45th anniversary of Khasi Authors’ Society
Shillong, Sept 12:The Khasi Authors Society on Wednesday observed its 45th anniversary with several programmes, including felicitation of students who excelled in study of Khasi language, release of three books and a seminar on ‘Shillong – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow’.
Addressing the programme, Shillong MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon recalled his maiden speech in the Parliament where he had advocated for inclusion of Khasi language in Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
He also underscored the importance of preserving and promoting local dialects within Khasi literature.
Dr Syngkon urged the writers to resist the temptation of incorporating foreign language words in their works and to remain true to the richness of Khasi language.
Meanwhile, 11 students were felicitated by Dr Syngkon for their academic excellence in the study of Khasi language.
The awardees are – SSLC & ICSE: Ribahunlang Lamarai, Ialammiki Lamare, Josiah Duncan Lyngdoh Mawphlang, Claudia Aurelia Khyriem, and Abigail Ioanna Suchiang; HSSLC: Pynbha Lynshiang, Menangmankhraw Kharkongor, Ferry Filarisha Wann, Ritilian Diengdoh, and Ar Meker Marpna; BA: Badaker Nengnong Daloi.
Besides, Dr Syngkon released three publications – Ka Antigone by Hamles Mylliem Umlong, Ka Kheiñkur Kheiñkha Khasi by Raphael Warjri, and The Megalithic Culture of Khasi Jaintia Hills by Dr Marco Babit Mitri – on the occasion.
In the seminar titled “Shillong – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”, scholars including Dr Desmond L Kharmawphlang, Dr Soloni Bareh, Kitbor Nongrum, Phrikshon Kharshiing, Dr Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, Wansoon Kharkrang, and W Norbert S Jana Nongbet, presented papers on the city’s evolution from the British colonial era to the present day.
The discussions focused on Shillong’s development, identifying past challenges, and proposing solutions for future progress.
The seminar also marked the 150th anniversary of Shillong city, celebrating its rich history and future prospects.
Several distinguished personalities of the Khasi Authors Society attended the function.
The speakers expressed their commitment to preserving and promoting the Khasi language and literature while reflecting on the historical and cultural journey of Shillong.
