Editor,

I wish to bring to public attention a matter of history, respect and recognition that has been quietly overlooked.

‘Naharlagun’ is a name rooted in nature and geography. ‘Nahar’ for the trees that once abundantly covered this area, and ‘Lagun’ for the river that flows beside it. Few people today know that it was my father, Techi Toka, who first coined the name by joining these two words on 14 December, 1974.

He envisioned an identity for this place that reflected its land, its trees and its river – an identity we all use with pride today, it became Naharlagun town.

Ironically, the government that now uses this name has forgotten the man who gave it. While naming roads and institutions, due consideration is often given to political convenience rather than to genuine contribution.

Recently, a road in Model Village was named after a political personality for apparent political gain. Question was raised by the Indian Youth Congress and murmurs are brewing in the village itself.

But what about those who built the foundation?

My father was instrumental in bringing the Higher Secondary School Naharlagun to Model Village from present Ganga in the year 1973. At that time, opportunities were scarce; he worked tirelessly, so that children from this area would not have to travel far for education. Because of this school, hundreds of students studied, many went on to achieve the highest positions and entire generations got a chance at a better future.

What hurts the most is this: the school recently marked its golden jubilee. Some small event was organised by the alumni. Yet my father was not even informed. His name was not mentioned. No gratitude was extended to the person who made the school possible in the first place.

This is not about demanding a road or a statue. This is about giving respect where it is due. The name ‘Naharlagun’ itself stands as his contribution to this land, and the Government Higher Secondary School, Model Village stands as his contribution to its people.

Also, one should remember that it is not necessary to wait for someone to die before naming a place in their honour. There is no statutory or mandatory requirement that a place can be named only posthumously. Why can’t we honour someone while they are still alive? Does their contribution become any less valuable simply because he is alive? A person’s contribution does not diminish merely because he is alive. On the contrary, honour is more meaningful when it is bestowed during one’s lifetime.

I urge the authorities concerned, the education department and the community leaders to correct this. Let us acknowledge those who worked selflessly before politics entered the picture. At the very least, let history record the truth.

A society that forgets its builders cannot inspire its future.

Techi Mamin,

Daughter of Techi Toka,

Model Village,

Naharlagun