Sasraya News ★ Shillong, Meghalaya : The 10th remembrance of India’s 11th President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, was marked in Shillong with a rich blend of cultural tributes, poetry, seminars, and student awards. Organized by the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Foundation, the event took place on July 27, 2025, at U Soso Tham Auditorium, drawing prominent personalities, artists, educators, and students from Meghalaya and beyond.
The programme began with a patriotic song by members of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Shillong, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting. Foundation President Smt. Falguni Chakraborty welcomed the gathering, highlighting the foundation’s mission to inspire the younger generation through education and cultural engagement.
In a gesture honoring academic excellence, meritorious students who ranked in the HSSLC Science stream received a cash prize of ₹2,000 each from the foundation, reflecting Dr. Kalam’s enduring belief in empowering youth through recognition and encouragement.
That day, a remarkably beautiful book was unveiled by its author, Dr. A. M. Kharbamon. The book launch ceremony was graced by the presence of the invited dignitaries, making the occasion even more significant and memorable.
Dr. A. M. Kharbamon is a respected medical professional from Meghalaya, known for her compassionate service and integrity. She served as one of the attending physicians at Bethany Hospital, Shillong, during the final moments of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life on 27th July 2015. Her book, “My Encounter with the Missile Man of India A Doctor’s Narrative,” offers a deeply personal and emotional account of that day, capturing both the human side of Dr. Kalam and the profound impact he left behind.
Cultural performances were at the heart of the programme. Smt. Paromita Paul enchanted the audience with her soulful singing, accompanied by Shri Ramyojit Bhattacharjee on synthesizer and Shri Bhola Sil on tabla. Evanisha Pathaw also delivered a patriotic song, while expressive dance performances captured the essence of Kalam’s ideals.
The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award 2025 honored notable figures for their exceptional contributions: Padma Shri Silbi Passah for cultural and social service, Smt. Kalpana Roy for Bengali literature, Smt. Manisha Sarma for Assamese literature, and Dr. Minoti Rani Mahapatro for social work.
Poets paid tribute in multiple languages: Dr. Swarnali Biswas Bhattacharjee (Bengali), Dr. Streamlet Dkhar (Khasi), Dr. Tek Narayan Upadhay (Nepali), Dr. Solony Bareh (English), Smt. Daya Sarma (Hindi), Hritabotta Bhattacharjee (English), and Drabesh Marak (Garo).
The seminar featured insightful presentations by Akansha Dey, Eshita Bhattacharjee, and Shivratan Sarma, exploring Dr. Kalam’s life, philosophy, and vision for India’s future.
Winners of competitions in model-making, craft, quiz, art, and essay were felicitated during the prize distribution ceremony. The event also recognized the contribution of the judges:
Model-making: Sanchita Chakraborty (Vice Principal, Laban Bengalee Boys’ Higher Secondary School), Dr. L. Khongjiang (Associate Professor, Shillong College), and Atanu Kumar Das (Associate Professor, St. Anthony’s College, Botany Department). Craft: Smt. Reeta Ghosh (Former Vice Principal, Laban Bengalee Boys’ Higher Secondary School), Dipanwsita Dutta Choudhury (President, Sobujer Dol), and Jayantho Chakraborty (Art Teacher).
Drawing: Sanchita Chakraborty, Sudipto Betal. Essay: Jishnu Bhattacharjee. Quiz: Bhim B. Sunar. Special Guests who graced the occasion included: Parth Pandey (Regional Director, Kendriyo Hindi Sansthan), Ram Sakal Sahani (Director, CRC Shillong), Swami Ati Sarvananda (Ramkrishna Mission), Sujit Nandi Majumdar (Retired Professor, St. Edmund’s College, Chemistry), Dr. Animesh Misra (HOD, Cardiology, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong), Mr. Narayan Rijal (Founder/Managing Director, Shiva Kailash Kala Mandir, Nepal), Mrs. Renuka Rijal (Dance Director, Shiva Kailash Kala Mandir, Nepal), Mr. Govind Prasad Sharma (Head, International Department, Nepal), Haribansha Panta (Advisor, Shiva Kailash Kala Mandir, Nepal), Chief Guest BDR Tiwari, IAS (Commissioner & Secretary, Meghalaya) inspired students with Dr. Kalam’s famous words: “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.” Guest of Honour N. Munish Singh (Director, North East Zone Cultural Centre) encouraged the youth to nurture creativity and cultural pride.
The organizing team included Sujoy Kumar Das, Rajat Bhattacharjee, Bijon Dey, Dilip Chanda, Rohit Chetia, Anup Bora, Waqil Ahmed, Niewkorlang Symlieh, Chaitali Chakraborty, Mrs. Ashima Chakraborty, Mrs. Sontoshi Sengupta, Mrs. Mamota Dasgupta, Miss Sathi Ghosh, Pankaj Deb, Debjani Roy, Dr. Moyank Jain, and Dr. Alok Singh.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Anup Bora of Shillong Laitumkhrah Assamese Secondary School, expressing gratitude to all participants, guests, and contributors. The programme concluded with the National Anthem, leaving the audience inspired to carry forward Dr. Kalam’s vision of a progressive and self-reliant India.
