SHILLONG, July 16: A panel discussion on the theme ‘The Inclusion of the Khasi Language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India’ was conducted by the Department of Khasi of Sankardev College Shillong on the Saturday under the sponsorship of Arts and Culture department.
The intent and purpose of the panel discussion was to provide a platform for a comprehensive deliberation on the importance and significance this would have on the various aspects of the Khasi language if it were to be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.
Minister of Arts and Culture, Tourism etc., Paul Lyngdoh, was the chief guest of the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the Cabinet minister emphasised that the government is serious and committed in taking up the matter with the Centre.
It may be mentioned that a delegation of state leaders led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to press for ILP implementation in Meghalaya and inclusion of Khasi and Garo language in the Eighth Schedule.
During the panel discussion, various important aspects related to the theme were discussed by the panellists including Prof DRL Nonglait, Head of the Department of Khasi, NEHU, and President of the Khasi Authors Society, Prof S Dkhar, Professor, Department of Khasi, NEHU, and member of the Sahitya Academy, Dr B Khyriem, Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics, NEHU, and E Sutnga, Advocate and social activist. The panellists shared their insights on the theme from their area of specialisations. The moderator of the panel discussion was Dr Sukjai Swer, Associate Professor, Department of Khasi, Sankardev College.
Principal of the college, Dr Eureka FP Lyngdoh, delivered the welcome address and IQAC Coordinator Manbor S Warjri proposed the vote of thanks.
The participants included teachers and students of different colleges of the state. The programme was also attended by various leaders of pressure groups and NGOs, who unanimously expressed a consensus that the demand for inclusion of the Khasi language should be earnestly and collectively pursued to fruition.
