Develop Meghalaya in tourism, health & hospitality: CM

Agencies SHILLONG, JANUARY 22 Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today said the objectives of his government for the next seven years is to develop destination Meghalaya in tourism, health and hospitality. "As we celebrate 50 years, seven years from now, we should be in a position to tell the world success stories which can culminate of giving sense of well being to each citizen of the state. That is the objective," the Chief Minister said while addressing a state celebration at the U Soso Tham auditorium here."We must focus on education, health and focus on creating the state as the destination. These two crucial sectors and hospitality sector will make everything else fall in line," he said. Stating that as far as preparation for the grand celebration seven years from now is concerned, "We need to look at these sectors, we need to mob up resources so that the demand for investment and resources we generate will commensurate, these are the challenges." The chief minister reminded that in order to be able to give a sense of celebration in the 50th year which is seven years from now, there should a collective effort to take care of the challenges in the field of education, in providing quality healthcare and problem of unemployment and challenges of employability. He said the strength of our state is our culture, way of life, kind of land gifted to us. We are fortunate to have the land. Reminding that statehood was achieved 43 years ago without any bloodshed, the chief minister said the 'rich legacy' left behind the creation of the state is a strong message to all misguided friends that peaceful movement is much more powerful than any other mode of movements. "It is through this celebration we want to send a strong message that a peaceful movement is the form of movement and much more powerful than any other mode of movements, in bringing people in harmony and unity to achieve any objective," Mukul said. He further stated, "It is also important to send a strong message beyond the boundary of state to our neighbouring states where in the name of movement to achieve certain objective, people indulge in crimes and violence killing and it is so painful to see that." According to him, Meghalaya state is a leading example in as far as sending a strong message of this rich legacy of peaceful movement is concern. "This should remain as an example to be replicated by one and all, not only within the walls of our state, but it should be across the nation," he asserted. Emphasising that Meghalaya will have to focus on few things, Mukul said, "As far as the government is concern, I would like to reaffirm our commitment and reiterate our effort to achieve that objective." During the programme, the Chief Minister along with other dignitaries including Chief Adviser D D Lapang, Ministers also presented the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards to employees from the different departments of the government besides prizes to the winners of various competitions. Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Day was celebrated across the state in a befitting manner. In the state’s capital, the day started with the Meghalaya Day Run from Madan Iewrynghep to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, the run was participated by hundreds of people from different parts of the state. ‘Peaceful movement always succeeds’ Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today said the rich legacy behind the creation of Meghalaya is a strong message to all "misguided" people that peaceful movement is much more powerful than any other mode. "It is through the celebration we want to send a strong message that a peaceful movement is the true form of movement and much more powerful than any other mode of movement, in bringing people together in harmony and unity and achieve any objective," Sangma said at the 43rd Meghalaya Day celebrations held here today. Referring to the present scenario in the state, where militancy and insurgency-related problem posed one of the major challenges, Sangma said, "We need to use this rich legacy of peaceful movement as a message to remind our friends (about) the power of peace and harmony to achieve any objective." He said, "It is important to send a strong message beyond the boundary of state to our neighbouring states where in the name of movement to achieve certain objectives, people indulge in crimes and violent killing and it is so painful to see that." The Chief Minister also said Meghalaya should be able to face the challenges in the field of education, health as well as the challenge of generating employment opportunities.