By Our Special Correspondent
SHILLONG, March 3: A children’s book titled Our Very Own Hill State, co-authored by Badapbiang T Dkhar, a research scholar at National Law University, Meghalaya, and legislator Miani D Shira, was released at a small gathering at the Oasis Guest House, Nongthymmai, on Tuesday. The book release event was moderated by Jemima Marak, a Learning and Development specialist, mental health professional, and storyteller as well as founder of ‘The 100 Story House’ — which is a library-cum-reading space.
Speaking about the book, Jemimah called it a precious gift to children who will now get to know the origin of their beautiful state. “Normally when we think of the state we think development and policies but this book is a narrative of how the state of Meghalaya was created and how every common person then was involved in the protest marches to put pressure first on the Nehru government and later Indira Gandhi, who finally granted full statehood to Meghalaya on January 21, 1972, when she realised that the tribes of Meghalaya would not settle for anything less than a full-fledged state.”
Addressing the audience, Miani D Shira — co-author in Garo Language — said the book was conceived a few years back but because she had to perform her duties as a mother twice over and above her legislative duties. She had to postpone writing the book in Garo until recently.
Badapbiang Dkhar who translated the book to Khasi from the English version said she too got caught in her motherhood duties and hence the project was postponed. Both Miani and Badapbiang are mothers of two small kids.
The two authors said the purpose of writing the book in Khasi and Garo is to overcome division and promote the spirit of unity among the tribes of Meghalaya and the “others in between” who together have built the state. The book has rich illustrations by Tony Slong.
This is the first trilingual book that can be read by all the people of Meghalaya and beyond.
The Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim shared personal reflections of attending statehood marches as a child, recalling how as a child, she accompanied her mother during the protest marches for statehood demand where slogans like “We want Hills State, No Hills State No rest,” would fill the air. She also stated that there were many non-tribals who were part of the Hill State Movement, while emphasising that this should not be undermined or forgotten. Mukhim lamented that a culture of “othering” prevails, which prevents any kind of unified roadway to a common future.
Other speakers remarked that it is important for the young to know their history while they work towards a present and future.
