Shillong: Dr. (Sr.) Philomena Kharakor, a distinguished Khasi scholar, author, and former principal of St. Mary’s College in Shillong, died on Thursday at the age of 82. The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions announced her passing, honoring her decades of work in advancing education and preserving Khasi culture.
Born in Laitlyngkot in 1947, she joined her religious congregation and took her final vows in 1968. She earned deep respect for her leadership role at St. Mary’s College, where she focused on expanding higher education opportunities for women across the Northeast.
Her academic legacy is anchored by her seminal work, Ka Kolshor Khasi Kumba Paw Ha Ka Litereshor Khasi, which translates to "Khasi Culture as Reflected in Khasi Literature." This book continues to serve as an essential resource for students and researchers. In recognition of her scholarly efforts, the Khasi Authors Society honored her in 2006.
Beyond her writing, she served as the president of the St. Mary’s College of Teacher Education Alumni Association and remained engaged in the academic community for years after her retirement. Her remains are at St. Mary’s Convent in Laitumkhrah. Mourners can attend a Requiem Mass at the convent chapel at 6 pm on Thursday and Friday, with the funeral mass set for Saturday at 10:30 am followed by her burial at the Laitumkhrah Catholic Cemetery.
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