SHILLONG, JAN 26: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India on Monday, with the main state-level function held at the Polo Grounds, Shillong.
The Governor of Meghalaya, Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, unfurled the National Tricolour and took the salute of the marching contingents, which included personnel from the CRPF, BSF, District Executive Force (East Khasi Hills), Assam Police, 1st MLP Battalion, NCC Boys and Girls, Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, and students from various educational institutions.
Participating school contingents included Phudmuri Presbyterian Secondary School, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Mawphlang, BDW International School, Assam Rifles Public School, and Kendriya Vidyalaya NEHU. The march past was accompanied by the Brass Band of Meghalaya Police, Border Wing Home Guards, and the Border Security Force.
During the ceremony, the Governor presented the U Tirot Sing Award 2026 for Arts and Literature to Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, the Pa Togan N. Sangma Award 2026 for Social Services to Father Benoy Joseph, and the U Kiang Nangbah Award 2026 for Sports and Games to Miss Riiohlang Dhar.
The Governor also felicitated Padma Shri Awardee 2026 Shri Hally War, a noted social worker from Meghalaya, for his contribution to the revitalisation of living root bridges in Sohra (Cherrapunji), strengthening community participation, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism. Shri War has also mentored several families in root bridge weaving and environmental protection.
Announcements were also made for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) awarded to Smti. Jubi Gabil Momin, DIG, and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service awarded to Shri Bashanborlang J. Laloo, Commandant, and Shri Babu Chow Sinha, Sub-Inspector.
A major attraction of the celebrations was the tableau presentations by various departments including DCIC–East Khasi Hills, Divisional Soil and Water Conservation, Tourism Department, District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Superintendent of Fisheries (East Khasi Hills), Meghalaya State Skill Development Society, DMHO East Khasi Hills, DFO Territorial & Social Forestry, District Agriculture Office, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya, Directorate of Mineral Resources, and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Meghalaya.
The best tableau awards were won by the Directorate of Mineral Resources (first place), Tourism Department (second place), and District Rural Development Agency (third place).
In the March Past competition, Phudmuri Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, Shillong secured the first prize, followed by BDW International School and Assam Rifles Public School, which secured the second and third positions respectively.
Cultural performances by the Infinity Choir and Nongrah Presbyterian Secondary School added colour to the celebrations. Prizes for the winners of the tableau and march past competitions were distributed by the Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar.