A Khasi King seeks a balance between Tradition and Modernity

Amidst the splendour and gaiety of the grand finale of the Nongkrem Dance a Khasi king pondered the balance which his family must strike between the ways of the past and those of the present to keep alive the glorious traditions of the Khasis.“We have to face the challenge and go along with changing times. There are certain practices that clash with modern life, but as up-holders of our own cultural heritage we manage to strike a balance” Dr. Balajied Sing Syiem, King of the Hima Khyrim told The Meghalaya Guardian as he hosted the festival of traditional importance for hundreds of people gathered at Smit on the third day of the festival on Friday.Armed with a campaign to preserve Khasi culture, the Syiem, who enjoys great prestige amongst his people, is no ordinary King to carry out his routine duties within his council. Dressed in suit and tie, and speaking flawless English, the Syiem is a physician by profession. He expressed his concern for a wide range of issues affecting his people, ranging from education, job opportunities and infrastructure. Tracing the origin of his kingdom the Syiem said that the Hima Khyrim separated from the Hima Shyllong in 1853, and now extends from Karbi Anglong in the North to Pyrdiwah in the South with over 400 villages and a population of 2 lakh. “The Hima Khyrim is very much alive, walking side by side with change,” he said.Not just the King, but his sister who is the Queen also pursues a profession as a principal of a high school in Smit. But the siblings do not let the worldly profession interfere with the discharge of their traditional duties to uphold the welfare of the people and maintain the rituals and traditions of their ancient culture.