Shillong, September 7: Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, on his maiden official visit to Meghalaya, on Monday laid the foundation stones for several key development projects in the state at a public reception programme held at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers and senior officials of the state government were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Radhakrishnan said the projects being initiated would contribute significantly to the development of Meghalaya.
Describing it as his first official visit to the state, he expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him.
“I am deeply touched by the warm reception extended to me, and I am with you in every development of the state,” he said.
The Vice President described Meghalaya as a land of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and appreciated the state’s vibrant grassroots institutions.
He said the projects being launched reflected the strong partnership between the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya.
“Such cooperation between the Centre and the state is essential for ensuring balanced, inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.
Radhakrishnan also stressed that development must go hand in hand with the preservation of the environment, culture and traditions while ensuring sustainable growth.
Speaking on the concept of secularism, the Vice President said true secularism meant respecting not only each other’s religions but also one another’s thoughts, traditions, cultures and beliefs.
Welcoming the Vice President on his maiden visit to Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed hope that the visit would mark the beginning of a strong bond between the Vice President and the state.
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Highlighting Meghalaya’s progress over the past 54 years despite various challenges, Sangma said the state’s communities and traditional institutions had played a crucial role in shaping its development and preserving its identity.
“Even before governments were formed, it was our traditional institutions and systems, our culture and traditions that have protected our people and our identity and made Meghalaya what it is today,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several flagship programmes undertaken by the state government across different sectors, which he said had contributed to Meghalaya’s growth story.
“I am happy to inform that Meghalaya is one of the fastest-growing economies in the country today,” he said.
However, Sangma said the government’s focus was not limited to economic growth, but also on ensuring that the benefits of development reached every section of society.
He said the government was working to create better opportunities for youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, students, women and other sections of society.
“For us, economic growth while ensuring that social sectors and the people benefit is important,” he said.
The Chief Minister further stressed the importance of preserving Meghalaya’s cultural identity amid rapid economic transformation.
“While all the transformative economic activities take place, it is important to stay grounded and bound to our roots that give us our identity. Our culture, our traditions and our way of life is what differentiates us from the rest and we are proud of our identity,” he said.
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Thanking the Vice President for his visit, Sangma also invited him to visit other parts of Meghalaya to experience the diversity of the state’s communities, landscapes and cultural traditions.
During his visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan laid the foundation stones for several major projects, including the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme, Phase II (Part A) of Rs 850.58 Crs funded by Urban Challenge Fund, MoHUA, Major Bridge over the Umngot on the Jongksha-Kharang-Dienglieng-Nongjrong-Moodymmai-Wahiajer road (110m) of Rs 21.86 Crs funded by NESIDS, Road from Umsen to Barapathar via Pilangku-A, Jyrmang, Chibra and Mawiong (13.50 kms) of Rs 56.01 Crs funded by NESIDS, 30-bedded AYUSH facility at Shillong Civil Hospital of Rs 10.00 Crs funded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Article 275 (1) and 2×50 MVA, 132/33 kV substation at Mawkhanu with 132 kV D/C Saisiej-Mawkhanu line and GIS bay at Saisiej of Rs 72.00 Crs funded by PM-DEvINE.
The programme also featured songs and traditional dances by various artists, showcasing Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage and adding to the attractions of the day.
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