SHILLONG, June 21: More than 180 years after he arrived in the Khasi Hills, the legacy of Welsh missionary Rev Thomas Jones continues to be felt across the Khasi-Jaintia region. His greatest contribution—the introduction of the Khasi alphabet using the Roman script—laid the foundation for Khasi literature, education and the preservation of the language. It enabled oral history and folklore to be recorded for posterity.
This was highlighted during a panel discussion organised by the Research Cell of the Khasi Jaintia Welfare Association (KJWA) in collaboration with the office of the Shillong Mail at the Khasi National Dorbar Hall, Mawkhar, on Saturday.
The programme was held as part of the observance of Thomas Jones Day, which is commemorated every year on June 22.
Speaking as the chief guest, Rev OL Snaitang reflected on the life and work of Thomas Jones and his important role in the development of Khasi society.
The discussion was held under the theme “U Dak A, B U Thomas Jones: Ka Jinglong Kawei Ka Jaitbynriew Khasi Ba Ïar” (The ABC of Thomas Jones: The Unity of the Khasi Community). It focused on how the introduction of a written Khasi language helped unite the people and strengthen their identity.When Thomas Jones arrived in Sohra in 1841, Khasi was mainly a spoken language. Understanding the importance of education, he introduced the Roman script for writing Khasi. This made it easier for people to read, write and learn in their own language.
His efforts led to the publication of books, school materials and other writings in Khasi. It also helped future generations of Khasi writers, teachers and scholars contribute to the growth of the language.
Rev Dr Snaitang said that the Khasi alphabet was more than just a way of writing. It helped preserve Khasi culture, traditions and history, while also strengthening the sense of identity among the people.
In his keynote address Rev Snaitang also spoke about the factors that unite the Khasi-Jaintia community, the challenges facing society, the contributions of Thomas Jones and the work of those who continued his legacy. However, he did not shy away from pointing out some of the social discords resulting from what he termed as peit bein (look down upon), jingbishni (jealousy) pihuin ( selfish), kren bein, kren khoh (to speak ill of), which actually drive a wedge among the Khasi people. If these malaises are addressed, the Khasi-Jaintia people could achieve greater progress in all fields.
Participants noted that the impact of Thomas Jones goes far beyond his missionary work. His contribution to language and education remains one of the most important chapters in Khasi history. The written Khasi language has helped preserve folklore, customs and indigenous knowledge for future generations.
Earlier, Rev SS Majaw, while dwelling on the reason for adopting the Roman script instead of the Bengali, stated that the latter did not lend itself to Khasi phonetics (pronunciation) and was also much more expensive to print while the Roman script was well-formed.
The panelists who deliberated on the theme of whether the Khasi alphabets have united the Khasi-Jaintia people included Dr Fabian Lyngdoh, Mankular Lamin Gashnga, Banlam Lyngdoh, Rev RK Sutnga and Kular Khongjirem.
The programme was moderated by S Rynjah, former CEM of KHADC and general secretary of KJWA.
