Moranngam Khaling, aka Mo Naga, has been recognised nationally for his tireless efforts to preserve and promote the traditional Naga tattoo art, which was on the verge of extinction. He received the Champion of Diversity & Culture Award at the 2025 Travel + Leisure India Best Awards in New Delhi.
With over 15 years of dedication, Khaling has transformed the art of tattooing into a powerful medium for preserving the history, culture, and identity of Naga tribes in Northeast India. Through Headhunters Ink, his initiative, he has documented and revived traditional tattoo patterns, stories, and meanings that were previously undocumented.
A graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad, Khaling has collaborated with local elders, weavers, museums, and cultural institutions to ensure the preservation of these traditions. His work has gained international recognition, with exhibitions and presentations in London, Berlin, and Vancouver, contributing to global discussions on indigenous knowledge and cultural continuity.
The award citation praised Khaling for keeping indigenous traditions alive without diluting or commercialising them. Accepting the honour, Khaling dedicated it to the elders who preserved these traditions and to the younger generation reclaiming their cultural heritage. He sees this recognition as a motivation to continue his work.
Khaling is also an educator and mentor, sharing his expertise at universities and international forums, and collaborating on projects in cinema, design, and community narratives. His work highlights the importance of recognising and respecting indigenous knowledge as a living, breathing practice.
