The Khasi Authors Society (KAS) marked its 45th anniversary today at a function here.
The event was held on the foundation day and was attended by Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon and various dignitaries from KAS.
In his address, Syngkon highlighted the significance of the occasion by recalling his maiden speech in Parliament, where he advocated for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He underscored the importance of preserving and promoting local dialects within Khasi literature. Syngkon also urged writers to resist the temptation of incorporating foreign terms into their works and to remain true to the richness of the Khasi language.
During the event, the MP felicitated 11 students for their outstanding achievements in the study of the Khasi language. The awards recognised top performers across various academic levels. The recipients were Ribahunlang Lamarai, Ialammiki Lamare, Josiah Duncan Lyngdoh Mawphlang, Claudia Aurelia Khyriem and Abigail Ioanna Suchiang (all SSLC and ICSE), Pynbha Lynshiang, Menangmankhraw Kharkongor, Ferry Filarisha Wann, Ritilian Diengdoh and Ar Meker Marpna (all HSSLC) and Badaker Nengnong Daloi (BA).
Three publications were also released: Ka Antigone by Hamles Mylliem Umlong, Ka Kheiñkur Kheiñkha Khasi by Raphael Warjri and The Megalithic Culture of Khasi Jaintia Hills by Marco Babit Mitri.
The afternoon session featured a seminar titled ‘Shillong – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.’ Scholars including Desmond L Kharmawphlang, Soloni Bareh, Kitbor Nongrum, Phrikshon Kharshiing, Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, Wansoon Kharkrang and W Norbert S Jana Nongbet presented papers on the city’s evolution from the British colonial era to the present day. The discussions focused on Shillong’s development, identifying past challenges and proposing solutions for future progress. The seminar also marked the 150th anniversary of Shillong city.
