Meghalaya Mahila Congress Stresses Preservation Of Khasi Identity: Rejecting Father’s Surname

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Meghalaya Mahila Congress calls for upholding Khasi identity: No father’s surname for tribe.
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In a firm stance aimed at preserving the unique cultural identity of the Khasi community, the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress has called for individuals who adopt their father’s surname not to be recognized as Khasi. The Mahila Congress, led by president Joplyn S. Shylla, made it clear that the practice of children inheriting their mother’s surname is a cornerstone of Khasi identity, and any deviation from this tradition undermines the cultural foundation of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes.

The statement made by Joplyn S. Shylla underlines the party’s commitment to the preservation of the matrilineal customs that have defined the Khasi and Jaintia communities for centuries. In her words, “We assert that individuals who opt to adopt the father’s surname should not be classified as Khasis.” This position reflects a broader effort to safeguard and uphold the region’s distinctive cultural practices, especially the matrilineal system that continues to be central to the Khasi and Jaintia tribes.

The matrilineal system, a traditional custom prevalent in the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya, dictates that children take their mother’s surname rather than the father’s. This unique cultural practice places women at the center of family and lineage, making it a fundamental part of the tribe’s identity. The Meghalaya Mahila Congress has emphasized that this practice is not just a matter of cultural preference but an essential part of the Khasi and Jaintia people’s social structure.

In line with their position, the Mahila Congress has called on the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and other relevant authorities to take action to preserve this crucial aspect of the Khasi and Jaintia traditions. They have urged for the enforcement of policies that honor the matrilineal customs and ensure that these cultural values are maintained for future generations. According to the Congress, any movement away from these traditions threatens the integrity of the Khasi and Jaintia communities and their cultural legacy.

Joplyn S. Shylla, president of the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress, stated, “The organisation firmly believes that the longstanding tradition of children taking the mother’s surname must be preserved, as it is essential to safeguarding the very essence of Khasi and Jaintia traditions.” The Congress party’s focus on the continuation of this practice is rooted in its belief that the matrilineal system is what makes the Khasi community unique and that the survival of this tradition is vital for preserving the tribe’s heritage.

The Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya are renowned for their matrilineal customs, which have allowed women to maintain significant social, economic, and political roles within their communities. By emphasizing the importance of children inheriting their mother’s surname, the Meghalaya Mahila Congress aims to protect this distinctive social structure from external influences that may erode it. The preservation of this system is seen not only as an essential cultural safeguard but also as a means of empowering women and upholding their prominent role in Khasi society.

The statement by the Mahila Congress also highlights the growing concerns about the changing dynamics in the Khasi and Jaintia communities, where increasing adoption of patriarchal practices is being witnessed. The shift toward using the father’s surname, especially among younger generations, is seen as a threat to the tribe’s traditional way of life. By advocating for the continuation of matrilineal customs, the Congress party seeks to protect the essence of Khasi identity and ensure that the community’s rich cultural heritage endures.

The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress has made a strong call for the preservation of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes’ cultural practices, particularly the matrilineal tradition of inheriting the mother’s surname. By rejecting the use of the father’s surname and pushing for the enforcement of traditional customs, the Congress aims to safeguard the cultural identity of the Khasi community and ensure that their heritage continues to thrive for generations to come. The party’s position on this issue is a reflection of its commitment to protecting the values that make Meghalaya’s indigenous cultures distinct and resilient.

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