Shillong, July 11: Ka Tip Briew Tip Blei, Kamai ia ka Hok, Ka Tip Kur Tip Kha, Ka Bhalang Ka Imlang and Mei-Ramew – Ki Ryngkew Ki Basa.
These may sound like lyrical phrases in the Khasi language to an outsider, but they are profound indigenous principles that Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed as guiding values for the nation.
The Finance Minister struck a deeply emotional and reflective chord during her visit to Umsawli, Shillong, drawing inspiration from indigenous Khasi philosophy to advocate for ethical governance, responsible business, and sustainable development.
Addressing a gathering at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of key capital projects, Sitharaman described the occasion as “remarkable and deeply personal,” praising the enduring values of the Khasi community. She said the region’s traditional wisdom provides powerful guidance for the country’s future.
“In today’s fast-paced world, we often look far and wide for models of growth and governance. But here, in Meghalaya’s cultural core, we find some of the most powerful guiding principles that speak of humanity, nature, community, and integrity,” she said.
She highlighted five key Khasi principles, drawing a warm response from the audience:
Ka Tip Briew Tip Blei (To know man is to know God): Sitharaman called this a profound idea that places human dignity at the heart of governance. “Seeing divinity in humanity reminds us that every policy and project must touch lives meaningfully,” she said.
Kamai ia ka Hok (Earn righteousness): Emphasising honesty and ethical livelihood, she remarked, “Business must not only be profitable but also just. Corporate integrity is non-negotiable.”
Ka Tip Kur Tip Kha (Respect for kinship and community): Calling for a balance between globalisation and local values, she said, “Global markets need to respect the power of community. Relationships and roots matter.”
Ka Bhalang Ka Imlang (The common good): Sitharaman said this principle mirrors India’s vision of shared prosperity, adding, “No growth is meaningful if it does not uplift everyone.”
Mei-Ramew – Ki Ryngkew Ki Basa (Reverence for nature): Sharing her experience of the journey from Guwahati to Shillong, she said the region’s natural beauty and clean air reflected a sacred connection with the environment. “This sense of reverence must inform how we build, how we grow, and how we live,” she noted.
Sitharaman said these values—deeply rooted in Meghalaya’s cultural identity—are not only relevant but essential to shaping a just and sustainable future. “These are not just Khasi values; they are human values. And they can guide the entire country—even the world,” she said.
Her remarks brought warmth and pride to the local audience, many of whom praised the Minister’s sensitivity in recognising and respecting traditional knowledge systems. It was not just a political address, but a heartfelt tribute to a culture known for its harmony with people and nature.
