Officials along with members of the Thsotoku village during the village renaming programme held at Thsotoku under Shamator district on May 7. (DIPR Photo)
Shamator, May 7 (MExN): A formal ceremony marking the renaming of Sotokur village to Thsotoku was held at Thsotoku village under Shamator district on Thursday.
The programme was inaugurated by Mekato J Aye, EAC Shamator and Additional Charge of Thsotoku Circle.
The renaming of the village was carried out in accordance with a government order following due process and collective representation from the community.
During the programme, the EAC laid the foundation stones for a monolith commemorating the name change and for the newly established Thsotoku Citizen Union office.
The event witnessed the participation of community members and leaders from neighbouring villages, reflecting strong collective involvement.
Addressing the gathering, Aye congratulated the village council and community leaders for taking initiative in preserving and asserting the identity of the village.
He remarked that names are not merely labels but carry memory, belonging and a sense of direction.
Referring to the meaning of “Thsotoku”, he said the elephant symbolises strength, wisdom and steady progress, and expressed hope that the village would embody these qualities in its collective journey.
The EAC further stated that while a name gives identity, it is the people who give meaning to it through unity, responsibility and shared progress.
Encouraging the community to move forward together, he urged them to uphold their roots and ensure that the village becomes known not only by its name but also by its spirit and development.
Short speeches were delivered by Tokimong, Head GB; Kiuthsang, VCC Thsotoku; and Kheanjimong, president of the Citizen Union.
The speakers narrated the origin of the name “Thsotoku”, meaning “elephant’s head”, which traces back to early settlers nearly 400 to 500 years ago who observed a wooden log resembling an elephant’s head and named the place accordingly.
The programme also included a prayer offered by Pastor K Yimto.
A felicitation ceremony was held during the event in which the lone successful HSLC candidate from the village after a decade was honoured by the EAC, marking a significant milestone and reflecting efforts towards improving educational engagement in the village.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of identity and commitment among the people of Thsotoku village.
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