Shillong, January 20, 2024: Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan on Saturday released the State Anthem composed by (L) Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir.
The state today celebrated the 52nd anniversary of statehood day with cultural fanfare at the District Auditorium and Library at Tura.
Governor Chauhan was the Chief Guest on the occasion, Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya was the Guest of Honour and Minister incharge of I&PR Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh was the Special Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Chauhan urged our society to work together in creating a happy, progressive and drug-free society with sustainable development.
While highlighting that Meghalaya is emerging as a business and investment friendly destination, the Governor said,” Improving connectivity is essential to building the future of the state. Efforts are underway to upgrade and construct roads and bridges in various districts of the state.”
“Our state government is setting a number of infrastructures related to health care in terms of hospitals, CHCs, PHCs across the state to provide quality health care services to the people of remote areas. It is a matter of pride that Meghalaya is the third state in the country and the first state in the North-East to have a comprehensive policy on mental health and social care,” he added.
While greeting the people of the state, the Governor paid tribute and respect to the great visionary leaders who fought for the statehood movement, freedom fighters and all the people who fought against British rule and sacrificed their lives to protect their culture and motherland.
In his address, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma emphasised on the developmental initiatives of the State Government in the last five years.
He said, in 2023-2024 the state has spent close to Rs 21,000 crores for the development of the state.
Sangma further informed that under PMGSY from 2018 till date, close to 2526 Kilometres of PMGSY roads have been laid, connecting 600 villages as in contrast to the previous 70. Allocation for improvement of all Block offices has been made with the process making considerable changes. All 2500 Government schools were given sanctions for either constructing a new building or complete renovation, he added.
On the occasion, the names of Meghalaya Day Awards for this year were announced. Risingbor Kurkalang was awarded U Tirot Sing Award for Arts & Literature, Dr. Delphine G Momin received the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services and Phrangki Buam was awarded U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports & Games.
15 persons were awarded the Governor’s Police Medal for outstanding service, 6 were given the Chief Minister’s Disaster Response Medal for outstanding service and 21 were awarded the Meghalaya Day Excellence awards 2023 on the day.