Shillong, January 26, 2026: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya celebrated the 77th Republic Day with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour on Sunday.
In the state capital Shillong, the main function was held at the Polo Grounds, where Meghalaya Governor Shri C. H. Vijayashankar unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the marching contingents.
The parade comprised contingents from the CRPF, BSF, District Executive Force (East Khasi Hills), Assam Police, 1st MLP Battalion, NCC Boys and Girls, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, along with students from Phudmuri Presbyterian Secondary School, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (Mawphlang), BDW International School, Assam Rifles Public School, Kendriya Vidyalaya NEHU, the Meghalaya Police Brass Band, Border Wing Home Guards, and the Border Security Force.
During the programme, the Governor presented the U Tirot Sing Award 2026 for Arts and Literature to Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, the Pa Togan N. Sangma Award 2026 for Social Services to Father Benoy Joseph, and the U Kiang Nangbah Award 2026 for Sports and Games to Miss Riiohlang Dhar.
The Governor also felicitated Padma Shri Awardee 2026 Shri Hally War, a noted social worker from Meghalaya, for his exemplary contribution towards revitalising Khasi living root bridges in Sohra (Cherrapunji). His efforts have strengthened community bonds, preserved environmental heritage, boosted tourism, and mentored local families in root bridge weaving and environmental protection.
Announcements were also made for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) awarded to Smti Jubi Gabil Momin, DIG, and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service awarded to Shri Bashanborlang J. Laloo, Commandant, and Shri Babu Chow Sinha, Sub-Inspector.
The celebrations featured colourful tableau presentations by various departments, including DCIC–East Khasi Hills, Soil and Water Conservation (Territorial Division), Tourism Department, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Fisheries Department (East Khasi Hills), Meghalaya State Skill Development Society, DMHO–East Khasi Hills, DFO Territorial and Social Forestry, District Agriculture Office, DRDA, Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Directorate of Mineral Resources, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Meghalaya.
The Directorate of Mineral Resources won the first prize for best tableau, followed by the Tourism Department (second) and the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) (third).
In the March Past competition, Phudmuri Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, Shillong, secured the first prize, while BDW International School and Assam Rifles Public School won the second and third prizes respectively.
Prizes for the tableau and March Past competitions were distributed by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Cultural performances by the Infinity Choir and Nongrah Presbyterian Secondary School added colour and vibrancy to the celebrations.
