Meghalaya today celebrated the 48th anniversary of statehood day with cultural fanfares immersed in remnants of the 'Hill State Movement' that led up to the declaration of Meghalaya as a separate state in the year 1972. Traditional songs and dances marked the celebration at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong.<br />''<br />''On the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stressed on the need to remember the glorious past, document it and pass it on to the younger generations. He said that slogans to die for the state should be replaced by slogans to live for the state and the nation by doing what needs to be done.<br />''<br />''He pointed out that many a time having a State is being taken for granted, and said that there are many communities who still fight for their identity. Reminding that State will celebrate its 50 years in two years, the Chief Minister said that he wishes to see Meghalaya in the top ranking in the small State category of the country.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also threw a challenge to the government employees to come up with an idea cutting across department lines if they want to change anything for better such as proving better water supply, putting a roof on a school. He said, the state government will assist the employee and the team if the idea makes a difference.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Minister also gave away Meghalaya Day award to State Government employees. The Meghalaya Day celebration will continue till the Republic Day celebration. Programmes like drawing competition, football match, acoustic evening beside others have been organised to last the weeklong celebration. The Statehood day was also celebrated in other district headquarters across Meghalaya.ws</span><br />