Newmai News
SHILLONG, July 9 – All India Radio (AIR), Shillong with an aim to promote reading habit and love for Khasi literature, organised a one day symposium on ‘Khasi Poetry’ entitled “Na Thwei ka Dohnud” at Don Bosco Youth Centre here on Thursday.Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Meghalaya Education Secretary Frederick Roy Kharkongor informed the gathering that UNESCO has withdrawn the Khasi language from the list of endangered languages of the world.
“Khasi language is out of danger but efforts should be made to ensure that the Khasi language is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, so that it would be recognised as one of the major languages of the country,” Kharkongor said.
He termed the Khasi language as a developing language, which has developed by leaps and bounds since the days the language was provided the Roman script and the publication of Khasi Dictionary by Nissor Singh Kharsuka in 1906.
He also said that he was surprised to find that about 95 non- Khasis attended the programme for learning the Khasi language organised by Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures in Shillong.
Speaking on the occasion, former Deputy Director of AIR, Shillong EW Dkhar lauded AIR, Shillong for providing a platform for the development of Khasi music. Dkhar said AIR has promoted the secular music in the Khasi society.
Earlier, Station Director AIR, N Shadap said that the aim in organising the symposium was to reach out to the masses.
