Shillong: Along with the rest of the country,Meghalaya today celebrated the 80th Independence Day.In the state capital Shillong, the celebration was held at Polo Grounds, wherein Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of the Marching Contingents comprising of the BSF, CRPF, East Khasi Hills, DEF, 1st MLP Bn., West Bengal Police, NCC Boys & Girls, BSF Hr. Secondary School, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indian Red Cross Society, Divine Saviour Hr. Secondary School, St. Edmund’s Hr. Secondary School, May Queen School, Mawlai, Seng Khasi Hr. Secondary, Lead Hr. Secondary School, R. B. Anupchand Hindi Hr. Secondary School, St. Jerome Hr. Secondary School, Holy Cross Hr. Secondary School, Hills Crest Hr. Secondary School, St. John Hr. Secondary School, Assam Rifles Public School Horse Contingent, Border Wing Home Guards Brass Band, BSF Brass Band, St. Margaret’s Hr. Secondary School Brass Band and St. Mary’s Hr Secondary School Brass Band.
The Chief Minister also presented the District Award of Excellence to James Dean Marbaniang, Superintendent, District Prison & Correctional Home, Shillong, Smti Reviewlet Kylla, Outreach Worker and Sophiality Marbaniang, DEO of Child Welfare Committee, Office of the District Child Protection Officer, District Child Protection Unit, East Khasi Hills District. Award was also presented to Sohiong C&RD Block for the construction of a footpath cum view point at Domkopher Mawdngung VEC.
Awards of appreciation were presented to Col Vinay Kumar, Director Army Recruiting Office, Shillong, 93 years old Naik Jedro Thabah (Rtd.) who was enrolled in the Indian Army in the 5th Battalion of the Assam Regiment on 21st October, 1951 and 93 years old Col Memorialda Nongsiej (Retd.) who was commissioned into Military Nursing Service on 26th June, 1974.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of March Past, with Holy Cross Hr. Secondary School, St. Edmund Hr. Secondary School and St. John Hr. Secondary School securing the first, second and third positions respectively. In the Brass Band, St. Mary’s Hr. Secondary School and St. Margaret’s Hr. Sec. School secured the first and second positions respectively.
Other highlights of the day include a cultural programme presented by Synod Hr. Secondary School, Mary Mount School and BSF Hr. Secondary School.
Police Medal for Meritorious Service to H.G. Lyngdoh, Commandant 1st MLP Bn., Mawiong, Abraham T. Sangma, SP, West Garo Hills and Kmenlang Suting, Havildar, 3rd MLP Bn., and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) to Lathindro D. Sangma, Havildar of Civil Defence and Home Guards Department were also announced during the day.
