Govt asked to expedite decision on Father of Khasi alphabets

SHILLONG: The state government is yet to officially recognize Rev. Thomas Jones-I as the father of Khasi Alphabets.
In reply to a question by K.P Pangniang (HSPDP), Arts and Culture Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh told the Assembly on Wednesday that the matter will be examined.
Raising a supplementary question, Pangniang wanted to know why the state government was not interested in officially declaring Thomas Jones as father of Khasi Alphabets despite the fact that the messages of the Governor, other dignitaries and officials still mention Thomas Jones as the father of Khasi Alphabets.
Replying to this, Ronnie Lyngdoh said the government has to properly examine the matter since another missionary William Carey too attempted in creating Khasi Alphabets though using Bengali script in 1824, whereas Thomas Jones invented Khasi Alphabets in Roman script in 1841.
The Assembly Speaker intervened and said the government should fast track its decision since the dignitaries are mentioning Thomas Jones as the father of Khasi Alphabets.
When UDP’s Paul Lyngdoh asked as to whether the government will commemorate the arrival of Thomas Jones to Khasi Hills 175 years ago, Ronnie said the department will study the suggestion.