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A Flag, a Story and a Nation

Image
National Naga flag
Description

One of the first women to ever weave the Naga national flag, Lathon Kemp, passed away on the 5th of January, 2021. The news of her death brings to mind the flag and the very important place it holds in the life of the Nagas. Although, it was hoisted for the first time on the 22nd of March in 1956 in the Parashen-Rengma region, the Nagas believe the flag to have a divine origin and not designed by any mortal. A red, green and yellow rainbow is spread out against a field of blue which represents the sky. The star of Bethlehem makes an appearance on the top left corner of the flag symbolizing the predominantly Christian identity of the Nagas. The flag remains a symbol of the Naga people's struggle, identity, faith and aspirations and even though secession from the Indian Union is no longer possible, the Naga flag is still very close to the hearts of the Naga people, their identity and their tribal roots.

University
Cotton University
Medium
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(Partial) Date
Location

Nagaland
India

Site of knowledge & meaning
Feeling & motive