Seng Khasi Marbisu completes 100 years
SHILLONG: Local MLA from Mawphlang and member of indigenous faith SK Sunn said the Seng Khasi Marbisu has upheld the legacy of preserving the cultural heritage of the indigenous faith despite the issues of conversions.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday after a programme to mark the centenary of Seng Khasi Marbisu, he said, “It is the beginning of a new era handed over to the young generation responsible to take on the mantle of preserving the cultural heritage of the Seng Khasi Marbisu. This present generation has the task of preserving, protecting and uplifting the culture of the Khasis”.
Observing that in the age where people aspire to pursue education, to follow modern beliefs and practices and technology, he said that people still adhere to their tradition and culture despite putting up with the demands of an ever-changing lifestyle.
He said that the centenary celebration aims to preserve and promote the cultural legacy bestowed upon them by the forefathers of the Seng Khasi Marbisu and to celebrate 100 years of the indigenous faith marks a victory for the champions of the indigenous faith.
Asked, about how he feels relating to the number of people in the indigenous faith, Sunn said that he was not happy about 20-25 years ago seeing the trend of people changing to other religion.
“The trend of people turning to other religions was quite high but as time goes on the it appears that the population of people tending to change has decreased, so I am happy in that way”, he said.
He said that the main objective is to preserve the traditional belief and culture of the Khasis.
Speaking at the programme to mark the 100-year celebration of Seng Khasi Marbisu, president of Seng Khasi Seng Kmie, DK Dkhar spoke about forceful conversions to different religions by outsiders.
He said, “It is not about imitating other cultures as this is dangerous”.
A report of Seng Khasi Marbisu was also read at the programme in which the people were informed that there are 226 households and 1280 males and females from the indigenous faith.
