Shillong, Dec 20: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Friday organised a Pre-Christmas Prayer Service and Celebration at the New Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Premises, Mawdiangdiang, New Shillong on Friday.
The programme was attended by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma; Hon’ble Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A. Sangma; Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Shri Limison D. Sangma; Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar Shri Andrew Simons, Commissioner and Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly; Shri Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly; along with officers and staff of the Assembly Secretariat.
Also present were Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Shri Metbah Lyngdoh, and Hon’ble Members of the Legislative Assembly including Dr. Smti M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Shri Ronnie V Lyngdoh, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Shri Alexander Laloo Hek, Smti Miani D. Shira, Shri Mizanur Rahman Kazi, Shri Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Shri Marthon Sangma, Shri Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah, Shri Gavin Miguel Mylliem and Shri Pius Marwein.
The prayer service began with a scripture reading from the Holy Bible by Shri B. A. Sangma, Manager, Assembly Press. Special musical performances were presented by the Children of God’s Dream Children’s Home, Lumshyiap, Langkyrding, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Choir, and the Mahila Band of the Nagaland Police or the 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Band is an acclaimed all-female police band from Nagaland that gained national recognition as finalists on India’s Got Talent (IGT) Season 10 in 2023 captivated the audience with their vibrant performance.
Shri Neil Vimal Kumar, Speaker and Ministry Director, Life Focus Society, Chennai, shared the Christmas message and offered prayers on the occasion.
In his welcome address, Shri Andrew Simons, Commissioner and Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, said that Christmas serves as a reminder of the timeless values of love, peace, compassion and humanity.
He stated that the message of Jesus Christ symbolises hope for humanity and calls upon all to serve one another with kindness and selflessness, fostering harmony and brotherhood in society. He added that the celebration was an opportunity to reflect on these values and renew commitment towards spreading joy, understanding and unity.
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker, Shri Thomas A. Sangma, said it was a moment of great joy and privilege to celebrate Christmas at the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly premises. He said Christmas is a season of reflection and renewal that reminds people of God’s love and encourages everyone to extend kindness, understanding and compassion to others.
He expressed hope that the light of Christ would guide thoughts, choices and service to society, and thanked the Members of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly for attending the programme.
The Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Shri Limison D. Sangma, in his remarks, said that in Meghalaya, Christmas is not only a religious festival but an integral part of the social fabric of the state.
He observed that while Christmas has deep religious roots, over time it has evolved into a universal celebration of joy, love and hope, inspiring people to share kindness, generosity and care for those in need.
In his message, Shri Neil Vimal Kumar said that Christmas signifies hope and the revelation of God to humanity. He stated that Christmas reflects God’s closeness to people in a personal way, enabling humanity to understand divine love through His presence.
Later, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Speaker, Shri Thomas A. Sangma, along with the Hon’ble Members of the Legislative Assembly present, participated in the ceremonial cutting of the Christmas cake.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Malthus S. Sangma, Secretary, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
