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{{Infobox militant organization
| name = Seng Khasi Movement
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| logo = Seng-Khasi.png
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| foundation = 1899
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| country = [[India]]
| allegiance =
| motives = Cultural Preservation
| headquarters =
| area = [[Meghalaya]]
| ideology = [[Khasi people|Khasi]] [
Cultural Preservation],
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}}
The Seng Khasi movement began in Mawkhar, Shillong on Nov 23rd 1899. The Seng Khasi is a socio cultural organisation formed to protect and preserve the Khasi culture and religion - Niam Khasi - from the forces of change brought by the British. It was founded by 16 young Khasi men under the guidance and mentorship of U Babu Jeebon Roy, an educationist, entrepreneur and advocate of indigenous beliefs and culture of the time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-28 |title=Seng Khasi: An unshakeable pillar of cultural significance |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2022/08/28/seng-khasi-an-unshakeable-pillar-of-cultural-significance/ |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=The Shillong Times |language=en-US}}</ref> The sixteen founders were concerned about the loss of traditional Khasi culture and values due to the influence of [[British Empire|British colonial rule]] and [[Christian mission]]aries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meghalaya: Seng Khasi Movement Day - GKToday |url=https://www.gktoday.in/topic/meghalaya-seng-khasi-movement-day/ |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=www.gktoday.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-23 |title=Less we forget about the history of the Seng Khasi’s year ending day — ‘Ka Seng Kut Snem’ |url=https://thenortheasttoday.com/entertainment/artsculture/less-we-forget-about-the-history-of-the-seng-khasis-year/cid2513666.htm |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=thenortheasttoday.com |language=en-IN}}</ref>

The Seng Khasi movement is one of the oldest and most respected cultural preservation movements in India, particularly among Tribal communities.

The Seng Khasi started with one unit in 1899 but today there are over 300 branches spread across the Khasi Hills. The Seng Khasi is highly respected and universally acknowledged as custodians of the Khasi Way of Life.

It has persevered for over a century now to preserve the ancient traditions, cultural dances, traditional music, arts and crafts of the Khasis. The Seng Khasi also lays great emphasis on keeping alive Khasi spirituality and the ancient wisdom of the indigenous faith.

The Seng Khasi organise the Khasi religious dance known as Shad Suk Mynsiem (Dance of Peaceful Hearts). The dance was was first held in the famous Weiking ground in 1911. Today the dance is organised by various branches, held every weekend in different parts from the month of February till late June.

The dance had existed since time immemorial but had been deemed pagan and devil worship by the British and their missionaries. However today it is the pride of the Khasi people. Several other dances and accompanying music have been revived across the state inspired by the yeoman work of the Seng Khasi.

One of the Seng Khasis most important contributions over the last few decades has been the revival of the annual pilgrimage to the summit of the sacred peak, U Lum Sohpetbneng (Navel of the Heavens). Every first Sunday of February, a sea of devotees ascend to the sacred peak believed to be the origin point of mankind on Earth. The Khasis believe seven families known as ‘ U Hynñiewtrep’ descended to Earth to propagate Truth and nurture Mother Earth through a bridge of golden vines known as ‘Ka Jingkieng Ksiar’.<ref>{{cite web |title= https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/annual-pilgrimage-to-meghalayas-sacred-lum-sohpetbneng-or-the-bridge-to-heaven-held-on-february-5-508997-2023-02-07}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |title=Seng Khasi fest begins today |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/seng-khasi-fest-begins-today/cid/328051 |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=The Meghalayan |date=2022-05-16 |title=Building a Legacy: Revisiting ideas of "Father of Modern Khasis" |url=https://themeghalayan.com/building-a-legacy-revisiting-ideas-of-father-of-modern-khasis/ |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=The Meghalayan |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=VibeThemes |last2=Dutta |first2=Dr Ankita |date=2022-05-28 |title=Ramayana Parampara among the Khasis of Meghalaya & the Seng Khasi Movement |url=https://cisindus.org/2022/05/28/ramayana-parampara-among-the-khasis-of-meghalaya-the-seng-khasi-movement/ |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=Home |language=en-US}}</ref>

The movement has also worked to promote education and development in the Khasi Hills region, laying special emphasis on teaching traditional values alongside normal curriculums.

<ref>{{Cite web |author=Manosh Das|date=Nov 25, 2019 |title=Meghalaya: Festival marks 109th anniversary of Seng Khasi movement {{!}} Shillong News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shillong/festival-marks-109th-anniversary-of-seng-khasi-movement/articleshow/72221217.cms |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Despite its many accomplishments, the Seng Khasi movement has faced its share of challenges. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seng Khasi College, Shillong |url=https://sengkhasicollege.in/note |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=sengkhasicollege.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=IANS |date=2018-11-23 |title=Khasi fest Seng Kut Snem celebrated in Meghalaya |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/khasi-fest-seng-kut-snem-celebrated-in-meghalaya-118112300871_1.html |access-date=2022-12-25}}</ref>

Despite all odds and challenges, the Seng Khasi movement remains an important and influential force in the [[Khasi Hills]] region, and continues to play a key role in creating awareness and pride for the Khasi culture and religion. The Seng Khasi is apolitical and does not involve in any matters political in nature. However, the Seng Khasi strives to gain recognition for the indigenous faith, Niam Khasi. It’s adherents are denied several benefits due to this imbalance.
<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shillong |first=Ka Jingshai-An e-zine of Ramakrishna Mission |title=Online Class |url=https://kajingshai.rkmshillong.org/2021/09/10/seng-khasi-an-oath-to-the-truth-hammarsing-l-kharhmar/Ka%20Jingshai%3E |access-date=2022-12-25 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-23 |title=What is Seng Kut Snem and Its Importance for the Khasis in Meghalaya? |url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/what-is-seng-kut-snem-and-its-importance-for-the-khasis-in-meghalaya-6441835.html |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> The movement set in motion on Nov 23rd 1899, has focused on advocating for the rights and interests of the Khasi people within the framework of the Indian constitutional system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=social and political movements in India |url=https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/21061/1/Unit-26.pdf}}</ref>

The Seng Khasi movement continues to grow stronger into the 21st century, foundationed on the three divine principles of the Khasi Religion:

(1) Tip Kur Tip Kha
(2) Kamai ia ka Hok
(3) Tip Briew Tip Blei

It also spreads the powerful message amongst the people:

“Ieid ialade bad burom ïa jong kiwei”

{Love yourself and respect others}

The motto of the Seng Khasi is:

IM KA NIAM IM KA JAITBYNRIEW

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Politics of Meghalaya]]
[[Category:Khasi people]]

Seng Khasi Movement - Revision history

Cornelius R: general refine lead for consistency further and corrected details

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article