Seng Khasi Kmie leader calls for unity amid concern over conversion
Shillong, April 13: Marking the end of traditional Khasi spring festival, Shad Suk Mynsiem (Dance of the Joyful Souls), was celebrated at Weiking Ground, Jaiaw in the city on Monday.
The colourful traditional thanksgiving festival, celebrated for the past over 100 years, was witnessed by thousands of spectators, including tourists.
Hundreds of people belonging to ‘Niam Khasi’ faith took part in the dance festival organised annually by the Seng Khasi Seng Kmie.
Key highlight of Shad Suk Mynsiem was young and old dancing to the beats of the drums and tangmuri while expressing gratitude to the almighty for all the blessings bestowed upon mankind.
Speaking to reporters, Seng Khasi Kmie vice-president Rgh PD Nongrum emphasized preservation of indigenous culture and traditions, while promoting mutual respect among different faiths.
He said the event, which showcases traditional dances and customs, is part of efforts to promote cultural tourism.
“The government has been very supportive… We are very grateful to the state government for helping us in many ways,” he said.
On youth participation, he expressed pride that “the youth have understood the importance of preserving our own traditions and culture.”
Highlighting increased number of young participants, including young children aged 5-6 year old, he said, “I am very proud that the youth have understood the importance of preserving our own traditions and culture, especially knowing that we can only preserve our distinctiveness of a race through our culture and religion.”
Addressing concerns about minority status, Nongrum said, “Minority is a very relative term… We don’t pay much attention to that; we work towards preserving our culture and we work towards making our youth understand the values of protecting your identity through your customs and through your faith.”
On the trend of conversion among ‘Niam Khasis’, he said, “The constitution itself gives you freedom to profess any faith… We are more concerned with sending the message to our own community, to our own youth, that you have your own culture, you have your own customs, you have your own religion… Why should we go and adopt something which is… foreign to us?”
Nongrum stressed, “We are taught to respect others, but you love your own. If we can work on this, this simple message that I respect you and you respect me, I hold dear to what I believe and you hold dear to what you believe… we live peacefully.”
He warned against the dangers of believing one’s faith is superior to others, saying, “If you think that your belief is better than mine and mine is better than yours, that is when the trouble starts, that’s when religion will divide.”
