‘Khasi still remains outside the Eighth Schedule’
By Our Reporter
Shillong: Underlining that literature reflects changing lifestyles of people and society, Dr DRL Nonglait, Dept of Khasi, North Eastern Hill University said “There is a need to develop a connection between the past, present and future to be able to adapt to change meaningfully.”
Dr Nonglait said the Khasis have often been accused of lacking the theoretical tools to engage with societal values and concepts. He rued the tendency of youth to cast aside the time tested values of Khasi society.
Releasing a book entitled Ka Jingieid bad ka Jingthrew ka Doh (Love and lust) authored by M.Phil scholar and Khasi teacher at Synod College, Pynwandurlang Shabong at Mawkhar here on Tuesday, the Editor of the The Shillong Times Patricia Mukhim said the Khasi community has come a long way but what is disheartening is their disinclination to engage intellectually with the more pressing issues that threaten to rock the otherwise staid matrilineal society.
Quoting from Primrose Gatphoh, Mukhim echoed his feelings that patriotism is not jingoism but comes from delving into the literature and history of society.
Reiterating that the tribal communities in the state tend to talk without taking any action to remove the ills from society Mukhim said, “We simply discuss things among ourselves but refuse to take a stand on any issue,” she said.
Lauding the writer for his brilliant scholarly work leading to an incisive comparative study of the Khasi legend, “The Sun and the Peacock,” the columnist said the book will guide others who want to engage in similar scholarly works. “Scholars enjoy academic freedom to express their views but must also have the openness to accept constructive criticism” adding, “it is good to have radical writers in our midst to help revolutionize society from within.”
Meanwhile, elaborating on the core theme of this book, author Pynwandurlang Shabong said the book is his thesis and it looks at the famous Khasi Folklore-‘The Peacock and the Sun’ where he personalizes both and looks at what essentially is a human failing of lust triumphing love but also the hidden nuances buried in the story and the interpretation of different renowned Khasi poets and essayists on the lore.
“The folklore carries an important message that humanity is afflicted by the same human failings of pride, regret, impatience, greed etc. but it also depicts the inherent strengths of that society and show how the two aspects balance out,” Shabong said, adding that there is a need to preserve these folklores and the Khasi literature as it holds the key for a successful and progressive community.
Meanwhile, writer and author Spiton Kharakor lamented that Khasi is becoming a dying language because people have resorted to speaking Khasi in English or Khalish. Pointing to the lack of interest of the Khasi people to pursue the matter of including Khasi in the Eighth Schedule, Mr Kharakor said, “We owe it to late Ardhendu Chaudhuri for raising the issue of making Khasi the official language in Meghalaya and for Government correspondence etc. Regretfully although this matter was passed by the Assembly it is not implemented as yet.”
It is learnt that the book will soon be translated into English, “so that this critical piece of work will spread Khasi philosophy beyond the narrow walls of the Khais speaking world”.