Shillong, Jan 21: A grand function was held today at U Soso Tham Auditorium to commemorate the 47th Meghalaya Statehood Day.
The function organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as the Chief Guest and A.L. Hek, Minister Information & Public Relations as the Guest of Honour, along with Hamletson Dohling, Urban Affairs Minister and other senior government officials and functionaries.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said it was important to value the fact we have a separate State to cater to the needs and aspirations of the people and reminded everyone of the great sacrifice and struggle of past leaders for Meghalaya’s Statehood.
“The purpose of celebrating Meghalaya Day is to remind each one of us of the supreme sacrifices of our great leaders during the struggle for a separate State. It is important to celebrate this day with great fervour and enthusiasm,” he added.
The Chief Minister informed the gathering that the government would take up unique initiatives to mark this year’s anniversary celebrations.
He apprised the people of the government’s initiative to start a 100 day program for different government departments. The program will focus on a specific task ranging from energy conservation, environment issue, education, etc. to be completed within a stipulated time frame. The Chief Minister said that it was the government’s priority to focus on the welfare of the people for greater progress and prosperity of the State.
The ‘Sister States’ program would look ways to partner with other States in areas ranging from tourism, technology, education, cultural exchange, etc. The Chief Minister said that the program would lead to fruitful exchange and adoption of the best practices that other States have to offer in key areas of focus and build support for each other through this initiative.
“We often look towards the Central Government when we need support. But we can build mutually beneficial networks by partnering with other States in India. If this kind of a movement takes place throughout the country it has the potential to transform the nation”, he added.
The Chief Minister also stressed on the importance of documentation of the State’s journey through the years and entrusted the Department of Information and Public Relations to take the initiative towards this.
During the function the Chief Minister also handed over the awards to the recipients of the Meghalaya Day Excellence Award 2018. The names of the recipients of the Meghalaya Day Awards, 2019 and the Governor’s Medal were also announced in the function. The awards for the latter two will be distributed during the Republic day Celebrations on the 26th January 2019.
