NONGSTOIN : The Golden Jubilee celebration of West Khasi Hills District was formally inaugurated in Nongstoin on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a month-long programme to commemorate 50 years since the district was formed.
The inaugural ceremony was held in front of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills District, and was attended by Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak, IAS, Superintendent of Police H. Kharkongor, ADC V. Swer, MCS, BDO of Mawshynrut C&RD Block R. Kharkongor, MCS, Assistant Commissioner Anju, IAS, along with other senior officers and staff of various government departments.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak reflected on the journey of West Khasi Hills over the past five decades and spoke about the path ahead as the district moves beyond its Golden Jubilee.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by the district over the years and urged people, particularly the younger generation, to continue moving forward with determination. She also highlighted the district’s achievements in areas such as sports, music and academics.
The Deputy Commissioner also drew attention to the relatively lower participation of local youth in competitive examinations, which has resulted in fewer officers and civil servants emerging from the district.
She encouraged young people to take greater interest in competitive examinations and work towards producing more officers and civil servants from West Khasi Hills who can contribute to the development of the district and the State.
The month-long Golden Jubilee celebration will culminate with a grand closing ceremony on October 28, 2026. A range of programmes and activities have been planned during the month, including kite flying, horse racing and other events.
Superintendent of Police H. Kharkongor, in his address, recalled the difficulties faced by West Khasi Hills in the past, particularly during the period when militancy posed a major challenge to peace and development.
He said the district has overcome many of those challenges and progressed towards becoming a safer district. At the same time, he identified drug abuse as an emerging concern and called for collective efforts to preserve peace and tranquillity.
He urged the public, government departments and other stakeholders to work together for the continued development and progress of West Khasi Hills.
ADC V. Swer spoke about the history of the district and recalled that West Khasi Hills was formed on October 28, 1976. He also highlighted its historical significance in Meghalaya.
A key highlight of the inaugural programme was the unveiling of the Golden Jubilee logo and the official Golden Jubilee theme song, composed by Josephas Thongni.
The celebration was formally inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a commemorative photograph involving the dignitaries and officials present.
As part of the inaugural activities, an interactive departmental futsal match and basketball match were also kicked off, bringing together officers and staff from different government departments.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a month-long celebration of West Khasi Hills’ 50-year journey, its achievements and progress, while also looking ahead to the district’s next phase of growth and development.