SHILLONG: Meghalaya joined the nation in celebrating the 80th Independence Day, with the state-level function held at Polo Grounds in Shillong. Chief minister Conrad K. Sangma hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute of marching contingents from the BSF, CRPF, CRPF, police units, NCC cadets and several schools, before presenting a series of awards and reviewing his government’s eight-year development record.
Sangma announced that Meghalaya Police had received the President’s Police Colour, one of the highest honours for a police force in India, and noted that the state’s living root bridges have been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List 2026.
The chief minister presented District Awards of Excellence to James Dean Marbaniang, superintendent of the District Prison & Correctional Home, Shillong; outreach worker Reviewlet Kylla; and Sophiality Marbaniang of the District Child Protection Unit, East Khasi Hills. An award also went to Sohiong C&RD Block for a footpath-cum-viewpoint built at Domkopher Mawdngung.
Awards of appreciation were presented to Col Vinay Kumar, Director of the Army Recruiting Office, Shillong, and to two 93-year-old veterans — Naik Jedro Thabah (Retd.), who enrolled in the Assam Regiment in 1951, and Col Memorialda Nongsiej (Retd.), commissioned into the Military Nursing Service in 1974. Police Medals for Meritorious Service and a Medal for Meritorious Service were also announced for several officers.
In the March Past, Holy Cross Hr. Secondary School, St. Edmund’s and St. John’s took the top three positions, while St. Mary’s and St. Margaret’s led the Brass Band contest. A cultural programme was presented by Synod, Mary Mount and BSF Hr. Secondary Schools.
In his address, Sangma reviewed his government’s eight years in office, framing its approach around three priorities — protecting land, empowering people and preserving culture. He pointed to gains in forest conservation, rural water supply, road construction and maternal and infant health, and said the state’s education performance ranking had improved alongside expanded skills training and employment schemes for youth. He also cited growth in tourism and the start of scientific coal mining, with steps underway to bring small miners into the legal framework.
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Sangma spoke of the state’s preparations to host the 39th National Games and turned to Meghalaya’s drug problem, noting that rehabilitation centres had grown from 9 in 2018 to 14 under the government’s drug reduction and elimination push. He added that rehabilitation alone wasn’t the answer and urged the youth towards sports, fitness and skill-building, saying that the government had built the platform for them to shape Meghalaya’s future.
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, Shri 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.           Â
