The Development of Rongmei (Ruangmei) and Naga Scripts
The diverse linguistic landscape of the Naga tribes, including the Rongmei, has historically been characterized by rich oral traditions. For centuries, knowledge, history, myths, and customary laws were passed down verbally from one generation to the next. While this oral heritage is robust, the modern era has brought a growing recognition of the importance of developing indigenous scripts to formally document, preserve, and promote native languages and cultures in written form. Many Naga communities have embarked on journeys to create or adapt scripts for their distinct dialects, and the Rongmei (or Ruangmei) tribe is a notable example of this cultural and intellectual endeavor.¹
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| Image: from G Gangmei's Books |
Among the distinguished attendees were Dinganglung (Dipu) Gangmei, who serves as the Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC); Amu Kamei, the President of the Rongmei Naga People Organization; Thuankubui Pamei, a former President of the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM); Ramkung Pamei, the current President of the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur; Ragongning Gangmei, President of the Rongmei Literature Society; and Rev. KG Jaojianlung Gangmei, who chairs the Interim Body for Ruanghiak Development and Promotion (IBRDP). Their presence underscored the broad support for and official recognition of the Ruanghiak script.³
During the ceremony, Chairman Dipu Gangmei notably emphasized the critical importance of formally recognizing and honoring Huaineiguang Rwangmei, who holds the positions of General Secretary of IBRDP and the Rongmei Literature Society. This commendation was specifically for his dedicated and tireless efforts in the intricate creation and development of the Ruanghiak script, acknowledging his profound contribution to the community's linguistic heritage. Ragongning Gangmei, President of the Rongmei Literature Society, described the launch as an unequivocally historic moment for the Ruangmei (Rongmei) community, signifying the culmination of years of meticulous research and the collective intellectual contributions of numerous Ruangmei scholars and intellectuals who had diligently worked towards this significant achievement.⁴
The newly launched Ruanghiak script is a comprehensive writing system, thoughtfully encompassing a full range of vowels and consonants necessary for capturing the nuances of the Rongmei language. Furthermore, it includes a dedicated numerical system, allowing for complete written communication and calculation. To aid in its adoption and learning, a supplementary booklet detailing the Ruanghiak script was also formally unveiled during the event. The widespread community endorsement of this initiative was evident from the diverse attendance, which included leaders from various Ruangmei civil society organizations, energetic student groups, proactive youth organizations, and representatives from Rongmei Luphuam Manipur, all converging to witness this landmark occasion for their cultural future.⁵
The formal launch program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kadongai Panmei, the Secretary of the Rongmei Literature Society, expressing gratitude to all participants and contributors. The event was brought to a spiritual close with a prayer delivered by Rev Fr Tinglung, the Assistant Parish Priest of Khoupum Parish, symbolizing the blend of traditional culture and modern aspirations within the Rongmei community. This momentous occasion marks a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of the Rongmei language and cultural identity through written form.⁶
Bibliography:
The Sangai Express, Chronicle News Service, via e-pao.net, "Ruanghiak script launched," February 18, 2024,
https://e-pao.net/GP_News.asp?src=7&ptype=n&id=180224 General ethnographic studies on Naga languages and cultural preservation efforts.
Footnotes:
¹ This introductory paragraph provides context on the general trend among Naga tribes to develop written scripts from their oral traditions. See: General ethnographic studies on Naga languages and cultural preservation efforts.
² The formal launch of the Ruanghiak script in Tarung, Imphal, is a central event as described in the provided text. See: The Sangai Express, Chronicle News Service, via e-pao.net, "Ruanghiak script launched," February 18, 2024,
³ The list of prominent figures and their organizational affiliations at the launch event is directly from the provided source. See: The Sangai Express, "Ruanghiak script launched."
⁴ The emphasis by Dipu Gangmei on honoring Huaineiguang Rwangmei and Ragongning Gangmei's description of the event as historic are key details from the provided text. See: The Sangai Express, "Ruanghiak script launched."
⁵ The components of the Ruanghiak script (vowels, consonants, numerals), the unveiling of a related booklet, and the attendance by various community organizations are all specific details from the provided source. See: The Sangai Express, "Ruanghiak script launched."
⁶ The conclusion of the program, including the vote of thanks and closing prayer, is directly from the provided text. See: The Sangai Express, "Ruanghiak script launched."