SHILLONG, Nov 17: The Rabon Sing Kharsuka Memorial Committee on Saturday observed the 114th death anniversary of the celebrated Khasi writer, Rabon Sing Kharsuka, renowned for his invaluable contributions to Khasi literature and culture.
To mark the occasion, a programme was organised at the State Central Library, during which toppers in the Khasi subject at the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) levels were felicitated.
Rajya Sabha member Dr WR Kharlukhi felicitated Eusebia Phawa, MA topper from NEHU, who secured 70.5%, while Ransom Sutnga, co-chairman of the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), felicitated Badaker Nongneng Daloi, BA topper from Sankardev College, who scored 77%.
Distinguished guests at the event included Principal Secretary of Arts and Culture department, FR Kharkongor, and former St. Edmund’s College principal, Sylvanus Lamare.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Kharlukhi highlighted Kharsuka’s visionary efforts to preserve the indigenous Khasi religion through his seminal work Ka Kitab Niam Khein ki Khasi.
He noted that while Kharsuka later embraced Christianity, his contributions to documenting and preserving Khasi traditions remain unparalleled.
Kharkongor, on the other hand, shared plans to erect a statue in honour of Rabon Sing Kharsuka, based on a proposal by noted sculptor Raphael Warjri.
The statue is expected to be installed next year, either at the State Central Library or the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture, subject to space availability.
Kharkongor also emphasised on the need to create comics that will help children learn about the culture and tradition, as well as the contributions of prominent Khasi writers like Kharsuka.
He believes many will not be aware about the Khasi Renaissance movement except for those who are in the Khasi and Linguistics Department of NEHU.
He suggested that it was time to conduct research on the Khasi Renaissance movement which could help understand what the prominent Khasi writers’ contributions were in the past.
During the event, Eldora Lyngdoh Buam, Kharsuka’s great-granddaughter, reflected on his literary legacy, which includes works such as Ka Kitab Jingphawar, Ka Jingiathuh Khana Puriskam (Folk Tales), and his regular contributions to Khasi newspapers like U Nongapphira, Ka Kot Khubor Khasi, and U Nongialam Katholik.
She also noted that his poems and prose were later incorporated into Khasi literary anthologies.
Earlier, the programme, chaired by Streamlet Dkhar, Head of the Khasi Department at NEHU, began with a welcome address by Saralin Lyngdoh, Head of the Linguistics Department.
It may be mentioned that Kharsuka, born in 1840, worked at the government press in Shillong after completing his education.
At 30 years of age, he converted to Christianity and, in 1876, married Riangmai Lyngdoh Buam.
Between the year 1882-1883, Kharsuka became a church elder at Mawkhar Presbyterian Church.
After 17 years at the government press, he resigned to teach at mission schools in Umwai, Riwar and Mawmluh, where he and his wife also helped establish the church.
They had 12 children, including one son.
Kharsuka, along with Radhon Sing Berry Kharwanlang and Jeebon Roy Mairom, refined the Khasi alphabet, building on Rev. Thomas Jones’ introduction of the Roman script in 1841.
