By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 18: The Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) has welcomed the declaration of Khasi as an official language of Meghalaya, alongside English and Garo, describing the decision as a decisive step towards its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
According to a statement here, the announcement sparked celebrations across the Khasi Hills, most notably in Sohra, where a special meeting was convened at the Durbar Hall of Saisohpen.
The gathering brought together leaders, intellectuals and representatives from various organisations, all united in recognising what many described as a long-awaited cultural and linguistic milestone.
The atmosphere was marked by jubilation, with speakers expressing gratitude to the government for its landmark decision while also acknowledging the sustained advocacy and commitment of the KAS in advancing the cause of the language.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Banlam K. Lyngdoh of the KAS Sohra unit; Dapbiang Warjri, president of Seng Samla Saitsohpen; Ribashisha Kharwanlang, president of Seng Kynthei Mawmluh; Pabok Diengdoh, education secretary of FKJGP Sohra Circle; Dr KD Ramsiej, vice president of the KAS central body; Reebokstar Diengdoh, president of KSU South West Khasi Hills; Marremdor Syiem, Syiem Khynnah of Hima Sohra; Titostarwell Chyne, MDC Sohra; and Dr DRL Nonglait, president of the KAS Central Body.
During the gathering, speakers collectively articulated the aspirations of the Khasi people to see their mother tongue elevated to constitutional recognition, while emphasising that the present development is both a culmination of decades of effort and the beginning of a more demanding journey ahead.
In his keynote remarks, Dr Nonglait struck a note of cautious optimism.
While celebrating the achievement, he underscored the multifaceted challenges that accompany language development—particularly in literature, education, administration and legislation.
He stressed the urgent need for educational boards, colleges and universities to integrate Khasi as a major subject of study, thereby strengthening its academic foundation.
Dr Nonglait further highlighted the necessity of producing a comprehensive body of literature across disciplines, including career-oriented and competitive examination materials.
He pointed out that true linguistic empowerment would be realised only when Khasi candidates are able to engage with all fields of knowledge in their own language.
Reflecting on past practices, he noted the irony that indigenous communities often had to rely on English for official communication even among themselves—an issue that the new policy begins to address.
He then called upon scholars, academicians and professionals across sectors to actively adopt Khasi in their respective domains, ensuring its relevance not only at the state level but also in national and global contexts.
“The meeting concluded with a renewed collective resolve to transform this recognition into a sustained movement—one that would secure for Khasi its rightful place in the constitutional framework of India while nurturing it as a vibrant medium of knowledge, identity, and cultural expression,” the statement said.
