Efforts are underway to revive the legacy of Babu Jeebon Roy, the revered ‘Father of Modern Khasis,’ and introduce him to the new generation.
Seng Longkmie, Seng Khihlang, is now pitting Roy with the Britishers, “Father of Khasi Alphabet”, Thomas Jones and David Scott.
Delina Khongdup, Member of National Commission for Women said that although Jones was instrumental in giving the Khasi Alphabets, but ï and ñ were introduced by Roy and Babu Hormu Rai Diengdoh, to fit in with the language.
Khongdup also said that Scott brought potato into Khasi Hills but it was Roy who taught the people to commercialize it.
“He also taught how to ride a horse,” she added.
Khongdup also said that it was Roy who competed with the British in mining limestone and started the Ri Khasi Press.
“I as a member of the National Commission of Women understand that he was involved in women empowerment since those days,” she added.
According to Seng Longkmie, Seng Khihlang, Roy was an iconic figure for the Khasis, who was a thinker and tried to expand the activities of the tribe and wanted them to be well educated.
According to a member of Seng Longkmie, Seng Khihlang, Mira Dkhar, he was instrumental in giving women opportunities to work outside their homes.
“As an example he encouraged his own daughters to work in Ri-Khasi Press,” Dkhar said.
According to Pdianglin Phanbuh, president of the Seng Longkmie, after the great earthquake of 1897 in Khasi Hills, he encouraged women to work as construction workers starting from his own home.
Phanbuh said that despite his rich legacy, very few know about this figure.
“Now we want the people to know that there was one individual who has uplifted the indigenous people in every sphere including literature,” she said.
According to the president of the Seng Longkmie, Seng Khihlang, he was proficient in Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali and Assamese.
She said that the present generation should know this figure and by introducing his works in schools, they will learn about Roy and dream to follow his footsteps.
Phanbuh also said that currently, there is an effort for inclusion of Khasi Language in the Eighth Schedule but without success since one does not speak it correctly.
She said that if the works of Roy are once again revived it will be beneficial for the present generation.
Meanwhile, the organisation on Thursday, met the state Governor CH Vijayashankar, who assured that his works will be re-published and sent to all the Governor Houses all over the country and Roy’s portrait donated by his family was handed over to him which will be kept here.
