There is currently a heated debate between those who believe that Khasi Language should be a compulsory subject in the Higher Secondary section and others who hold the view that the right to take Khasi or to drop it is that of the students since they are the ones who have to appear for the examinations. Much of the haranguing emanating from political parties and the Deficit Teachers’ Association centres around the chauvinistic notions of Khasi language as the symbol of Khasi identity. Many who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s opted for Alternative English as it was easier to score marks in. There was a strong perception then that teachers who marked the examination papers of Khasi (MIL) have an inflated view of their own competence in the language. Hence students always fell short of their expectations when in fact the teachers should be questioning their own teaching methods and skills. For students it was a simple choice. They opted out of a subject that dragged down their percentages. By the time they passed High School they had made a firm determination to opt for Alternative English which more often than not fetched them higher marks.
But having said that, Khasi (Sohra dialect) is the language that binds the different strains among Khasis such as the Pnar, Bhoi War, Lyngngam etc. Language is the mode by which we communicate with one another. We learn this mother tongue from our parents. It is the first language of communication. But as students enter the portals of learning they also quickly learn that higher, technical and professional courses and also higher academics require that they be proficient in English. Outside Meghalaya Khasi has no value except a sentimental one. And if Khasi were to be recognised under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution then it means that examinations for the High, Higher Secondary and Graduation examinations can be written in Khasi. Apart from that perhaps the language would be enriched by the addition of resources towards its research and development. Hence MBOSE’s stance that those who choose to opt for Khasi as a specialisation course can do so but not everyone should be coerced to take it as a compulsory subject is reasonable.
Much depends on the teachers of Khasi language to hold the attention of students and enshrine in their minds a love for the language because language helps to reflect the identity, values, and experiences of a community/society. But till then it is important to allow students the liberty to choose the subjects they are interested in.