The Rongmei people like any other Naga tribes are undergoing a refining stage with lot of hard press problems within. Their identity is being criticised and tempered with different names, such as Kabui, Arong Naga, Haomei Zeliangrong and local tonal names as Ruangmei/ Nruangmei/ Nrwangmei etc. There are diverse opinions among the Rongmeis advocating their identity after their own interest and likings. The fact is confusing the people.
Reason that, as a child is not named by self but the elders or parents gave the name, so also the identity of a people could most probably be given by ancient parents long distant past in early human age. Therefore, no tribe is originally clear of their name in term of tone, and even meaning it implies. Reasoned that many generations have tempered upon the name and meaning of words. Perceives that, the name Rongmei might/could most probably or possibly be given by other, outside our people in their tone and we fail to pronounce it correctly ourselves, resulting differently from the original sound.
The Rongmei called their name in their own tonal sound as Nruangmei/ Nrwangmei/ Ruangmei/ longmei differing from place to place and even person to person. The people could not define the meaning of Rongmei adequately. However, the natural instinct and mental perception of their ancient given name as Rongmei perceived by forefathers must have moved them to retain and revive to its present official identity. While seriously considering the aspect of diverse and local tonal names being used or proposing to use, It is important to establish an authenticity of the tribal identity for common use and approved by the people.
When the Rongmei identity is treated and analysed on the principle of diachronic and synchronic systems of phonetic and linguistic analysis structured by renowned phonologists, or morphologists, the tonal sound or usage does not matter much so as to construct the correct name or meaning of things or people. What matter most is identification, common and easy sounding. There is no valid reason to question or criticise the use of Rongmei as common identity of the people involved instead of tonal names proposed or speak among themselves sparingly and scarcely. We know that we are not called by ourselves but other call us. We cannot all the time correct others to call us by own tonal name and sound.
Semantic change of meaning or words by sound or ones’ own tongue does not strictly apply for classification or naming of things. Therefore, understand that, the use of Rongmei as common term instead of using local tonal name is justified. Here meaning does not carry its purpose but identification is meaning and purpose itself. The Local tonal name as Ruangmei/ Nruangmei etc has no significant in wider cross cultural society and global contact. It is only confined to few mother tongue speakers even differing in its usage among the same community. The outsiders or non Rongmei never used or will know the local tonal name. Reasoned and aware that, we live not in isolation and solitary confinement within but with the rest of the different communities, dialects, tribes and people around us. We should harness our logics, resources and our community in making and building a better society and world at large
Further reasoned that, the purpose of giving or naming the tribal identity is for other people to recognise, identify and classify the community from other group of people. Therefore, changing our identity Rongmei into our own tonal sound does not make any worthwhile sense.
Rather any attempt to do so could confuse the identity that has already gained the national and international recognition. Logic spells that, identity should be made simple and convenient for all to recognise, call or locate it without any difficulty. Examples for such simplification or commonised terms/names given may be considered: Hindustan/Indus to India no more Bharat, Meiteipur to Manipur, berema to Peren, Tamengluang to Tamenglong etc. Its not in the name. Its in recognising. Generally, people don’t go for knowing the meaning of the name but to recognise the person or things. Why should we create our own hindrances, confusion and wasting our time arguing in vain and to our own lost?
Therefore, squarely considering the implication, the purpose and common usage of the Word RONGMEI as the name/identity of our people, series of resolutions, decisions and declarations were adopted by our people in time past. Some of the few but significant important resolutions and declarations may be recollected and produce herewith for due consideration.
1. The resolution of the joint meeting of Rongmei literature from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland held in 17th Jan 1972 Tamenglong HQ quoted, “Resolved that inconsistent spelling of this tribe used by different writers be used as “RONGMEI” in all matters from now onwards and the same should be strictly noted and observed by the different bodies and department”. The resolution was reaffirmed in 1975, 12th feb. (ref. No. 1 reaffirmed No.4) By the same joint committee meeting
2. The Rongmei Naga People Meeting held at Longmai 1980 12th August, resolved, quoted, that after thorough review and cross-examination we uphold Rongmei to be authentic in its originality and that in order to attain among ourselves and to preserve its authenticity, “RONGMEI” be used and enlisted in place of kabui (deleting Kabui) in scheduled tribe orders covering Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
3. The Rongmei People’s convention 2000, 25th March resolved, No. 6, quoted, Resolved that each and every Rongmei individual should record his/her tribe’s name as “RONGMEI NAGA” uniformly.
4. Hence considering the common interest and aspiration of the Rongmei people, the matter is officially projected, processed and duly recognised as a scheduled Tribe in the constitution of India. Therefore, the RONGMEI as it is shall be the common identity of all the same language speakers of the community.
Furthermore, the identity Rongmei as a tribe and people have been commonly known to the world and that changes if taken to replace could mean suicidal. Therefore, while deeply considering the desire, aspiration and interest of the concerned people, It is appealed and informed to all concerned to cooperate and create a spirit of unity, understanding and acceptance in the move for common approval and adherence thereto. Readers may kindly comment, or contribute your views in making the Identity common and acceptable to all in the spirit of harmony and love for ones society, tribe and Nation.
G.G. Rongmei (Gwangphun)
General Secretary Rongmei People’s Organisation
The author may be contacted thru the given No. 8974381932/9402783264
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Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.
