Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday kicked off the year-long celebration of the 50th Statehood of Meghalaya by inaugurating the 5th Baghmara Challenge, an inter-club basketball tournament at the Baghmara Sports Complex in the Garo Hills region and also attended the Audiovisual Exhibition on the ‘Road to 50’ curated by the Northeast India AV Archive which is part of the celebration.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister commented, “We must remember the sacrifices made by our leaders because of which we are blessed with the State of Meghalaya. Younger generations tend to forget the contributions made by such leaders. We must remind ourselves of their contribution to inspire us to take on what they have started and continue it for our State”.
National People’s Party (NPP) legislator Rakkam A Sangma said, “It is befitting that the Government has launched the year-long celebration of the 50th Statehood from Baghmara, the birthplace of the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Captain Williamson Sangma”.
He also proposed that on the culmination of the celebration on January 21, 2022, Baghmara should hold a “mega cultural and sporting event” to mark the occasion.
NPP legislator, Thomas A. Sangma said that the MDA (Meghalaya Democratic Alliance) Government has initiated various development projects for South Garo Hills, including, the widening and improvement of the Tura-Dalu-Baghmara road, which will reduce the time of travel and encourage visitors to explore the vast tourism potential of the region.
Also, commenting on the 50th Statehood celebrations, the legislator said, “Baghmara is the birthplace of Captain Williamson Sangma, the architect of Meghalaya. The celebration of ‘The Road to Fifty’ from Baghmara is befitting for the State”.
He also urged the youth to learn the ancient and traditional practices of the Garos, so that the rich and diverse culture of the tribe is preserved.
