The Meghalaya government is preparing a huge Christian prayer to consecrate the first state university on January 13. The to-be-inaugurated Captain Williamson Sangma University is the first state university in Meghalaya, and the decision to organise a Christian prayer to inaugurate it has drawn sharp criticism from various sections of the society within the state. Shockingly, the controversial statement by Meghalaya education minister Rakkam A Sangma has also drawn sharp criticism. “On May 28, 2023, the new Parliament building was consecrated through Hindu rituals. As a Chtistian state we want to consecrate our first state university with a massive prayer meeting.” Sangma said. He further said if the Parliament could be blessed with Hindu rituals, why not Christian rituals in a Christian state?
Reacting to the state government decision, the Indigenous faith group of Meghalaya ‘Seinraij Jowai’ said, we feel deceived after learning that the Government plans to organise a massive Christian Prayer Service to consecrate the University on January 13 2025, through the statement issued by the Education Minister, Shri. Rakkam A. However, the Minister’s statement has shattered the very fabric of a Constitution in a country with immense diversity and Meghalaya, though a small state. The said statement from the responsible Minister of the Government of Meghalaya is an attempt to create a Communal Divide in the peaceful state of Meghalaya and infringes on the provision of the Right to Freedom of Religion enshrined under Articles 25 & 26 of the Indian Constitution. Thus, the Seinraij Jowai strongly condemns this government attempt.
They further said that one must understand the facts and the history of the land before proclaiming Meghalaya as a “Christian State”. During the pre-British period, no other religion existed in Meghalaya except the Indigenous faith, and to date, we stand tall to protect, preserve and embrace our tradition, culture and belief as handed over by our ancestors amidst facing persistent challenges and the forces in a mission to eradicate of what belongs to this land through difference means.
The Government cannot deny the fact that Meghalaya is recognised for its unique festivals observed by the Indigenous faith and to name a few, Ka Behdienkhlam, Ka Chad Sukra, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Ka Shad Nongkrem, Ka Leh Niam Iewduh among other festivals, therefore the term “Christian State” demeans our very existence as faithful of the Indigenous Faith – Ki Khon Ka Niamtre Niam Khasi.
The Freedom of Faith and Worship signifies the path for Religious Freedom. However, running any official program of the Government or even decorating office buildings and celebrating festivals of one particular religion within the government office premises is arrogant and a breach of the right to religious freedom.
In view of the above statement, Seinraij Jowai strongly opposes the Government’s plan to organise this massive Christian Prayer Service to consecrate the State’s First University, Captain Williamson Sangma State University, on January 13, 2025.
Therefore, we earnestly look forward to the intervention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister into the matter judiciously particularly honouring our existence as the tribe embracing our own Culture, Tradition and Religion which is the pride of this land “Ka Bri U Ynñiaw Wasa U Ynñiaw Wasung – U Hynñiaw Trep Hynñiaw Skum” and for the interest of the Religious Harmony and Mutual Respect amongst the people of the state and the country. A statement released by the President, Secretary Hercules Toi and Arwotki Sumer read.
