States » EastPosted at: Oct 16 2026 11:06PM


Meghalaya Governor inaugurates centenary celebration of Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha

Shillong, Oct 16 (UNI) Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar on Friday inaugurated the centenary celebration of the Rilbong Sanatan Hindu Dharma Sabha, marking a significant milestone in the Sabha’s history of community life, service, and cultural heritage.
Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, Director General of Assam Rifles, Lieutenant General Vikash Lakhera, Meghalaya Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, Centenary Organising Committee President and former Education Minister Manas Chaudhuri were also present on the historic occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor highlighted Rilbong’s hundred-year journey, recalling its beginnings in 1925 and the first puja held in a private house in 1927.
Describing Rilbong’s reputation as an “island of peace”, Vijayashankar appreciated the contributions of the generations who established institutions such as the school, Dharma Sabha, cooperative store, library and Sports Club, which have played an important role in the development of Rilbong and Shillong.
He also acknowledged the distinguished individuals the locality has produced, whose achievements reflect the values of education, dedication and public service.
The Governor further emphasised the importance of encouraging the younger generation to actively participate in religious, social and community programmes, and to learn from the achievements of their predecessors, remain connected to their cultural and community roots, and carry forward the values of unity, discipline, education and service.
Vijayashankar said the occasion also served as a reminder of the importance of preserving this legacy while inspiring future generations to uphold the values of peace, unity and collective responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Lakhera emphasised the power of humility, religious harmony, and staying true to one's roots.
The Assam Rifles Chief also called for lasting peace and harmony across the Northeast.
Delivering the welcome address, Centenary Organising Committee President Chaudhuri chronicled Rilbong's transformation from its humble beginnings as a small settlement into a distinguished enclave renowned for its contributions to public service, education, sports, and music.
“Rilbong locality rightly deserves a place of honour for producing numerous distinguished personalities,” he said.
Chaudhuri highlighted how people from Rilbong have made significant contributions to society through their dedicated service in various fields, bringing recognition to the locality and enriching the wider community.
The year-long centenary celebrations will honour the Sabha's century-old legacy while seeking to inspire younger generations to uphold the values of unity, integrity, service and peaceful coexistence.
As part of the centenary celebration, the “Rilbong Ratna” Awards were presented posthumously to four awardees: Amar Chandra Bhattacharjee, Rabindra Nath Bisarad, Ardhendu Chaudhuri and Parsva Nath Chaudhuri, in recognition of their outstanding contributions and achievements.
The awards reflected the Sabha’s commitment to honouring individuals whose service and accomplishments have enriched the community and inspired others.
The Governor also unveiled the plaque marking the symbolic opening of the remodelled Puja Mandap, which is an important milestone in the centenary celebrations and reaffirming the Sabha’s continued commitment to preserving its religious and cultural heritage.
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