SHILLONG, Dec 18: Meghalaya paid rich tributes to noted Khasi poet and a celebrated literary icon, U Soso Tham, on his 82nd death anniversary at different locations in the state.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) also paid tribute to the Khasi bard at his bust in the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and highlighted his contribution to the state and its citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, KSU president Lambokstar Marngnar said that U Soso Tham is a role model for the present generation and more to come because of his contributions in the field of Khasi literature.
The Union will continue to press for the inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The KSU president said that it is about time for the state government to come up with a State University and name it after U Soso Tham.
Talking about the state education policy, Marngnar said that the union has given its suggestions to the Meghalaya government.
Meanwhile, a ‘Play Day’ function was organised by Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sohra, to pay tributes to the Khasi poet.
According to a statement, the programme, which was organised to mark the 82nd death anniversary of U Soso Tham, was attended by around 1,400 students and teachers from 47 different Ramakrishna Mission Feeder Schools across the state.
Legendary Khasi bard, U Soso Tham was born in 1873 in Sohra.
He was the first poet to initiate secular literature with diction, both singular and genuine and also the first person to make use of Khasi idioms in a form taken mainly from English poetry.
He is remembered for his beautiful poems. His Ka Duitara Kshiar (The Golden Harp, 1925) — a compilation of poems, is one of the most distinguished works. He is widely regarded as the greatest icon in the literary history of Meghalaya.
