Shillong: The 77th Republic Day was marked with ceremonial grandeur across Meghalaya, with the main state-level celebrations held at the Polo Grounds on Monday.
Governor C H Vijayashankar unfurled the National Flag and inspected a ceremonial parade featuring contingents from the central and state armed forces, police units, NCC cadets, scouts and schoolchildren.
In his address, the Governor said Meghalaya has made notable progress on the economic front, emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing states.
He cited a real GSDP growth of 9.66 per cent in 2025 and said the State has sustained close to 10 per cent growth for three consecutive years after the pandemic, placing it on course to triple its economy by 2032 in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
Touching on internal security, Vijayashankar said the law and order situation remained stable throughout the year.
He referred to improved coordination along the Assam–Meghalaya border and stronger cooperation with the Border Security Force on the Indo-Bangladesh border.
The Governor also drew attention to governance reforms, pointing to quicker service delivery under the Meghalaya Right to Public Services Act and the growing use of digital platforms such as Meghalaya One and CM Connect, which together have helped resolve more than 43,000 citizen grievances.
The Governor highlighted infrastructure as a key driver of development, noting the construction of over 3,500 kilometres of rural roads and the sanctioning of Rs. 2,200 crore for state road projects.
He also mentioned enhanced air connectivity and progress on major infrastructure initiatives, including the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor.
Advances in healthcare, education, tourism, information technology and sports were also outlined, with special reference to Meghalaya hosting the 39th National Games in 2027 and its growing profile as an emerging IT and concert economy destination.
Several honours were presented during the ceremony. The U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Literature was awarded to Dr Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, the Pa Togan N Sangma Award for Social Services to Father Benoy Joseph, and the U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports and Games to Riiohlang Dhar.
Padma Shri awardee Hally War was also felicitated for his sustained efforts in preserving and strengthening living root bridges in Sohra through community-based environmental stewardship.
Police decorations were announced, including the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service to DIG Jubi Gabil Momin and Police Medals for Meritorious Service to Commandant Bashanborlang J Laloo and Sub-Inspector Babu Chow Sinha.
Adding colour to the celebrations were tableaux presented by various government departments.
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The Directorate of Mineral Resources won first prize, followed by the Tourism Department and the District Rural Development Agency.
In the march-past competition, Phudmuri Presbyterian Higher Secondary School secured the top position, with BDW International School and Assam Rifles Public School finishing second and third respectively.
Cultural performances by the Infinity Choir and Nongrah Presbyterian Secondary School further enriched the programme, with prizes distributed by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
In his concluding remarks, the Governor called on citizens to share responsibility in shaping Meghalaya’s future, urging collective efforts towards building a cleaner, inclusive and sustainable state as it advances towards its development goals.
