Hornbills, & India's First Football Captain |#231
Did you know this Rajnikanth scene?
Hi frands
In 1963 on December 1, Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union. The origin of the term "Naga" is shrouded in mystery. Historical references suggest varied meanings:
The Ahoms of Assam called them "Noga" or "Naka," possibly meaning "naked";
The Meitei people of Imphal Valley referred to them as "Hao"
The Burmese called them "Nakas" or "Naga," meaning "people with earrings" or perhaps "pierced noses."
Before European colonialism, the Nagas, along with Meiteis and other northeastern tribes, faced frequent raids from Burma, driven by wealth, captives, and headhunting traditions. When British explorers asked Burmese guides about the people of these northern highlands, they heard "Naka," which was recorded as "Naga"—a name that endures to this day.
This week, we take a look at this state that has largely been ignored by most in India
Things we learnt this week 🤓
One-third of all of India’s football players come from the North East of India. And their spiritual godfather is Dr Talimeren Ao. Talimeren Ao is an answer to a famous quiz question - who was India’s first ever football captain? Growing up in a modest household, Ao’s football journey began on fields where he played barefoot—a signature style that would later captivate audiences at Wembley Stadium. His skills were unmatched, but it was his leadership that truly set him apart. Ao led a team of underdogs with poise and determination, even as they faced seasoned opponents in London. He was a rare combination of athlete and scholar, pursuing a medical degree while juggling his football commitments. As a practicing doctor, Ao became a figure of respect in his home state of Nagaland, serving as a role model for generations. Yet despite all of this, there isn’t a single statue or a memorial in his name in Dimapur or Kohima. Tao in Chinese means path and T. Ao certainly created a path for future Indian footballers.
Dr Talimeren Ao on the right at the 1948 Olympics Nagaland is full of vibrant culture, rich traditions, and stunning landscapes. At the center of it all is the hornbill - a bird that stands out with its striking appearance and deep connection to Naga heritage. This majestic creature has inspired the famous Hornbill Festival, celebrated every December. The festival brings together people from all over the state to showcase their traditions through dances, music, wrestling, and delicious food. In the past, its feathers were used in the headgear of Naga warriors, symbolizing bravery and strength. The headhunting days are long gone, but the hornbill remains a powerful emblem of Naga identity forcing powerful people to turn up wearing them.
The Battle of Kohima, fought between April and June 1944, was not just a turning point in World War II but a moment that defined resilience against overwhelming odds. Nestled in Nagaland’s lush hills, Kohima became the unlikely stage for a fierce confrontation between the Japanese forces and the Allied troops, primarily British and Indian soldiers. This battle was fought over steep terrains, narrow ridges, and even a tennis court—a brutal setting that earned it the title of the “Stalingrad of the East.” The Japanese objective was to break into India through Kohima, but the Allies, despite being outnumbered, held their ground. After weeks of grueling combat, they succeeded in pushing the Japanese forces back, marking the first significant defeat for Japan on land during the war. Today, Kohima remembers this battle with solemn reverence. Over 1,400 Commonwealth troops lie here, their names etched in stone, alongside the famous epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.” 😢
From IWTK, with love 💌
Sanjay Dutt has led a wild life. Watch a clip from a BBC documentary from the 90s about his life.
Did you know that in the recent film Vettaiyan Fahadh Faasil recreated a scene of Rajinikanth from Muthu?
Only In India 🇮🇳
You are always stuck if you are in the middle - whether as a child or on berth!
💟 IWTK