By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 18: To honour the life and contributions of Khasi poet laureate U Soso Tham, the Arts and Culture Department has proposed the creation of a museum or similar facility.
Speaking to The Shillong Times outside of an event marking the 83rd anniversary of the renowned poet’s passing, Commissioner and Secretary of the department, FR Kharkongor stated that a museum of some kind is necessary to guarantee the poet’s legacy is further cemented.
He made the point that they could discuss the idea of establishing a museum with the Khasi poet laureate’s family, who might have a wealth of memorabilia and artefacts to display.
“Additionally, we must translate the poetry of the Khasi poet laureate extensively. Few people outside of Khasi-Jaintia Hills are aware of his work; it is primarily known within the state. Given that Soso Tham wrote about unity and nature, his name and his symbols ought to be widely known. These are universal themes that apply to everyone, not just the Khasi-Jaintia community,” according to Kharkongor.
Additionally, he advocated for the creation of a digital repository for Soso Tham’s writings and books, which would house his writings for future generations to access at the touch of a button.
“We have access to modern technology, so we ought to make use of it as well. There was a letter from a Soso Tham to his son at the Winter Tales Festival, and it piqued people’s curiosity. People then began searching on Google for U Soso Tham,” he said.
Kharkongor also emphasised the importance of preserving and advancing his legacy in order for his writings to have an impact outside of the state.
Dr. Madeline Yvonne Tham, U Soso Tham’s great-grandniece, supported the idea of erecting a museum in honour of the poet laureate.
“I sincerely hope that this idea is realised, as there are many fascinating artefacts and his written works that could be exhibited. The general public is unaware of many facts regarding Soso Tham,” she stated.
Dr. Tham went on to say that it would be interesting to create a performing arts and cultural centre in honour of the Khasi poet laureate, as she believes that many people should have a space to gather and talk about literature, the arts, and music.
She claims that young people will be eager to learn more about him once they realise the value of his creations.
She said that even though U Soso Tham was raised in poverty, he was never self-centered in what he knew, what he wanted to share about his philosophy, and his love of the natural world and the environment. “These are the things that we need to look into,” she said.
She also mentioned a letter he wrote to his sons in which he advocated learning from other people’s cultures rather than demeaning them.
To commemorate the day, a number of additional programmes were organised.
The KSU paid floral tributes to the Khasi laureate at his bust in NEHU campus, which the union had erected in 2007. A two-minute silence was observed by KSU members from various units in honour of the renowned poet.
The KSU leaders praised U Soso Tham for his significant contributions to Khasi literature. They added that the Khasi poet laureate had devoted his entire life to using his poetry and writings to illuminate the indigenous people.
The HYC paid tributes at U Soso Tham’s bust on the State Central Library premises. The HYC also honoured the winners of several competitions, such as the essay and short speech contests organised by the council’s Socio Cultural Cell.
The Department of Art and Culture also hosted a special event at U Soso Tham auditorium to mark the occasion. Prizes were given to winners in various competitions organised during the programme.
The highlights included performances by dance academy artists from the city.
At another meeting held at the Jaiaw Shyiap-Lum Pyllon Community Hall, the Dorbar Shnong arranged a special event. Contrary to custom, the programme’s main goal was to recognise Soso Tham’s important contributions.
The headmen of Jaiaw’s five localities—Jaiaw Laitdom, Jaiaw Langsning, Jaiaw Shyiap, Jaiaw Pdeng, and Jaiaw Lansonalane—as well as Rev. Kyrsoibor Pyrtuh and U Soso Tham’s immediate granddaughter, Alvareen Diancy Dkhar, were present. Other attendees included members of the Meghalaya Women’s Alliance, the All India Poetess Conference, representatives of Ka Lympung ki Seng Kynthei, and residents.
Songs and poetry recitations were among the varied performances honouring Soso Tham’s 83rd death anniversary. Tentiness Swer marked the event by publishing a book of poetry. Highlights of the event included discussions on U Soso Tham’s works by Rev Kyrsoibor Pyrtuh and Alvareen Dkhar.
North Shillong MLA, Adelbert Nongrum addressed the gathering and said, “God does not call the qualified, but He qualifies the called,” in reference to Myllung Soso Tham’s lowly beginnings and eventual ascent to the title of Meghalaya’s poet laureate.