Impending Influx threats still echoes in U Soso Tham’s Magnus opus

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By Ibankyntiew Mawrie, TNT News | SHILLONG, Dec 18, 2017:

Almost after a century since Khasi Laureate U Soso Tham shared his uncertainties about the future identity of the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya in his writings — 'Ki Sngi Barim U Hynniewtrep' (The Olden Days of the Seven Huts), scholars and students alike have expressed that the thoughts shared by the legendary Khasi poet way back in 1926 is speaking volumes till today.

Owing to the fact that the state is battling with the problem of influx, U Soso Tham's thoughts on the subject almost 91 years ago holds meaning now more than ever.

In the present context, a précis from 'Ki Sngi Barim U Hynniewtrep' — 'Nga iohi ia ka ri jong ngi ha ka tmier jong ka riat' (I could see my country on the edge of a terrible precipice) seems to have sounded an alarm as students' activists are seen protesting and demanding for a proper mechanism to safeguard the land, customs, traditions of the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya.

'Ki Sngi Barim U Hynniewtrep' – the magnum opus of U Soso Tham is considered the greatest work in Khasi literature as it gives an insight into Khasi culture and the challenges faced by the community.

U Soso Tham was born in 1873 in Sohra. He serves as an inspiration for many through his writings and introspection of 'what was, what is and what is to come'. U Myllung (poet) Soso Tham is basically remembered for his beautiful poems. He died in 1940 and like every year, this year too, the 77th death anniversary of the legendary Khasi poet is being observed across Khasi Hills.

According to Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, a poet, writer and professor at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), "The most contemporary teaching of U Soso Tham is the one about influx. It was with the British that influx into this land really started. Tham, as a visionary, saw this impending threat and wrote in the preface to Ki Sngi ba Rim U Hynñiewtrep: I could see my country on the edge of a terrible precipice. After a while, we who are only a handful, if we do not wake up the flash flood will overwhelm us and we will be like the people of Gebion to cut wood and carry water for some unknown masters!"

While terming this précis as the most powerful and most contemporary teachings of U Soso Tham, Nongkynrih maintained that what we see and experience today is something what U Soso Tham had felt 91 years ago for which he had made a clarion call to the Syiem (Chieftain), Sordar (Headmen) and traditional ruler to do something about this otherwise 'we would completely be overrun if not wiped out of existence'.

"The fact remains that influx is still a massive problem to us. There are other groups who think his words are merely used to frighten people without any basis…" Nongkynrih said adding that it is an ongoing debate about the relevance of his teachings.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) Robertjune Kharjahrin said that U Soso Tham's observation on the issue where he noted — 'Ioh ngi long mraw ha la ka jong ka ri' (Less we become slaves in our own land), is more of a warning to the indigenous people to protect the identity and culture of the Hynniewtrep Hynniewskum (Ancestors of the Khasis).

"On the occasion of his death anniversary, I want to point out the relevance of his writings which holds meaning till now — 'Ioh ngi long mraw ha la ka jong ka ri'. This is what we are fighting at present, a fight to protect and safeguard our indigenous community," he said.

Furthermore, he added that the word 'influx' does not only mean physical influx but also identity influx. "It is sad to see that 'Being a Khasi' now only means your birth right. Lifestyle, language is slowly diminishing and this is evident everywhere," he observed adding "it is important to be proud of your roots and most importantly, your dialect".

"A solution of the physical and lifestyle influx also lies in Soso Tham's words 'Look to the past to find your way into the future' which means we have to look back in order to amend our ways, to be sure of our roots and work towards upholding the identity. In as far as physical influx is concerned, the government has to come up with a proper mechanism like the Inner Line Permit (like we suggested) to curb this menace," added Kharjahrin.

Echoing similar views, Khasi Students' Union (KSU) Education secretary, Donald Thabah said that U Soso Tham's writings should not be taken as prophesies but rather as a warning. "We as an organisation takes it as a warning and we take it to the heart and it is our job to ensure that the identity, culture and tradition of the Khasi community are not lost or hijacked with the onslaught of westernization," he said.

Meanwhile, Thabah also expressed concern that there are some dorbar shnong (localities) which organises cleaning drives on this day (death anniversary of U Soso Tham) stating that it is an auspicious day to recall and to imbibe his teachings. "I am not saying they shouldn't maintain cleanliness but such drives should have a theme and suggest that they should hold a literary programme after the drives to pass on the wisdom of U Soso Tham to their next generation.

"Like a sturdy fruit tree that unfurled its branches, When seasoned, and the thoughts had broadened; That daydream later came to be seen, As one of the ciphers etched on the stone" – excerpts from a poem 'The Cipher on the Stone' as translated by Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih.

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(The writer can be reached at mawrie.iban@gmail.com and iban@thenortheasttoday.com)