Shillong, Apr 18: The Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) has declared its unwavering commitment to advocacy as it seeks to elevate the Khasi and Garo languages to constitutional recognition.
The KAS held a meeting today at the Madan Iing Dorbar Saitsohpen bringing together leaders, intellectuals, and representatives from various organisations to discuss critical developments regarding the languages.
Speakers collectively voiced the aspirations of the Khasi people to see their mother tongue integrated into the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
This week the cabinet approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance 2026, which officially recognises Khasi and Garo alongside English as state languages.
In his keynote address, KAS President Dr. DRL Nonglait expressed cautious optimism about this development. While there is much to celebrate, he emphasised the challenges that accompany language development in areas such as literature, education, and legislation.
Nonglait underlined the urgent need for educational institutions to incorporate Khasi as a major subject, thereby solidifying its academic foundation. He pointed out the importance of producing diverse literature to ensure that Khasi-speaking individuals can engage in all fields of knowledge in their native language.
KAS vice president KD Ramsiej said this governmental acknowledgment marks a pivotal step forward for the Khasi community. He noted the importance of such recognition and the ongoing work of the KAS research cell to enrich and improve the Khasi language.
Despite the challenges ahead in achieving further recognition from the central government, Ramsiej emphasised the KAS’s commitment to advocacy.
The organisation continues to engage in awareness programs across the state, assuring members that these efforts will pave the way for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule.
KAS is optimistic that the recognition will eventually receive the assent of the governor, fostering a brighter future for both languages.
