Shillong,Jan 22: Meghalaya Celebrates its 46th Statehood Day with zeal and Enthusiasm throughout the state on Monday with grandeur at U Soso Tham Auditorium in Capital . The Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. Ganga Prasad attended as the Chief Guest in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Shri. Y Tsering, Government officials and functionaries among others.
Addressing the Function The Governor express his pleasure to be a part of the celebration, said that the long cherished aspiration of the people of the State was met on this day 46 years ago, he also higlighted that the statehood movement was a people’s movement, and in spite of numerous challenges, the united efforts of the visionary leaders and the desire of the people for the recognition of the traditions and values ensured the people a State of their own.
Acknowledging the sacrifice and contributions of the leaders and forefathers to protect the sacred heritage, customs, traditions and practices of the State. The Governor also said that while the people are fortunate to have a State of their own, it is the responsibility of every citizen to strive towards progress and development in the State. He stated.
Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards 2018 were also given to 15 Government employees from various Government Departments for outstanding performance in rendering their respective duties. He also distributed prizes to the winners of the Flower Show cum Competition which was organized by the Department of Horticulture as a part of the Statehood Day celebrations.
              Meanwhile, Chief Secretary, Shri. Y Tsering, in his speech recalled the contributions and sacrifices made by the leaders and people in the creation of the State of Meghalaya, even as he said that Meghalaya’s Statehood was achieved in a Gandhian way through non-violence and reminded all to remain connected to the aspirations of the forefathers who fought for statehood.
At Ampati, The 46th Statehood Day was celebrated at South West Garo Hills with an elaborate function organized by the district administration at DRDA Conference Hall here at Ampati. The celebration was attended by officers and staff from line departments, senior citizens and students and various cultural groups who presented melodious patriotic numbers during the function.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, South West Garo Hills, Deputy Commissioner Cyril Darlong Diengdoh stated that the day was a celebration of shared spirit of unity and brotherhood among the people of the state. “It is a celebration of the co-existence of various tribes†he said. He also said that 46 years is a long journey for the people of Meghalaya as an independent state where we carved our own destiny and reminded the gathering that it was the onerous responsibility of every citizen to take part in the development and progress of the state starting from their respective families. “If every family inculcates the right values in their children and become a model family, we can build a model society based on valuesâ€, he said and also laid stress on the duties and responsibilities of the citizens toward the state saying that fulfilling their duties was of prime importance than seeking their rights.
He called upon all the people of the district, particularly the government servants to rededicate themselves to work concertedly for the overall growth of the state where our youth can have greater aspirations to fulfill.
Participating in the celebration, one of the senior citizens of the district, Gospel G. Sangma recalled the utter backwardness of Ampati area before the statehood, adding that he never imagined that one day Ampati would see the kind of development taking place today. He further said that after achievement of statehood all kinds of aspirations and grievances could be met through dialogue and discussions. Stating that the youth today were privileged to have everything in their reach, be it in the field of education, he urged upon them value the days of their youth, prepare themselves to become useful, productive citizens and take the district and the state to greater heights of development.
At Jowai, the celebration was held at District Library Auditorium, Mynthong, Jowai. The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner R.Rapthap, Additional Deputy Commissioner S.C Laloo, Police personnel’s,  Senior Citizens and other government officials.
Addressing the gathering Deputy Commissioner R. Rapthap said 21st January was a historic day for the citizens of Meghalaya as the state got statehood on this day, he remembered the selfless contribution of the founders who played the significant role in getting its own state on 21st January, 1972. Calling upon every citizen to reflect on the achievements achieved, he also instigates every individual to play a roll towards better development of the District. He urge, along with other developments in the District there is a strong need to look into and increase the literacy rate in the District, which is the backbone for further all-round development in the District. He also informed that the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) will launch a special programme to help the illiterate muster rolls to read and write at the same time seeking for cooperation from the college students and teacher to lend their service during these holidays.
At Williamnagar, The 46th. Meghalaya Day was celebrated at DRDA Hall-I on 22nd January where the Deputy Commissioner, Ram Kumar S was the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, said that attaining Statehood was tryst destiny for the people of Meghalaya and the statehood day is the day for a better future. He also informed that since attaining the statehood, the tribal society had witnessed a significant improvement and urged the people of the district to assess themselves with a planning for the next generation. Williamnagar being named after the first Chief Minister of the State, should excel in all aspects and he assured to provide better services to the people of the district. He also urged the people to dedicate themselves to the cause of the state.
On the day, the sincere and dedicated employees of the district, namely, Wenden T Sangma, Nazir, Willingstone Marak, Supervisor in Election Branch and five others were awarded with trophies and certificates in recognition of their services.
At Amlarem, The 46th Meghalaya Statehood Day was commemorated in Amlarem sub-division. The ceremony was organised by the Sub-Divisional Office (Civil), Amlarem and attended by government officers and staff from the different sub-divisional offices, heads of educational institutions, village leaders and people from Amlarem areas.
