SHILLONG: The morning sun bathed the lawns of the State Central Library in a golden glow as the Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, led the state in commemorating the 85th Death Anniversary of the legendary Khasi poet laureate, U Soso Tham.
The programme, organised by the Department of Art and Culture, was not just a ceremony but a celebration of a literary giant whose works continue to shape the soul of the Khasi people.
The Governor paid homage to the poet, laying a wreath at his memorial as the air resonated with a collective sense of reverence. Among those present were Sanbor Shullai, Minister of Arts and Culture; Frederick Kharkongor, Principal Secretary; Harish Chaudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; I Majaw, Director of Arts and Culture; along with U Soso Tham’s family, scholars, teachers, students, and members of the public.
In his address, Governor Vijayashankar reminded the gathering, “Those who do not know their history cannot create history.” His words struck a chord, calling upon the youth to rediscover their roots and draw inspiration from the values, dedication, and vision of their forebears. He praised U Soso Tham not merely as a poet but as a lifelong champion of linguistic pride and cultural heritage — describing his literary legacy as a continuing “soul of inspiration” for society. Emphasising a holistic approach to learning, he urged young people to engage with sports, music, literature, and the arts to cultivate a well-rounded personal and social identity.
For Principal Secretary Frederick Kharkongor, the day was an opportunity to highlight Soso Tham’s enduring impact. “He was not just a poet, but a visionary who gave structure and permanence to Khasi oral traditions, ensuring they endure for generations,” Kharkongor said, painting a picture of a man who transformed fleeting stories into timeless literature.
The event also showcased the State Government’s ongoing efforts to include the Khasi language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, reflecting the poet’s pivotal role in shaping a shared linguistic and cultural identity. Reference was made to the Chief Minister’s Research Grants, awarded to 48 students last year to study themes such as Land, Language, and Lineage, as well as collaborations with foreign universities to advance research on Khasi culture.
Minister Sanbor Shullai reminisced about the personal impact of Soso Tham’s works. Reading classics like Ka Duitara Ksiar (The Golden Harp) and Ki Sngi Barim u Hynniew Trep (The Olden Days of the Seven Huts), he said, was more than an academic exercise — it was a journey into collective memory, moral philosophy, and the very essence of Khasi identity.
The programme blended solemnity with cultural celebration. Fidelity, a student of Memorial Senior Secondary School, opened with a welcome song, followed by a mesmerizing classical dance performance titled “Notun Ashar Vani”, weaving together oral traditions and classical forms.
Adding a festive note, prizes were distributed to winners of poetry, recitation, quiz, singing, and art competitions held on December 15 and 16 by Sohra Government College. Students from St. Dominic’s School and Auxilium Higher Secondary School were among the awardees, their faces lit with pride and excitement.
The gathering, a vibrant confluence of dignitaries, scholars, writers, students, and cultural practitioners, reflected the enduring legacy of U Soso Tham — rightly hailed as the Father of Khasi Literature — whose vision and literary genius continue to safeguard the language, history, and cultural identity of the Khasi people for generations to come.
