It is 50 years since Meghalaya became a state. To mark the occasion, the state held a grand event at Shillong’s JN Stadium to honour the 50th anniversary while carefully following Covid-19 protocols.
The lighting of the lamp took place at 11 am, followed by speeches by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, and the Chief Secretary at 1.30 pm at the JN Stadium.
The Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, attended the event in a virtual capacity since he is experiencing mild Covid-19 symptoms in isolation at home.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the people of Meghalaya a virtual speech. He congratulated every resident of the state and lauded the sacrifices of those who battled for the state’s independence 50 years ago. He said that he had visited Meghalaya several times that he was in Shillong for the North Eastern Council Meeting when he was elected Prime Minister of India, and that he loved those memories.
“Shillong Chamber Choir” was one of the beautiful cultural acts at the occasion. Documentation about the state’s 50-year existence was also launched during the ceremony. Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh also introduced the state emblem of Meghalaya today.
On this occasion, several regions of Shillong and other parts of the state were decked with wall paintings and other decorations. Shillong is dressed up like a lovely bride.
The President, the Home Minister, and several other ministers accorded congratulatory messages on this special day to the people of Meghalaya earlier in the day.
