Editor,
Many writers from inside and outside, among them the anthropologists, linguists and ordinary citizens have shared our common concern as a people who once upon a time originated from common ancestors. Yet these seemed not to be enough for us. Once in the history of our existence we have participated in that womb, breathing through the same umbilical cord; and still say, “Ki Thawlang-Ïawbei”, “Lei Longkur- Lei Longkha”, thus raising them to the rank of God. Many more vocabularies such – “Ki Mei-Ki Pa Bahok, ki nongpynkup-pynphong ïa ka longrynïeng” and so on. This is the sanctity attached to those ancestors; so also, is the sanctity of this present life embedded in that past. The highest Godhead known as “U Nongthaw-Nongbuh”/Ka Blai Wabuh Wathoo” and other names for the same entity, were but the result of Inference from the basic premise. This tradition which is fast eroding in our hills, is still strong in Jaintia Hills. This is the meeting point of our realism and idealism. This has constituted a part of our metaphysics system which validates our communication to the cosmic law, the essence of the nature/universe/the knowing-knower of goings-on, specifically in human and nature in general.
Take away the above from us, and we’ll find that all our rites and rituals will become mere symbolisms, mere colours devoid of efficacy, and no one wants this to happen. In one Beh Dieñkhlam Festival in Jowai I heard the words “Blai Ryngkaw-Wasa” the same spirits invoked in other parts of our hills. This and its entailments and the implications, we know well.
Yet despite this richness of tradition and profundity of knowledge, an event sparked by a some-year-old anthem, seemed to have snapped off the blood relationship witnessed by our cosmology and metaphysical system, we had for hundreds of years. We cannot afford to trivialize the civilization so profound and all-embracing such as ours without belittling ourselves. We are not a material culture, the past of which can fall back on the museums in case we fade away from this world stage. The outside world did come to us, and so did we say to them about what we are as a culture. But have we done enough and done justice to the ones who never had the opportunity to voice what they know because they lacked the education and position?
To conclude, I once said this to a friend who asked – “who are the Khasis?“ The knowledge system, the tradition we all inherited, is a string running through the pearls being the Khynriam-U Pnar-U Bhoi- U War-U Maram-U Diko-U Lyngngam.” As a tribe we did worship the form and the ideal as well; not only one of the above. These are the fountain springs and the foundation of our unity. We can’t afford to be seen as a Christian, Niam Tre, Seng Khasi and other colours for this being we wear is more profound than the man-made tags. A culture, the feet of which were not planted in the past shall never see the light of the future.
Yours etc.,
Iasaid Khongjee
Sohra
The controversial state anthem
Editor,
Many learned writers/ scholars have given their opinions/ views for or against this topic that has been made controversial by the MDA 2 government which always makes decisions without weighing the pros and cons.
My first and foremost argument is that from the elite to the common man on the street it cannot be denied that Khasi, Jaintia and Garos are the three major tribes of Meghalaya since our struggle for statehood till today and under them there are numerous sub-tribes with their own different dialects, traditional attire, cultures, etc. No one can deny the fact that whenever we talk about the principal tribes of Meghalaya, these 3 major tribes are named.
So, it disappointments me to hear that my language was left out. Even in the tableau of Meghalaya at the recent Republic Day Parade, it is there for everyone to see that the statues of the girls at the tableau were of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo girls and not of any sub- tribes. Period. Even the Ministers, especially Mr Paul Lyngdoh who penned the lyrics in the Khasi language (forgetting his Jaintia friends of his constituency) knew this pretty well but they failed to address this lapse for reasons best known to them. Why is this biased and step motherly treatment meted out to us? Why create this unnecessary controversy?
If we go by the lyrics of the anthem, it looks as if in Meghalaya we have 3 main tribes, Khasi, Garos and the English. We can do away with the usage of the English language as in our country’s national anthem not a single word of any foreign language was used. Likewise in Meghalaya, we have numerous sub tribes’ lyrics and typical music with the beating of traditional drums or duitara. Why not incorporate them instead?
Last but not the least I would like to ask, why our Pnar/Jaintia ministers, MLAs and MDCs are keeping mum? Why are our leaders acting like zombies about matters that do not concern their personal advantage? Don’t you have an iota of love and pride for your people and land? It seems not. My only prayer and fervent request to the authorities is to put a stop to this controversy by incorporating a few lines of our language in the anthem. I know that it is not late or impossible to do so at this stage.
Yours etc.,
Helen Dkhar,
Via email