Tradition, Modernity and the Educational Journey in Tribal Society:A Study of Temsüla Ao’s “Laburnum for My Head”

सार

The encounter between tradition and modernity has significantly transformed tribal societies in Northeast India. Education, cultural transition, and social change have influenced the identities, values, and aspirations of indigenous communities. Among contemporary writers from Northeast India, Temsüla Ao occupies a prominent position for portraying the emotional and cultural realities of Naga society. Her short story “Laburnum for My Head” from the collection Laburnum for My Head reflects the tensions between inherited traditions and emerging modern consciousness through the life of Lentina, a woman who quietly asserts her individuality within a traditional tribal framework. This research paper examines how Ao represents the educational journey not merely as institutional learning but as a process of self-realization, emotional maturity, and social awareness. The study explores the interaction between tradition and modernity in tribal society and argues that Ao presents education as a transformative force that empowers individuals while preserving indigenous identity. The paper further analyses women’s agency, ecological consciousness, symbolism, and the continuity of tribal cultural values in the context of changing social realities. Through literary and cultural analysis, the paper demonstrates that Ao’s story portrays modernity as a process of negotiation rather than rejection of tradition. Ultimately, the paper argues that the story reflects the broader socio-cultural transformation of Northeast Indian tribal society and contributes significantly to contemporary Indian English literature.