Khasi book released by Guv

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, DEC 16: The book Blatant- Pen Ryngkew, a bilingual drama was released on Friday by Governor V Shanmuganathan at Mad Gallery at Umsohsun

The book written by Raphael Warjri is a two act play on corruption based on the constitution of traditional durbar and its transition into the modern civic administration system.

Shanmuganathan appreciated Riti Academy of Visual Arts for the endeavour it has put in to promote art. He said, “I think everybody came to this place for the love of art, and here as it happened elsewhere artists paint the picture of sun, moon, nature and the people and animals; I am looking forward for artist to paint honesty, compassion and courage.”

In his narrative of Hindu mythology the governor was trying to impress upon the people that the picture in the canvas is tangible, but the intangible elements might not be visible but contain highest invincible values that people should cherish.

The governor linked these elements of painting and literature with the contents in the book ‘Blatant’ that he had just released and urge upon the people to conduct with honesty and compassion to the society and gather enough courage to face the world.

In his introductory speech to the book, the author Raphael Warjri narrated that corruption is the plot of the story and the protagonists of the play as the folk performers, chanted folk poetry ‘phawar’ (in Khasi) in the form of witty conversation and sent forth the message about moral values and basic human relationship in society.

In the book, Warjri portrayed the transition of traditional council into modern civic administration as a benchmark to inform about the pros and cons of both the system and shed some light on certain portion of either system, which are relevant to the present situation in the society and mankind.

Prof Sylvanus Lamare, who graced the occasion as the guest of honour, and member of Sahitya Akademi presented a glimpse of the era of revival movement in Khasi literature. He said, “The three most important persons in Khasi literature, Jeebon Roy Mairom, Radhon Singh Berry Kharwanlang and Rabon Singh Kharsuka stand as the founding fathers of Khasi written literature then till today.”

Prof Lamare said that Khasi faith as it prevails in the society is through the hard work of Jeebon Roy, Rabon Singh Khasuka is the champion of Khasi folk literature, and the essence of Khasi ethics are the massive contribution of Radhon Singh Berry Kharwanlang.

Although he acknowledged the great contribution of the Welsh missionaries, particularly Thomas Jones for the Alpahabet in Khasi language, Prof Lamare lamented at the attitude of the Presbyterian Church in promoting Christianity and lukewarm response to Khasi folk literature. He stated that this is why it had fomented the revival movement of Khasi literature through the ages.

To mark the silver jubilee of Riti Academy of Visual Arts, a North East Ethnic Art Scholarship is being granted to four young artists Shkemlang Hynñiewta, Banteilang Hynñiewta, Macdonald Ryntathiang and Dan Green Marweiñ.

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