By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 7: Deliberations on the constitutional recognition to and literary development of the Khasi language took centre stage as the Khasi Authors’ Society convened its Annual General Council meeting in the city on Saturday.
According to a statement here, the meeting discussed several critical and long-standing concerns related to the Khasi language and its place within the constitutional and cultural framework of the state and the nation.
“At the forefront of the discussions was the urgent call for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, as well as the legislative process required to elevate its current status from an associate official language to a full-fledged official language of Meghalaya,” the statement said.
During the meeting, members of the KAS called on both the state and central governments to act swiftly in safeguarding the linguistic and cultural rights of the Khasi people.
Another major focus of the meeting was the progress of the ambitious Khasi-to-Khasi and Khasi-to-English dictionary project.
Funded by the Department of Arts and Culture and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, the project aims to strengthen linguistic scholarship and expand literary resources for generations to come.
During the meeting, the KAS also discussed plans to commemorate iconic literary figures such as Thomas Jones and Soso Tham, among others, through a series of events, including a national seminar slated for 2026 in New Delhi.
Earlier, the session began with solemn tributes to two late members, Maurice G. Lyngdoh and Darlingstone Dkhar. This was followed by the presidential address, annual report by the general secretary and the financial report by the finance secretary.
On the occasion, several new members were inducted into the KAS, including Kitbok Nongkhlaw, Dr. Badahunshisha Jana, Banjop Leo G. Kharmalki, Frugiferous Diengdoh, Jennifer Lyngkhoi, Elisabeth Shylla, Dr. Heipor Uni Bang, Dr. Herina Dohtdong, Dr. Rosa Mystica Mawlong, Rangkitbok C. Dohkrut and Evanisha Pathaw.
Adding academic insight to the gathering, Dr. D. R. L. Nonglait delivered a special lecture on “Literature and Literary Criticism.”
The meeting culminated with the election of office-bearers for the new term.
Dr. DR Nonglait was re-elected as president, Dr. KD Ramsiej as vice president and Dr. Ronald P. Kharshiing as general secretary.
The new appointees include Kitbok Nongkhlaw (treasurer) and Dr. MM Khymdeit (secretary of the Publication Committee). On the other hand, the new central executive committee (CEC) members include Prof. Streamlet Dkhar, Dr. Esther June Shongwan, Prof. Badaplin War, Prof. Desmond L. Kharmawphlang and Raphael Warjri.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Authors’ Society reiterated its mission to uphold and advance Khasi language and literature, aligning its efforts with the objectives of the National Education Policy, 2020.