Shillong, Jan 26: Meghalaya joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day with grandeur and patriotic fervour, with the main state-level function held at the Polo Grounds in Shillong on Monday.
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| Governor C H Vijayashankar delivers the Republic Day address. |
Governor C H Vijayashankar unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of marching contingents drawn from central and state armed forces, police units, NCC cadets, scouts and guides, school bands and students.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor highlighted Meghalaya’s emergence as one of India’s fastest-growing states, recording a 9.66 per cent real Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth in 2025 and sustaining an average growth of around 10 per cent for three consecutive years after the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the state was firmly on track to triple its economy by 2032, in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
On law and order, Vijayashankar noted that the state remained peaceful over the past year, attributing stability to effective interventions along the Assam–Meghalaya border and enhanced coordination with the Border Security Force along the Indo-Bangladesh border. He also underlined governance reforms, citing improved service delivery through the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act, the expansion of online citizen services, and digital platforms such as Meghalaya One and CM Connect, which has addressed over 43,000 public grievances.
Highlighting infrastructure development, the Governor referred to the construction of over 3,500 km of rural roads, record sanctions of ₹2,200 crore for state road projects, expansion of air connectivity, and progress on major projects including the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor. He also pointed to advances in healthcare, education, information technology, tourism and sports, including preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027, improvements in hospital quality standards, and the rise of Meghalaya as an emerging IT and concert economy hub.
During the ceremony, the Governor conferred the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Literature on Dr Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, the Pa Togan N Sangma Award for Social Services on Father Benoy Joseph, and the U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports and Games on Riiohlang Dhar. He also felicitated Padma Shri awardee Hally War for his pioneering work in revitalising living root bridges in Sohra and promoting environmental stewardship.
Announcements were also made for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service awarded to Jubi Gabil Momin, DIG, and Police Medals for Meritorious Service to Bashanborlang J Laloo, Commandant, and Babu Chow Sinha, Sub-Inspector.
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The celebrations featured vibrant tableaux presented by various state departments, with the Directorate of Mineral Resources winning first prize, followed by the Tourism Department and the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). In the march-past competition, Phudmuri Presbyterian Higher Secondary School secured first place, while BDW International School and Assam Rifles Public School finished second and third respectively. Cultural performances by the Infinity Choir and Nongrah Presbyterian Secondary School added colour to the programme, with prizes distributed by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Republic Day celebrations were also held across districts. In Jowai, the event at Jrisalein Playground saw former cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla unfurl the National Flag and take the salute of 17 contingents, with PM Shri School JNV Mukhla winning the march-past competition. In Amlarem, MLA Nujorki Sungoh presided over the district-level function, where Mang Hai Ryum Higher Secondary School topped both march-past and cultural competitions. Similar celebrations were held in East Jaintia Hills, Hima Shangpung and other areas, with achievers from education, health, self-help groups and community institutions being honoured.
Concluding his address, the Governor called upon citizens to actively participate in building a cleaner, inclusive and sustainable Meghalaya, urging collective responsibility as the state advances towards its development milestones.
