In search of Khasi roots

The tradition celebrates the magnanimity of fending for the future generations despite knowing well that the foundation for what is being laid today will bestow results only a generation or two later.

To highlight this well-known but dwindling practice, a team led by Randolph Langstieh of the Department of Social Work, St Edmund’s College, directed and produced a documentary titled U Thied Ka Lawei, which was screened in the city recently.

The subject of the documentary is being focused on the root bridges which are immensely popular in this part of the world.

Langstieh points out that there is an adage in the Khasi tradition which prohibits the young or middle aged from planting trees. It may not be popular but may have some hidden meanings.

“The question I ask is why? Or does it imply any specific relationship that the elderly have with trees so much so that it prevents the younger folks from participating in this good cause?”

“When I plant a fig tree today, I know that I may not able to see it grow old. Late Ke Khongtiang Ryngka (as mentioned in the documentary) from Shiliang Jashar, who settled in Rynger after marriage, must have felt the need to commute regularly to meet his clan members. So he plants a fig tree. Ryngka knew that the possibility of a root bridge to be formed is well beyond his lifetime. It can be safely speculated that the next seven generations after him can benefit from this root bridge if it takes shape,” Langstieh says.

“At a time when the world seems more inclined towards immediate gratification where patience is no more a virtue”, some individuals like Ryngka continue to strive keeping the selfless tradition of the indigenous people alive.

To term this act as an ‘out of the world’ gesture in this global age, where economic growth seems inversely proportional to natural growth, would be demeaning to the way of life of the indigenous tribes who had perhaps mastered the art of sustainability ages back. “The Khasi ancestors with regards to the root bridges portray an act of being efficient facilitators relying on the longevity of natural entities; in this instance to serve generations that follow. The root bridges of Meghalaya are not only symbolic but are also an existing example of how the close association of man and nature embedded with challenging values and principles practised by the inhabitants is paving a way and setting up foundations for generations and generations into the future,” says Langstieh.

Though the source of the tradition may have been lost, it nevertheless validates the popular belief that “every act in life has a divine sanction”.

Likewise the opening lines of the documentary says — “Nature is the teacher, guardian and guide which bestows upon all its co-existents their behavioural abilities in the world we live in.”

Further, “when a natural process is enhanced by human intervention or artificial growth as such, it exhibits a very selfish practice and attitude that ‘what we produce, we must be able to use it’ thereby compromising at most times on the strength and durability of a product”.

“The decline of community networks that once was thriving on shared values and understandings in society enabling individuals and groups to trust each other and work together represents a loss of social capital,” he says.

“Do we sustain the environment or the environment sustains us? Maybe we are yet to understand the true notion of ‘interdependency’ as our forefathers did. Therefore, both challenges and solutions to most of the problems we are facing today can be found in our surroundings,” Langstieh points out adding that as the director of this film, he was just a mere conduit of information to facilitate a process endured through time which is unbending, abiding by age old prescriptions tabulated on values exemplified to the vicinities, stretching the durability and sustainability where principles and values precedes the product.

The motivation behind the making of the documentary was to facilitate an age-old practice that portrays a vision, the director says. He noted that Shiliang Jashar village in East Khasi Hills has decided to continue with the tradition.

Talking about the current crop of root bridges in Khasi Hills, he said, “Most of the ‘root bridges’ which attract tourists from all over the world today were initiated hundreds of years ago. We are savouring the fruits of wisdom of our ancestors. This I think is the key learning we must adopt in terms of participation, vision, consideration of the generations to come and so on and so forth. The current society is fast paced. Most of the actions today require immediate gratification. In the case of ‘root bridges’, actions are paramount to ‘no gratification’ of the self whatsoever but for the offsprings that will follow.”

Langstieh, however, laments that there maybe a decline in awareness, especially among the youth about this age-old tradition; especially with regards to values of perseverance, patience and selflessness, which are being overlooked.

“There is a major disconnect from nature, more like a duality of sorts where nature is viewed as an entity rather than the essence of existence.”

He is hopeful though that the youth can be motivated at large if guided on a proper note. “Much like the root bridges being the teacher, the guide and so on, it must be mentioned that during the shooting (of the documentary), the youth were the ones present to witness the event, which means they have interest,” he concludes.

In the making of the documentary, Langstieh was assisted by Ricky Paliar as editor and camera person, and Juster Lyngdoh, Doreen Rapthap, Naphishisha Nongsiej and Rejoice Rashir as co-producers.