By Hammarsing L Kharhmar
At the outset, I must admit that it feels insensitive to discuss issues related to the deaths of the two teenage students, on any public platform, this soon. The cremation and burial of the two students have only just been completed. So, before sharing my observations and views on the issues related to and surrounding the tragic deaths, I’d like to express my deepest condolences to the grieving families and state that I sincerely hope no families should ever have to endure such tragedies, ever again.
I write this article, not for any other reason, other than the need to ask questions and present a view that I feel hasn’t been shared yet. From the moment the news broke of the death of a Khasi student in Karnataka, due to food poisoning (the investigation is still ongoing), social media was flooded with expressions of sadness, shock and anger. Then followed the assumptions and accusations, both in local print and digital media. The focus was not so much on the cause of the death, but rather why rural Khasi children were being so far away from home to study.
One article in particular was shared widely: An old Tehelka report titled “A Strange and Bitter Crop” by Sanjana Chapalli, originally published in 2009, was resurrected and spread like wildfire. It is a damning investigative piece on the activities of the Lei Synshar Cultural Society (LSCS), and their role in facilitating the education of poor rural children in faraway states, in what are described by the writer as “RSS friendly schools”. It is a long and detailed report; key sections of which were published in The Shillong Times, following the tragic deaths under the titles: “Focus back on 2009 ‘trafficking’ report after twin deaths” (March 18th 2025) and “Horrifying fate of Children” (March 19th 2025). Both the pieces relied heavily on the Tehelka reports findings, which must surely have led many readers to conclude that the activities of the Lei Synshar Cultural Society were illegal. However, with and in everything, there is always another side to the story.
A significant amount of time has passed since the Tehelka report was first published. A lot has transpired. Tehelka is no longer as sensational as it once was. Sanjana Chapalli appears to have switched careers and is now an “Award Winning Brand Marketer” (according to her Bio) but strangely the email listed in her website, which hosts the article is broken. (I tried to contact her to clarify some discrepancies and blunders such as her incorrect reference to the Seng Khasi as a religion). On the other hand, over 3000 students have since graduated from LSCC affiliated schools, and what might come as a surprise to everyone is that a large percentage belong to the Christian faith. This is what I learned from one of the organisation’s senior workers. I was also told that many ex-students have gone on to have successful professional careers on their return home, and are contributing positively to the society. A number of ex-students have gone on to set up their own establishments, including secular schools in their villages. Not a single student has changed their faith. On the contrary they are more certain and confident of who they really are. However, I still urge that all of the above be confirmed by an independent fact-finding team. I think it would be productive to hear directly from past and present students about their time at these schools. That said, I’d like to share my own experiences, based on interactions with the products of the LSCS. Firstly, other than the fact that they are all polite and hard-working individuals, I noticed three main characteristics: ·
(a)They are firmly rooted and proud of their indigenous roots and identity. (b) They speak and write their native language fluently and are also proficient in English and Hindi. (c) They are patriotic and connect well with fellow Indians from all communities and walks of life.
Secondly, I haven’t found any dilution or loss of identity and very importantly, they don’t harbour any animosity towards any community. The only thing they can be accused of is being fiercely proud and passionate about their ancestral faith — Niam Khasi Niamtre. I also noticed that they have imbibed some essential qualities, which many who have never left home, tend to lack which is self-discipline and a strong work ethic. But, this side of the story is either ignored or not known.
A one-sided narrative spilled over into the public discourse, relying on the seemingly biased report by Sanjana Chapalli, as indisputable fact. Predictably, the word “Indoctrination” popped up. There was dismay and disgust shown at the thought of young Khasi children having to chant shlokas, follow a meatless diet, forcefully adapt to an alien culture to the point where they allegedly forget their own native tongue. These are some very serious allegations. But are they all true? Before presenting an answer, I think we need to do some introspection.
Let’s start by acknowledging that a lot of what is alleged above, happens for certain here. Shockingly, many tribals who have never lived outside Meghalaya, display huge indications of loss of identity and have alienated themselves from their indigenous culture. Many have very rudimentary command and knowledge over their native language and history. Morals imported have largely replaced traditional teachings and wisdom. There are schools, mostly in rural areas, where singing hymns and reciting Bible verses is compulsory for all students and those that fail to memorise and recite the religious texts as desired by the authorities suffer severe reprimanding.
To sing in a choir is a common aspiration, as is the ability to speak English fluently, preferably with a foreign accent. I dare say a false sense of superiority exists amongst the tribals who no longer profess the indigenous faith. Modernity is still heavily equated with western ideas and faiths, to the point that Khasi first names continue to be relegated to middle names or scrapped entirely. Now we are even hearing of more and more Khasis who consider the matrilineal system as completely outdated and some even openly call it the bane of the community. Even food habits and tastes are beginning to change rapidly. But, is any of the above wrong or a problem? Does it all come down to personal choice? Yes and No. This is where perspective matters. Indoctrination, one could therefore say, lies in the eye or rather the soul of the beholder.
It is most unfortunate, but sometimes it takes a tragedy to draw out a much-needed discussion. As always, it is the fearless Shillong Times Editor, Kong Patricia Mukhim, who dares to ask the hardest questions. In the editorial piece titled “The Inglorious Karnataka events and the way forward” (March 21 2025), she makes very pertinent observations. Her piece made me reflect deeply and ask why must families have to send their children to distant lands to study. If we are to leave aside the allegations of social experimentation and other theories. It appears that the root cause is a failing education system at home.
No one can dispute the fact that Christian missionaries and organisations have set up several of the best educational establishments across the country. I am a product of three: St Edmunds, Bishop Cotton, Bangalore and St Stephens, Delhi. But these institutions are almost all located in urban centres. The rural areas are where the problem really lies. Let us take our state as an example. A headline in this very paper dated January 18th 2025 read: “Study finds number of schools in M’laya disproportionate to population size.” A large number of schools are in the rural areas but something seems off. If the statistics are accurate, it would lead one to believe that several schools exist, only on paper. I hope that is not the case. An independent study is once again needed.
I cannot speak on behalf of the Christian Missions or Sangh Parivar organisations. I can, however, speak with some confidence on the Ramakrishna Mission Sohra Ashrama and the Seng Khasi. I must clarify though, that I speak not on their behalf, but rather about them. As a Managing Committee Member of the RKM Sohra, I am privy to all the excellent work that the organization has done in the state, particularly in rural and remote areas. The schools are growing and RKM is now about to open a college in the Sohra region. Children of all faiths attend the RKM, simply for the high quality of all round education they receive, at very affordable fees. Sadly, despite their impeccable service, RKM is still fiercely rejected in many parts of the Khasi-Jaintia Hills, on totally unfounded grounds. The recent violence in Mawkynrew and a similar ongoing case in Jakrem (South West Khasi Hills) are examples.
To many misled locals, any saffron clad person or Sanskrit/Hindi named institution, is to be seen as a threat and therefore, automatically denied opportunities to establish anything in their region. Another example are the Eklavya schools that are set up specifically by the Central Government, to benefit poor tribal children. 38 Eklavya schools have been proposed for Meghalaya by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, yet sadly only two have been approved mainly due to resistance from locals. We should all realise that we are all stakeholders in the process of building a healthy society.
India is a country like no other. Our antiquity and uniqueness within the infinite spectrum of culture and traditions is unmatched in the world. We are all connected by geography, history and vast heritage. Each root must support the other in the preservation of the priceless intangible ancestral inheritances. So, finally coming to the role of indigenous faith organisations in this whole complex scenario, I see more and more reasons for the State and the Centre to introduce an “Indigenous Affairs Department” in the state of Meghalaya, to facilitate the establishment of Seng Khasi/Seiñ Raij schools and other necessities required to help keep the indigenous essence of the people alive. We are not only preserving what is born of the land. We are also determined to grow from it. Indigenous cultures are vital pillars of the nation.