Nongstoin, Sept 28: The Golden Jubilee Celebration of West Khasi Hills District was inaugurated today in front of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration commemorating 50 years of the district.
The inaugural function was graced by Smti. Hema Nayak, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District, along with Shri H. Kharkongor, Superintendent of Police, West Khasi Hills District, Shri V. Swer, MCS, ADC, Shri R. Kharkongor, MCS, BDO, Mawshynrut C&RD Block, and Smti. Anju, IAS, Assistant Commissioner. All the Additional Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners serving in the district, along with officers and staff from various departments, were also present at the inaugural programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner, Smti. Hema Nayak, IAS, reflected on the journey that West Khasi Hills District has travelled over the past 50 years and spoke about the future course of the district as it moves beyond its Golden Jubilee.
She acknowledged the various challenges faced by the district over the years and encouraged the people, particularly the younger generation, to continue moving forward with determination. She highlighted the progress made by West Khasi Hills in several fields, including sports, music and academics.
The Deputy Commissioner also pointed out the comparatively lower participation of local youth in competitive examinations, resulting in fewer officers and bureaucrats emerging from within the district. She encouraged the youth to take greater interest in competitive examinations and work towards producing more officers and civil servants from West Khasi Hills who can contribute to the development of the district and the State.
She further informed that the Golden Jubilee Celebration will continue throughout the month and culminate with a grand closing ceremony on 28 October 2026. Various programmes and activities have been planned during the celebration, including kite flying, horse racing and several other events.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri H. Kharkongor, Superintendent of Police, West Khasi Hills District, recalled the struggles faced by the district in the past, particularly during the period when militancy posed a major challenge to peace and development. He observed that the district has overcome many of these challenges and has progressed towards becoming a safer district.
He, however, highlighted emerging challenges, particularly drug abuse, and urged all sections of society to unite in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the district. He called upon the people, government departments and various stakeholders to work together for the betterment and continued progress of West Khasi Hills.
Shri V. Swer, MCS, ADC, spoke on the history of West Khasi Hills District, recalling its formation on 28 October 1976 and highlighting its historical significance as the oldest district in the State of Meghalaya.
A significant highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the launch of the Golden Jubilee Logo and the official Golden Jubilee Theme Song, composed by Josephas Thongni. The theme song was presented as part of the inaugural celebration.
The Golden Jubilee was symbolically inaugurated through ribbon cutting, followed by a commemorative photograph of the dignitaries and officials. To mark the inauguration, an interactive Departmental Futsal Match and Basketball Match were also kicked off, bringing together officers and staff from different departments and adding to the spirit of participation and camaraderie.
The inauguration marked the formal beginning of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of West Khasi Hills District, celebrating its 50-year journey, achievements and progress while looking ahead towards a new phase of growth and development.
