By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 4: State’s litterateurs will very soon find a much-needed boost which would involve funds and sponsorships, and that is if all goes according to the Meghalaya government’s vision, which Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced here on Saturday.
The chief minister said that the state government is working towards shaping up a policy to provide funds and sponsor writers, authors and researchers who would document the cultural aspect of the state and about the great leaders and document their lives.
Sangma was speaking as the chief guest on the memorial lecture organised to commemorate the death centenary of Babu Hajom Kissor Singh Nongbri, founder of the Unitarian Union and prominent Khasi litterateur, on Saturday, at U Soso Tham Auditorium.
Sangma said, “We have always seen that in the state documentation and record keeping is something done in the level it could be or should be and therefore I have decided to support writers, authors, researchers by funding and sponsoring them. We are still giving it shape and maybe in a month’s time it should be ready.”
The CM stressed the necessity of enhancing documentation and archival practices within the state, with the ultimate aim of furnishing the younger generation with a comprehensive historical account of their state’s esteemed leaders.
The memorial lecture further delved into the various aspects of HK Singh’s life that were beyond him just being the founder of the Unitarian movement.
Presented by Sylvanus Lamare, Researcher Scholar, the lecture highlighted his contribution to the Khasi language and him being the torchbearer of including Khasi as a medium of instruction and examination from 1902.
The memorial lecture also mentioned that he was a visionary who established schools that insisted on the importance of the three R’s (Readings, writings and arithmetic) and at the same time also skilling in carpentry, knitting, stitching, physical drill etc.
Sangma, following the memorial lecture, said that it served as an eye-opener for him as he was also unaware about the insightful leader who was way ahead of his time.
Further, Sangma promised to look into declaring 18th September that is the Unitarian Day as a regional holiday as requested by the Unitarian Union North Eastern India (UUNEI).
The event had additional addresses by Khasi author and professor Streamlet Dkhar, along with performances such as special songs by Unitarian Church groups. The proceedings concluded with closing remarks delivered by C Nongbri from the Women’s League of UUNEI.