SHILLONG, MAY 5: NGOs in the state today lambasted the state government’s failure to make Khasi as a compulsory subject even as they announced the use of Khasi language for any official engagement with the government.
“If states like Assam and Kerala can make Assamese and Malayalam as their compulsory subjects, then why not Meghalaya do the same,” Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) general secretary Robertjune Kharjahrin said.
Speaking at a rally organized by the Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) to strengthen the aura of the Khasi language here on Friday, Kharjahrin blamed that the increasing rate of school dropouts among the youth is because they are forced to learn in English.
“The decision of the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) to withdrew Khasi as a compulsory subject is like swallowing our own mother tongue,” he said while adding the introduction of alternative subject is also another drawback in which students are given option to choose on a subject of their choice.
He added, “We urged the 3 MPs, 60 MLAs and 90 MDCs to take up the matter to ensure that Khasi and Garo are made as compulsory subjects till class XII in the state by implementing the Meghalaya Associate Language Act in letter and spirit.”
Earlier, Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) CEC member Trulywell Lyngdoh announced that the Union under the new leadership has decided to use Khasi language for any official purpose with the government.
Following this announcement, leaders of different NGOs which include the HYC and JSU expressed their strong support and cooperation to the KSU’s decision. “We support the KSU on this and we are ready to work together,” HYC general secretary said.
On the other hand, Lyngdoh reminded that the decision of the Assam government to make Assamese as an official language is one of the main reasons for hills leaders to fight for a separate statehood.
“However the delay in including the Khasi language in the 8th Schedule indicates the step-motherly attitude of the Centre and the failure of the state leaders to take the matter seriously,” he said.
He also said the misconception that by being able to speak English well is the way to show that one is educated is something which needs to be corrected.
Expressing similar view, JSU president Rikut N Parien said it is a major concern to see the emergent of “Khalish”, “Pnarlish” or “Jaintialish” speaking people in our society, who mixing English and mother tongue as they communicate.
“It is good to learn other languages but not at the cost of compromising our own,” he said while also pointing out the use of short form in social media also kills the very essence of a language.
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