Shamator, May 7: A formal ceremony marking the renaming of Sotokur village to Thsotoku was held on Thursday in Nagaland’s Shamator district, with government officials, village leaders, and residents gathering to celebrate what community members described as an important milestone in preserving the village’s identity and heritage.
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| Officials, village leaders and residents pose during the formal ceremony marking the renaming of Sotokur village as Thsotoku in Shamator district, Nagaland, on Wednesday. (Image: DIPR Nagaland) |
The programme was inaugurated by Mekato J. Aye, Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Shamator and Additional Charge of Thsotoku Circle, who attended as the chief guest. According to officials, the renaming was carried out in accordance with a government notification issued after due administrative procedures and collective representation from the village community.
As part of the event, the EAC laid the foundation stones for a monolith commemorating the village’s new name and for the Thsotoku Citizen Union Office, symbolizing a new chapter in the village’s history and development.
The ceremony witnessed the participation of residents, village elders, youth representatives, and leaders from neighboring villages, reflecting broad community support for the renaming initiative. Cultural presentations and community interactions also added significance to the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Mekato J. Aye congratulated the village council and community leaders for their commitment to preserving and asserting the village’s historical identity. He emphasized that place names carry deep cultural significance and serve as symbols of memory, belonging, and collective heritage.
Referring to the meaning of “Thsotoku,” which translates to “elephant’s head,” the EAC said the elephant is widely regarded as a symbol of strength, wisdom, resilience, and steady progress. He expressed hope that the village would continue to embody these qualities while moving forward on the path of development.
He also encouraged residents to work together in a spirit of unity and responsibility while safeguarding their traditions and cultural values for future generations.
Short speeches were delivered by Tokimong, Head GB; Kiuthsang, Village Council Chairman (VCC) of Thsotoku; and Kheanjimong, President of the Citizen Union. The speakers recounted the historical origins of the village name, stating that it dates back approximately 400 to 500 years, when early settlers discovered a wooden log resembling an elephant’s head and adopted the name from that observation.
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A prayer for the village and its future was offered by Pastor K. Yimto.
In a special moment during the programme, the EAC felicitated the village’s only successful HSLC candidate in the last decade, recognizing the student’s achievement as a source of pride and encouragement for the community. The recognition was also seen as a positive reflection of growing efforts to improve educational participation and achievement in the village.
The ceremony concluded with renewed commitments from community members to uphold unity, preserve cultural identity, and work collectively toward the progress and development of Thsotoku village.
