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Resubelpara,Jan 21, 2026: North Garo Hills today joined the State in celebrating the 54th Meghalaya Day at the Mini Secretariat, Resubelpara. Tourism Minister, Timothy D. Shira graced the occasion as Chief Guest in the presence of Kharkutta MLA, Rupert Momin, Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Abhishek Saini, officials, dignitaries and representatives of various organisations.

Addressing the gathering, Tourism Minister, Timothy D. Shira, recalled the historic journey leading to the formation of the State of Meghalaya. He stated that Meghalaya’s Statehood was the culmination of a democratic struggle led primarily under the leadership of the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), spearheaded by pioneer leaders including Captain Williamson A. Sangma, Brington Buhai Lyngdoh, Stanley Nichols Roy, and others. The Minister said that the State’s formation on January 21, 1972, stands as a testament to their collective vision for political autonomy, cultural identity, and inclusive development of the hill people.

He further highlighted the socio-economic transformation witnessed by the State over the decades in sectors such as infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, health, education, and agriculture.
Urging all stakeholders of the district to commit to a shared vision, the Minister called upon the citizens to work towards building a prosperous, self-reliant, and forward-looking Meghalaya.

The Meghalaya Day celebration in North Garo Hills also reflected the monumental contribution of the State’s founding fathers, particularly Captain Williamson A. Sangma, the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya, whose contribution laid the foundation for political autonomy and long term development of the State.

As part of the celebration, awards were presented to personalities who have brought recognition to the district. Notably, Taitus Ch. Marak, a renowned mountain biker from the district, was felicitated for bringing national recognition to Meghalaya through participation in prestigious mountain biking circuits and endurance races across the country. Family members of Late Rev. Omed W. Momin and Late Rev. Ramke W. Momin, who were among the pioneering missionaries responsible for introducing Christianity in the region, were also honoured.

Members of Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) received seed kits and farming equipment under the Horticulture Department’s Seed Bank Programme & CM Catalytic Fund, aimed at improving food security and community-led agricultural production across the district.

Among others who spoke during the programme were Kharkutta MLA, Rupert Momin, Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Abhishek Saini, and M.D. Arengh, representative of the Senior Citizen Forum and retired District Horticulture Officer.