and history.

He called for competitive examinations such as the IAS and IPS to be allowed in local languages so that tribal communities are not deprived of opportunities.

He also emphasized the role of both print and digital platforms in preserving language and culture and urged leaders across party lines to extend support for indigenous languages.

Dr. Mukul Sangma congratulated Salantini Janera for achieving the “historic milestone” of 25 years, acknowledging the many challenges and hurdles overcome along the way.

He highlighted the press as indispensable to democracy, acting as a watchdog to ensure accountability, efficiency, and responsibility in governance.

He described Salantini Janera as vital for the people of Garo Hills and recalled its role in enabling citizens to stay vigilant and assertive of their rights.

He also underlined the structural constraints in Garo Hills, stressing the need for better media infrastructure, wider accessibility, and use of technology and radio alongside print to reach more people.

While cautioning against misinformation in the digital age, he expressed hope that media would continue to positively impact society.

Meanwhile, Manas Chaudhuri, Proprietor of The Shillong Times, described the Silver Jubilee as “historic” for two reasons—first, as Salantini Janera became the first Garo newspaper to sustain itself for 25 years, and second, as the celebration brought together the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Member of Parliament on the same platform, reflecting a spirit of accommodation and unity.

He recalled the origins of the newspaper, tracing it back to the early 1990s. From an eight-page black-and-white weekly, it has grown into a vibrant daily publishing four pages in color, with plans to expand to full color soon.

He also announced the institution of an annual award of ₹20,000 for the student securing the highest marks in Garo at MBOSE.

He emphasized the newspaper’s vital role as the only Garo daily in the world, serving as a bridge between the government and the people.

He urged readers to make greater use of the platform to voice concerns and aspirations, assuring them that “if you write in the paper, it will reach the Chief Minister’s table.”

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