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Governance is a skill. The ability to govern any organisation, State, or Country comes from skillfulness, not from cunningness. We can categorise governance into old and young governance. Governance by old/elder people is good. However, it can be better when young trustworthy people take up the responsibility of governing the system. This is possible not only in terms of groups /associations but also in socio-political life.
The youths of this generation are filled with good enthusiasm towards working for the greater interest of the larger society. They are part of society. They are not separated from the internal organs of society. They have learned to critically analyse the structure of the political society. They have learned from the older generation with regard to what is good and bad. They have ventured out into different towns and cities and have known numerous differences. They have learned to compete with people of different kinds outside the State. All these have boosted the young minds to bring certain changes which can truly benefit Naga society. However, they are not finding the right opportunity due to various reasons.
Young people should come together to share ideas and opinions. They must not shy away from involving in socio-political life. They must broaden the road for a progressive society. This does not mean bypassing the older generation. We appreciate the great works done by them. However, it is high time to give a platform to young people to carry their heritage forward. They must re-structure themselves before re-structuring the system. They must not be like clouds in the sky. It lasts only for a moment. They must not promise to move mountains which cannot be done by Hercules. A strong determination with selfless service must penetrate the system. A firm decision based on truth and justice must be implemented to achieve the goal. Failing in this will only create chaos in society. Political pandemics must give way to political vaccination.
Elders are to be respected. Yet, they must not go on holding the position with grey hairs and weak knees. With the sun setting over their head, they must not look for another opportunity. They must learn to appreciate the moon and the stars at the close of the day. Capabilities are not measured in terms of age; however, it matters in terms of potency and energy.
There are two goals of entering into politics. One is to change the system. The other is to be changed by the system. The former is constructive, while the latter can be disastrous. When young people enter politics, they must see both sides of the coin. Both sides may appear important, but both may not be healthy in politics. In politics, the number becomes greater than the person imprinted on the coin.
Should Nagas continue to live as less privileged people till the end of the world? Who can change this system? I believe the youth can change these unparalleled and unstructured states of life. Young people must venture into politics to change the system for good. Young people must follow value-based politics and not as mere spectators or as mute mules. Most young people are equipped with essential skills and qualities in various fields. Networking and building healthy bridges can surpass all selfishness and self-glory.
We need not be pessimistic about our state of life or the way our State is being governed. All concerned authorities are doing their best in the given capabilities. However, there can be a few tainted people who still go on hunting within and outside their territories. They hunt down all that they can and turn the place into a desert. Generations after generations will remain grateful to them, but not Nagas in general. People who think only of themselves day in and day out must refrain from entering politics. If they do so, they will bring another round of disaster for this generation. Such people must be sent to govern an empty island.
Elected representatives must continue to support the cause of Naga’s society. If they are not able to handle it anymore, they must willingly hand it over to young emerging politicians/leaders. This will brighten the path towards a better Nagaland. Allow this generation to see all-around development from east to west, north to south. Give chance to young people to govern Nagaland.
Today, more and more youth are conscious of what is good and bad politics. They are aware of which politician is true/fake. They know who is trustworthy and who is totally dishonest. They know how to differentiate speakers from doers. They are no more ignorant about the nature and mode of running the State. The system that governs us is not alien anymore. Politics is not about cheating or lying to people on their faces on every public platform. It is doing what can be done at a given time and space as elected representatives.
The youth have a better scope of networking in capacity building. A better approach system must be given space to grow. Young people should come forward to join politics and change the structure for good. We want to see better Nagaland in this generation. We are in need of young governance that can control pollution in different areas and bring transparency and consistency to the governing system of Nagaland.
This is not a pessimistic outlook of the past or present; rather it is an outlook through the vision of young eyes, minds, and hearts.
Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing
Kohima
glkhing1982@gmail.com