Shillong: Garo Hills joined the rest of India to mark the 80th Independence Day on Saturday. Tura hosted the main event at Matchakolgre LP School. Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui hoisted the national flag. He received a Rashtriya Salute from 24 parade contingents. Officials, educators, and students attended the celebration.
Rymbui honored the freedom fighters who fought for national liberation. He invoked names like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr BR Ambedkar, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and state figures U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah, and Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma. He also recognized the security forces for upholding national law.
Economic goals take center stage. The state aims to triple its economy to 1.35 lakh crore by 2032 through Mission 10 and State Vision 2032. Meghalaya Gross State Domestic Product doubled since 2018. It now ranks among India’s fastest-growing states. Rymbui stated, "Meghalaya has managed to maintain a GSDP growth rate of 10 percent for three consecutive years following the COVID pandemic."
Government efforts continue to expand. The state recently passed the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance to elevate Khasi and Garo. Rymbui noted this move supports the push for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Infrastructure projects are moving forward, including the Shillong to Silchar High-Speed Corridor, the Dhubri to Phulbari Bridge, and NH-127B. Officials are also reviving Baljek Airport and building heliports in Shillong and Tura.
Education metrics showed significant gains. The Performance Grading Index 2.0 saw improvement. The state spent over 355 crore on 2404 projects under Mission Education. Higher secondary schools increased from 427 to 545. For the 2026 academic cycle, SSLC pass rates hit 97.2 percent, while HSSLC reached 86.6 percent. Teachers will move to a new Structured Pay Framework starting April 1, 2026.
The state is preparing for the 39th National Games in 2027. Officials allocated over 70 crore to support athletes and host events in Shillong, Tura, and Jowai. Ten thousand athletes will participate.
Parade winners were announced during the ceremony. Pechon Memorial HS School took first in the NCC Boys category. St Xaviers Higher Secondary School led the Scouts and Guides. Officials also honored 21 government workers and top-performing students with certificates. Celebrations also took place in Dadenggre, Raksamgre, and Jengjal with similar cultural programs and local sports competitions led by regional legislators Jim M Sangma, Limison D Sangma, and Rupert Momin.
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