Assembly Speaker asks legislators to push for inclusion of Khasi language in 8th Schedule

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 22, 2020

Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, on Monday, commemorated the arrival of Reverend Thomas Jones in Sohra, in the year 1841, by paying floral tribute at the office campus of Thomas Jones School of Mission, Nongsawlia.

He was accompanied by KHADC CEM Titos Chyne, Shella MLA Balajied Synrem, Commissioner and Secretary Meghalaya Assembly Dr. Andrew Simons, and Pastor F R Kharkrang.

Speaking on the occasion, the Speaker said that Reverend Thomas Jones didn’t only involve himself in the Christian mission but contributed greatly to the Khasi society.

He also added that it was important for the Khasi society to honour the legacy of the Reverend who gave the people their written alphabet in the roman script, which, he stated has strengthened the identity of the Khasis.

The Speaker said that it is now the legislators’ responsibility to push the Resolution, passed in the assembly in 2018, to add the Khasi language in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution.

During the occasion, he also informed that Rs 10.52 crore has been sanctioned for Nongsawlia in Sohra under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) Scheme.   

Reverend Thomas Jones, popularly referred to as the father of the Khasi Alphabet, arrived in the region 179 years ago. He successfully adapted the Khasi language in the roman script and revived two primary schools in Mawsmai and Sohra using the new script. He was a part of the missionary of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Foreign Missionary Society.