In honour of the maiden visit of President of India, Droupadi Murmu to the State of Meghalaya, a civic reception was accorded to her by the Government of Meghalaya at Raj Bhavan, Shillong.
The President was felicitated by the Governor, Phagu Chauhan, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, Meghalaya Health and Family Minister, Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh and the General Secretary of Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong, R Blah.
In her address, the President, Droupadi Murmu lauding the natural beauty of Meghalaya, thanked the State Government and the people of Meghalaya for the warm welcome accorded on her first visit as the President of India.
Expressing happiness on inaugurating numerous development projects, she hoped that the same will boost the economy of the State and bring about inclusive and holistic development. Citing Meghalaya’s opportunities and potential for tourism related activities, the President commended the various tourism related projected implemented by the State Government including the launch of the Meghalaya Tourism Policy 2023 and holding of the International Tourism Mart at Shillong and opined that such initiatives will go a long way in creating awareness about the tourism potential of the State and the North East region as a whole.
Citing the ‘Act East’ policy of the Government of India, the President recommended that Meghalaya and all the North Eastern States to work in mission mode to ensure connectivity employment and infrastructure in northeast, in view of the strategic location that the region holds as India’s gateway to South East Asia.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor termed the President’s visit as historic and thanked her for inaugurating the fifth Meghalaya Games at Tura as well as other developmental projects, aimed at propelling the growth trajectory of the State.
Adding that she has carved an indelible place in the hearts of the people by reaching out to people, particularly women self – help groups, he hailed her for being the first woman from the tribal
community of the country to be honoured with the post of first citizen and also being the youngest President of the country.
Delivering the welcome address, Meghalaya Chief Minister thanked the President for inspiring the youth of the state by inaugurating the Meghalaya Games and also for bring the first President of the country to stay at the newly inaugurated Raj Bhavan at Tura.
The Governor also hosted a state dinner in honour of the President. A cultural programme showcasing the unique traditions and customs of the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes was also organised on the occasion.