Shillong, December 18 : Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar on Thursday paid rich tributes to U Soso Tham, regarded as the father of Khasi literature, at a commemorative programme held at the U Soso Tham Auditorium. The event was also attended by Meghalaya’s Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor highlighted U Soso Tham’s role in strengthening the written form of the Khasi language and preserving Khasi history, traditions and values through his literary works. He underlined the importance of indigenous languages and Khasi dialects, calling language “the soul” of a community and dialects carriers of lived experience, wisdom and cultural diversity. The Governor urged society—particularly the youth—to take pride in Khasi and contribute to its preservation and promotion.
Reflecting on public remembrance, the Governor suggested that birth anniversaries of great personalities like U Soso Tham should be celebrated alongside death anniversaries, saying such figures are born to enrich society and culture. He added that while U Soso Tham is no longer physically present, he continues to live through his works and ideas, noting that “great souls never truly die” as long as their contributions inspire generations. As a fitting tribute to the literary icon, the Governor proposed establishing an Academy in the name of U Soso Tham to promote and uphold Khasi literary and cultural values.
The Governor also referred to the long-standing demand for inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He noted that the Arts and Culture Minister informed the programme that a resolution has been passed in the State Assembly. The Governor said he would discuss the matter with concerned authorities and urged a sympathetic and constructive approach, stressing the cultural significance of Khasi and its role in preserving Meghalaya’s identity and heritage.
The commemorative programme concluded with a collective tribute to U Soso Tham’s enduring legacy and a renewed commitment to safeguarding Meghalaya’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
