SHILLONG: The Khasi Authors’ Society on Thursday held a celebration to mark its 35th year of existence.
The celebration, which was observed as Literary Day, was graced by Lok Sabha member from Shillong, Vincent H Pala.
Pala stated that he might not be able to articulate his thought to the literary fraternity; however in his capacity as the public representative, he disclosed that his task of furthering Khasi literature is to relate with the global network.
He stated that he has endeavored to upload the Khasi dictionary and the Khasi Bible in the Android mobile platform and efforts were on to make them available in a version that is compliant with Apple phones and I-pads.
Pala observed the most non-Khasi speakers have found that Khasi language was easier to learn as compared to other tribal languages.
Regarding the demand for inclusion of Khasi language in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution, Pala said “There are 38 languages in the country which are vying for inclusion in the Eight Schedule.
“I had held discussions with P. Chidambaram and the same is being followed up with the new Ministry, he added.
Stating that the role of the State Government was necessary in this regard, Pala appealed to the members of the Khasi Authors’ Society to urge the State Government to move a resolution demanding official recognition for Khasi language.
Pala also urged the Society to compile data on the number of people speaking Khasi language all over the world and the academic status in the universities.
On the occasion, the MP released four books authored by members of KAS including Kitbor W. Nongrum, late Shining Star Laloo, Marcus M. Thaiang and Lucky Kharpuri.
Nongrum has compiled the Third Volume of Khasi authors, late Laloo wrote about the wild animals of Meghalaya titled Ki Mrad Khlaw ka Meghalaya; Thaiang has written about bull fighting sports while Kharpuri’s book is titled Na ki Kyntem ba la lumlang.
Pala also presented literary awards to meritorious students who excelled in Khasi language.
The awardees include Rebinroy Rynjah, Kalkedon Mylliemngap, Evalca Khongsni, Shishalinda Lyngkhoi, Frederick Sawkmie Marbaniang and Embhahlang Dkhar.
The top award went to I. Saphibanrisa Shabong of Meghalaya Police Public School, Mawroh who scored 97 marks in MIL (Khasi) in the 2014 SSLC examination.
A variety of literary and cultural programmes were presented by members of KAS and invitees from various institutions. Among the programmes held were poetry recitation, phawar or folk poetry and music performances.