Shillong, Dec 22: A compilation of twenty two articles of David Roy Phanwar was released by the member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Prof David Syiemlieh on Saturday.
The twenty two articles of David Roy Phanwar was complied by his grand son Malcolm D Roy.
It may be mentioned here that Phanwar’s article highlighted Khasi culture, ethos, religion, laws, marriages, land and tradition.
Addressing the gathering, Prof David Syiemlieh gave due recognition and credit to the contributions made by the writer in Khasi literature and knowledge.
“He is one of those Khasis who initiated the development of the Khasis from the 19th to 20th century”, Syiemlieh said.
Stating that his articles will have enduring impact on the Khasis, Prof Syiemlieh said “His articles may not only benefit the research scholars, students and faculties but the society as whole.”
Prof B War of the Khasi Department, NEHU said that Phanwar is not a familiar name amongst many people especially the youth, yet one should realized the contribution made by this great man to the basic traditional beliefs of the Khasis.
David Roy was the only son of Rai Bahadur Roy Singh (Rai Shabong). He was born at Laban, Shillong on December 23, 1884. From a young age his father sent him for schooling at Doveton College, Calcutta and he completed his studies from Duff College, Calcutta. He served as a Magistrate in the Assam Civil Service and was posted in various places including the Naga Hills, Garo hills and the Lushai Hills.
He took part in the Kuki Expedition in 1919. On his return to Shillong he served as Administrator of the Hima Mylliem. He was a Sub Divisional Officer at Jowai during the Silver Jubilee celebration of King George V in 1935.
He was appointed as the Dewan of Hima Mylliem and Hima Sohra during 1936-46 and through his efforts the affairs of these two Hima were set right and their economic positions revived. He was later conferred with the MBE (Member of the British Empire) by the British Government of the time. After his retirement, Roy continued to assist the Hima Myllliem and was closely associated with the Federation of Khasi States.
He wrote extensively, particularly on Khasi customs, traditions and laws and his writings were published in various journals. He passed away in Shillong on February 13, 1966.
Roy’s grandson, Malcolm D Roy presented a brief highlight of the articles written by David Roy stating that it took almost 3 years for him and his family to collect and compile the writings of his grandfather. “There are still many writings which had been lost but we are still trying to retrieve the misplaced and lost ones”, Malcolm said.
David Roy penned down some of his thoughts and understanding of the Khasi cultures in these articles, some of which highlighted the essence of marriage, the status of Khasi women in the society, an insight into the matrilineal society, religion, the relationship between a Khasi man and a Khasi woman besides other topics, Malcolm stated.
It may be mentioned here that the occasion was also celebrated as a mark to celebrate the 128th birth anniversary of David Roy.(SP News)
