Shillong, July 11: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday recalled the wisdom of indigenous Khasi philosophy to underscore the need for ethical business, sustainable development, and human-centric governance during her address at the foundation stone laying ceremony of key development projects at Umsawli, here.
Terming it as remarkable and deeply personal moment, the finance minister expressed her admiration for the value system rooted in the region’s cultural fabric, stating that these principles can provide a moral and sustainable framework for modern business and governance. She highlighted five key Khasi maxims that resonate deeply with the core values of responsible governance:
Ka Tip Briew Tip Blei (To know man is to know God) – Reflecting the human-centric approach that must be at the heart of policy and enterprise. “This idea of seeing divinity in humanity is profound, and it mirrors our government’s approach. By anchoring our work in this value, every initiative becomes endearing and meaningful,” she said.
Kamai ia ka Hok (Earn righteousness) – Emphasizing ethical livelihood and integrity in business, a value she identified as central to every noble mission. “Good business must be grounded in righteousness. Corporate governance must be rooted in integrity,” she said.
Ka Tip Kur Tip Kha (Respect for kinship and community) – This principle highlights the importance of community, relationships, and social responsibility in commerce. “Global capitalism must now be tempered with local values and humanism. This is not about rejecting globalization but making it inclusive and sustainable,” she said.
Ka Bhalang Ka Imlang (The common good) – She identified this as the foundation for sustainability and shared prosperity, aligning with India’s global development messaging like “One Earth, One Family” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” “No business can truly succeed in a society that fails. What benefits one must not harm another,” she said.
Mei-Ramew – Ki Ryngkew Ki Basa (Reverence for nature and sacred spaces) – The fnance ninister spoke about environmental consciousness, citing her experience on the drive from Guwahati to Shillong. “The clean air, the green surroundings — this reverence for nature is deeply moving. Business and development must respect this ethos,” she said.
Sitharaman said these Khasi teachings are not only culturally significant but precise and profound for contemporary economic thinking
First villages in Meghalaya border
She also announced that 92 villages in Meghalaya have been included in the second phase of the Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme. “These 92 villages in Meghalaya are becoming the first villages of India,” the minister said, highlighting their strategic importance and developmental potential. She explained that these villages, situated along the Bangladesh border, have been identified for focused development to strengthen infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood opportunities in border regions that are critical to national security and local prosperity.
The finance minister also shared her plans to personally visit these border villages during her trip to Meghalaya to interact with local communities and assess the progress of ongoing initiatives.
