A formal ceremony marking the renaming of Sotokur to Thsotoku was held at Thsotoku village, Shamator with Mekato J Aye, EAC Shamator and Additional Charge, Thsotoku Circle inaugurated the program on May 7.

The renaming of the village was carried out in accordance with the Government order, following due process and collective representation from the community.

During the programme, the EAC laid the foundation stones for the monolith commemorating the name change and for the newly established Thsotoku Citizen Union Office. The event witnessed the presence of community members and leaders from neighbouring villages, reflecting strong collective participation.

In his address, the EAC congratulated the village council and all the leaders who had taken up the matter for preserving and asserting the identity of the village. He remarked that names are not merely labels but carries memory, belonging, and a sense of direction. Drawing from the meaning of Thsotoku, he highlighted that the elephant symbolises strength, wisdom, and steady progress, and expressed hope that the village would reflect these qualities in its collective journey.

He further emphasised that while a name gives identity, it is the people who give meaning to it through unity, responsibility, and shared progress. Encouraging the community, he called upon them to move forward together, uphold their roots, and ensure that the village becomes known not just by its name but by its spirit and development.

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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 village name Thsotoku, meaning “elephant’s head,” which traces back to early settlers, nearly 400–500 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 wherein the lone successful HSLC candidate from the village after a decade was honoured by the EAC, marking a significant milestone and reflecting the outcome of sustained efforts towards improving educational engagement in the past year.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of identity and commitment among the people of Thsotoku.