Names hold deep significance in indigenous cultures around the world. For Nagas, names are more than just identifiers. They carry rich meanings, reflecting the heritage, history, beliefs, and values of the community. The latest announcement by the Ao Senden, prohibiting the giving of Ao names to non-locals, is timely and appropriate and should be strictly implemented. There are many reasons why the Ao Senden is right.
For Nagas, names are deeply woven into the fabric of identity, spirituality, and community. They are carriers of meaning that transcend the individual, embedding them within the broader context of their culture, history, and environment.
Names are rooted in the language, traditions, and worldview of the community. They help preserve and pass down cultural identity, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices and knowledge. Many Naga names are derived from elements of nature, such as birds, animals, plants, landscapes, or natural phenomena. These names signify a deep connection to the land and the environment, reflecting the community’s relationship with the natural world.
Names are linked to ancestors, honoring past generations and maintaining a connection to one’s lineage. They carry the stories, struggles, and achievements of those who came before, serving as a living link to history. Names are also given through spiritual visions, reflecting the individual’s role or destiny within the community, their personality traits, or their spiritual journey. Names also denote a person’s role within the community, whether as a leader, healer, warrior, or other important figure. This reinforces social structure and the individual’s responsibilities within the community.
For many Nagas, retaining or reviving traditional names is an act of cultural resilience and resistance against assimilation. Reclaiming ancestral names is often part of broader efforts to assert sovereignty and protect cultural heritage. The process of naming in Naga culture is often tied to significant events or rites of passage. These events mark important life stages, such as birth, coming of age, or achievements, and involve the community in celebrating and recognizing the individual’s place within the group.
Therefore, giving a Naga name to a non-Naga is simply not right. Apart from being wrong, a non-Naga assuming a Naga name is an infringement on the rights of the Naga people protected by relevant laws and conventional practices.