Shillong, Mar 3: Charting the history of Meghalaya’s foundation, a new book, Our Very Own Hill State, was released today to better tell the story to children.
The book was authored by lawyer and social worker Badapbiang T Dkhar and sitting MLA Miani D Shira. The trilingual book – in English, Khasi and Garo – tells the history of these hills from the days of British rule, independence, the Hill State Movement and beyond.
The book began as a discussion during the Covid-19 pandemic between Dkhar and Shira. They felt that it was important for future generations to know their history and the people who fought together for Meghalaya, a state that unites two different tribes – the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo; fittingly, Dkhar and Shira represent each of these communities and are both young mothers.
The launch event was held at the Oasis Guest House in Nongthymmai this evening, with educationist and author Jemimah Marak moderating a discussion featuring the authors.
Dkhar spoke about unity amongst the different communities here in Meghalaya and the importance of children knowing what this means.
The book was translated into Khasi by Dondor Giri Nongkhlaw and into Garo by Cheatchi Norah Momin. Tony Slong provided the illustrations.
This is a book that does not forget the common people who fought together for Meghalaya and how language, namely the imposition of Assamese, played an important role. Senior journalist Patricia Mukhim also reminded the gathering that there were many non-tribal politicians who also fought for a separate Meghalaya.
