SHILLONG, MAY 26: NPP candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha byelection, Dr DRL Nonglait has said his decision to contest on the party’s ticket was rooted in the need to work with an “effective government” and to advance education, youth employment, and constitutional recognition of the Khasi language.
Speaking at an election campaign in Chilliangraij, Jowai on Monday, Dr Nonglait said, “That is why I came to work with this government. After I received a phone call from the Chief Minister and held discussions with the Deputy Chief Minister, I gave it serious thought. I sought advice from people more experienced and knowledgeable than me, including youth and students from the college where I teach, and groups working for public welfare. Only then did I decide to accept the offer to contest this byelection as the NPP’s official candidate.”
“My purpose in aligning with this party and entering electoral politics rests on three words: to improve, to clarify, and to build,” he said.
Dr Nonglait flagged what he called a decline in social values and the urgent need to support youth. “We are witnessing an erosion of social values and human character. We see young people without hope, confused in their thinking, and distressed by unemployment. We need a government that works and a strong government,” he said.
He cautioned that decades-old problems could not be fixed overnight. “As I said earlier, problems have accumulated over decades and have been set aside for decades. But the schemes and works…are clear proof that this government has the intent to resolve them. Even so, much remains to be done,” he noted.
On criticism of the government, he said, “I fear people may listen to false propaganda claiming this government is failing. There may be lapses at the implementation level of various schemes — shortcomings are inevitable. But what matters is making improvements.”
Dr Nonglait argued that policy continuity was essential. “I fear that if another government takes over, the good roads we see today may not even be repaired a few years from now. Institutions opened in recent years, which this government has established as new foundations, may not progress without a strong government to guide them,” he said.
“We must strengthen Shillong Medical College, Shillong Engineering College and the State University so they stand on par with the best institutions in India,” he said, adding that Meghalaya needs an MP who will “consult, follow up, and secure adequate funds by working closely with the state cabinet.”
“The Chief Minister should not have to go to Delhi for every matter. That slows down work in the state. That is why I am here to seek your cooperation,” he said.
Turning to culture and governance, Dr Nonglait said, “Beyond education, which we must continue to transform, we must preserve our customs and traditions and protect the authority of our villages, Elaka, Raij and Hima. This is our unique identity. We must not lose it. District Councils should not override the powers of villages and Elaka, because these are sacred institutions handed down by our ancestors.”
He underscored the need for religious harmony and “synergism.”
“We must safeguard the foundations of religious freedom. We have different faiths, but we are one Hynniewtrep people. Each religious group has a mission — what is called ‘service to the whole person’: physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being,” he said.
“Through these faith-based groups, society advances. Schools, orphanages, hospitals, counselling centres and organisations that assist the poor and marginalised have emerged. All faith groups share this mission. This is a principle I will uphold and defend, especially now when we are beginning to see challenges,” he added.
On youth and women’s empowerment, he said, “This government has introduced several welfare schemes to help youth and women through self-help groups and other initiatives, so those without government jobs can become self-reliant. We need to increase funding for these programmes.”
Dr Nonglait said inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule would have direct benefits.
“In Central Universities like Delhi University, our students will be able to study Khasi as a subject. Those with an MA or PhD in Khasi will be able to teach the subject there,” he said.
“If our language is included in the Eighth Schedule and recognised by the Constitution of India, our identity will endure. As the noted writer Fr H Elias said, ‘When the language lives, the community lives’,” he added.
He said recognition would also bring institutional support. “The Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysore supports research and promotion of indigenous languages. Pnar, Maram, or any dialect of the Hynniewtrep can receive adequate support to raise its standard. Over time, any local variety can become a standard language,” he said.
Listing his priorities, Dr Nonglait said, “These are some of the issues I wish to take up if the people of Khasi and Jaintia Hills elect me as their MP. Language policy, education policy and secularism are issues on which I have submitted memoranda to the government from time to time. These are the people’s core concerns.”
“I will consider it my duty to speak on these matters. I will not speak only for the NPP. My representation is for the people. I am not just the NPP’s representative, but your representative,” he said.
He called for unity and an end to rancour. “I do not speak against anyone. I speak only for development. I want to remove hatred, bitterness and anger, and work with patience and love for our people. If we do not love our neighbour, how can we say we love our community?” he asked.
“If there have been mistakes or shortcomings in the past, in conduct, in words or in work, let us forgive them. Come together. Let us work together for development,” he said, extending the appeal to non-NPP supporters.
“The community urgently needs an MP to realise these demands — to transform education from the lower primary to higher secondary level, to advance higher and technical education, medical colleges and the state university. We need someone experienced in these areas,” he said.
“For the language to be recognized by the Constitution, we need a person who understands its theory and structure so we can place the facts and data before the Ministry of Home Affairs and Parliament,” he added.
Dr Nonglait concluded, “I humbly request you to come forward and support the National People’s Party in this MP election and to elect the party’s official candidate, Dr DRL Nonglait. The polling date is yet to be announced, but it will likely be in the coming months. I urge you, as responsible and wise citizens, not to waste your vote. Encourage your neighbours and families to come out and vote. The decision is one: to work together for development and for the community, and to press on the symbol of the book.”
By Our Reporter
