Shillong, June 7: The Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) assured to pursue issues related to Khasi language recognition and standardisation of the language.
KAS convened its annual general council in the city on Saturday to deliberate on several critical and long-standing concerns related to the Khasi language and its place within the constitutional and cultural framework of the state and the nation.
The meeting insisted for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, as well as the legislative process required to elevate its current status from an associate official language to a full-fledged official language of Meghalaya. Members emphasized the need for swift governmental action in recognition of the linguistic rights and cultural identity of the Khasi people.
Another major agenda was the status and completion of the comprehensive Khasi-to-Khasi and Khasi-to-English dictionary project, which is being developed with financial support from the Department of Arts and Culture, and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council. The ambitious project aims to enrich literary resources and serve as an academic cornerstone for future linguistic development.
The council also discussed plans for commemorating iconic literary figures such as Thomas Jones and Soso Tham, among others, through a series of events, including a National Seminar to be held in New Delhi in 2026.
The meeting commenced with an obituary tribute to two distinguished members of the Society, Maurice G. Lyngdoh and Darlingstone Dkhar. This was followed by the presidential address, the presentation of the annual report by the general secretary, and the financial report by the Finance Secretary.
The session witnessed the induction of several new members into the society, signaling a growing interest in literary pursuits among the younger generation. The newly enrolled members include:
- Kitbok Nongkhlaw
- Dr. Badahunshisha Jana
- Banjop Leo G. Kharmalki
- Frugiferous Diengdoh
- Jennifer LyngkhoiElisabeth Shylla
- Dr. Heipor Uni Bang
- Dr. Herina Dohtdong
- Dr. Rosa Mystica Mawlong
- Rangkitbok C. Dohkrut
- Evanisha Pathaw
A special lecture on Literature and Literary Criticism was delivered by KAS president Dr. D. R. L. Nonglait, adding depth and scholarly engagement to the session.
The council concluded with the election of office bearers for the new term. The incumbent leadership was retained, with Nonglait as President, Dr. K. D. Ramsiej as Vice President, and Dr. Ronald P. Kharshiing as General Secretary. Newly appointed office bearers include:
- Kitbok Nongkhlaw – Treasurer
- Dr. M. M. Khymdeit – Secretary, Publication Committee
- Central Executive Committee Members:
- Prof. Streamlet Dkhar
- Dr. Esther June Shongwan
- Prof. Badaplin War
- Prof. Desmond L. Kharmawphlang
- Raphael Warjri
The Khasi Authors’ Society reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the advancement of the Khasi language and literature. Strategic measures have been streamlined to ensure that the government—both state and central—takes concrete action on these long-pending issues. The Society stressed that such efforts are essential for nurturing the aspirations of young literary talents and for aligning indigenous language development with the objectives of the National Education Policy, 2020.
