As was to be expected, the release of the state anthem and subsequent demand for Pnar to be included in the song has now led other language variants to be considered as well.
The song was released last month featuring lyrics in standard Khasi, Garo and English. That led to calls from certain areas for the inclusion of Pnar, while those on the other side of the debate pointed out that it would not be possible to include the myriad variants of Khasi in the anthem.
Today, an organisation of headmen, the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong Ri-Bhoi, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister where they demanded the inclusion of the Bhoi language in the state anthem.
Chairman of the Synjuk, Banbuhai Makdoh, told reporters that the Bhoi language should be included in the state anthem since Ri-Bhoi has its own culture, language, etc.
He said that Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong told them that this would be studied but did not give any decision on the matter.
Makdoh said that they will wait for the decision but they want the Bhoi language to be heard in the anthem even if it is just for one or two lines so that the culture and language of Ri-Bhoi also receive exposure.
