By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: After a gap of almost a century, the articles of the forgotten Khasi writer and thinker, David Roy Phanwar, which were put together and compiled by his grandson, Malcolm D Roy, into a volume of 22 articles were released at a function on Saturday.
The compilation contains articles on the Khasi culture, ethos, religion, laws, marriages, land and tradition.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Member Prof David Syiemlieh released the compilation on Saturday and remembered the contributions made by the forgotten writer to Khasi literature and knowledge.
“The articles written a century ago tickles the mind of many and even though David Roy is not a familiar name amongst many people especially the youth, yet one should realize the contribution made by this great man to the basic traditional beliefs of the Khasis,” Prof B War of the Khasi Department, NEHU said.
David Roy was the only son of Rai Bahadur Roy Singh (Rai Shabong). He was born at Laban, Shillong on December 23, 1884. At a young age his father sent him for schooling at Doveton College, Calcutta and he completed his studies from Duff College, Calcutta. He served as a Magistrate in the Assam Civil Service and was posted in various places including Naga Hills, Garo hills and Lushai Hills.
He took part in the Kuki Expedition in 1919. On his return to Shillong he served as Administrator of the Hima Mylliem. He was a Sub Divisional Officer at Jowai during the Silver Jubilee celebration of King George V of Britain in 1935.
He was appointed as the Dewan of Hima Mylliem and Hima Sohra during 1936-46 and through his efforts the affairs of these two Hima were set right and their economic positions revived. He was later conferred with the title of MBE (Member of the British Empire) by the British Government. After his retirement, Roy continued to assist the Hima Myllliem and was closely associated with the Federation of Khasi States.
He wrote extensively, particularly on Khasi customs, traditions and laws and his writings were published in various journals. He passed away in Shillong on February 13, 1966.
Roy’s grandson, Malcolm D Roy presented a brief highlight of the articles written by David Roy stating that it took almost three years for him and his family to collect and compile the writings of his grandfather. “There are many writings which had been lost but we are trying to retrieve them,” he said.
David Roy penned down some of his thoughts and understanding of the Khasi cultures in these articles, some of which highlighted the essence of marriage, the status of Khasi women in the society, an insight into the matrilineal society, religion, the relationship between a Khasi man and a Khasi woman besides other topics, Malcolm stated.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prof Syiemlieh said David Roy is remembered through his articles and his immense contribution to the Khasi literature. “He is one of those Khasis who initiated the development of the Khasis from the 19th to the 20th century,” he said.
Stating that his articles will have enduring impact on the Khasis, Prof Syiemlieh said “His articles may not only benefit the research scholars, students and faculties but the society as whole.”
Meanwhile, Joint Director of IGNOU Dr Ananya Guha stressed on the need to re-create the past and to revive the tradition and culture besides acknowledging the pioneers who shaped culture, society and tradition.
“It is very important to have a knowledge of the past as this will help in providing us a glimpse of the future”, Dr Guha said adding that in the Khasi community, oral tradition is very strong hence, it is very important to bring about a cultural revival and some of which are being brought in the form of poems, short stories and the likes.
The function also commemorated the 128th birth anniversary of David Roy. The function was attended by all family members of David Roy, besides others.