The Khasi-Pnar people spend much time and deliberation in choosing a name for their off-springs or those of a family member. Usually a man’s sister/sisters (knia-kha) choose a name for his off-springs (ki khun-kha) because it is auspicious and brings luck. In fact. Khasis are also known to believe in divination before choosing a name so that it does not bring bad luck. Sadly, while naming new districts in Meghalaya it appears that only a few political heads have appropriated the right to choose the name for every new district created till date. Not all wisdom resides in politicians. If it did, we would not find ourselves at the crossroads today.
The new district baptised (hopefully not by fire) Eastern West Khasi Hills is a tongue-twister, a jaw breaker and a convoluted one at best – rolled longitudinally upon itself. Now no one is really clear about where exactly in the four cardinal points and their in-between locations, the new district fits. The name of Meghalaya’s 12th district is truly inscrutable even for a postman who is a master at finding directions. At the moment the new district sounds like a place where the both rises and sets. Is there such a place in the universe? What is the reason behind this impenetrable phrase?
At the moment the name Eastern West Khasi Hills, apart from being the subject of hilarious memes on social media also seems to have set off a mental discord and a geographical imbalance of sorts.There is more than just sound and alphabetical symbols to language. A name expresses the individuality of a person and in this case that of a place too. Mairang district would have resonated with every citizen including the people of that new district although there are many other villages that comprise the new district. The Chief Minister would do well to share the secret as to how he and his colleague Metbah Lyngdoh, the Speaker and the chief architect of the new district arrived and other wise elders arrived at this name. They owe it to the people of the state and the new district. It could be a learning experience for all to understand the processes involved while choosing a name for a new district.Having created a furore with the geographical conundrum, it is expected that the matter will be hotly debated in the Assembly before the name is given a full and final seal. After all, in a democracy no individual or group has the right to give the final seal of approval on any matter without a public debate and above all legislative consent .
