Shillong ( Meghalaya), Sept 10 : The Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) observed the literary day with the regional seminar on the topic ‘Patriotism then and now’ and the felicitation of meritorious students who have excelled in the various academic examination pertaining to the study of Khasi language.
The event was graced by D P Wahlang, Chief Secretary as Chief Guest and Mrs Melissa Kharpuri, Compiler, Directorate of Arts and Culture.
In his address, Wahlang lamented, ‘Only in Meghalaya that Alternative English is allowed to be opted as the second language subject in higher education, where majority of the students are from the Khasi community, while every Khasi student or any person who applied for Schedule Tribe certificate is supposed to learn and study Khasi language. It is high time that CBSE courses must also include Khasi as the compulsory subject and I will ensure that the same will be done for the EMRS institutions in the State’.
He informed that around forty Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) will be set up in different districts of Meghalaya and vernacular language is essential for every students to study. While reacting to the theme of the seminar on patriotism, Wahlang stated, ‘I studied outside the State and during my CBSE Examination I have opted for Khasi language instead of Hindi, even as there are no teacher in the institution. I took upon myself to learn and study Khasi vernacular subject and had scored high marks, while the same is also being done for one of my children. I will also try to abolish the subject of Alternative English in the MBoSE to enable learning of vernacular language for every local indigenous student’.
The introductory address was given by Dr D R L Nonglait, President, Khasi Authors’ Society and the seminar was participated by eminent academic luminaries including Rev. (Dr) O L Snaitang, Prof. L S Gassah, retired Head Political Science Department, North Easter Hill University, Dr O R Shallam, retired Associate Professor, Kiang Nangbah College, Jowai and S Loniak Marbañiang, retired Professor and former Minister.
The resource persons delved into a wide perspective of patriotism ranging from pre-colonial to the colonial and post-colonial periods with analysis on the changing patern of political administration in the State. Every speaker argued at the attitude of politicians throughout the ages and concluded that the present scenario is bereft of statesman stature in the political arena.
Altogether, eight students were felicitated by the guests for scoring highest marks in Khasi subject in their respective examination. The students who received certificates and cash incentives are Menangmankhraw Kharkongor (SSLC), Alden Kenan Massar (ICSE), Angelus Khongbinan and Badarisha Mawrie (HSSLC Arts), Melboreen Massar (HSSLC Commerce), Amy Grace Langstieh (HSSLC Science), Wanhunlang Khyllait (BA) and Rilarympei Diengdoh (MA). Earlier, the students of Seng Khasi College presented a Khasi song and the seminar sessions were conducted by senior members of Khasi Authors’ Society, Phrikshon Kharshiing and Prof Antoinette Kharmalki.
The Chief Guest, D P Wahlang also released two books written by Khraw Kupar Kharlukhi Duster Roy Khongngai
