Chasing dreams: Why young Nagas are leaving villages for cities

DIMAPUR — Nagaland is experiencing a growing trend of young people migrating from rural areas to urban centres. This trend, often driven by aspirations for higher education, diverse employment, and a different pace of life, presents both opportunities and challenges for the state.

According to the 2011 census, 28.86% of Nagaland’s population resided in urban areas, a figure significantly influenced by internal migration. Dimapur and Kohima, which host most of the higher educational institutions, experienced notable population surges of 59% and 56%, respectively, between 2001 and 2011.

The motivations behind this migration are as varied as the individuals undertaking it. For many, like Mongang C Phom, a fifth-semester BA student at SM College, the pursuit of higher education is paramount. “I was motivated to move to an urban area by the promise of new opportunities and experiences,” she shared, adding that she wanted to challenge herself and explore what life had to offer beyond her hometown.

“One specific goal was to advance my career by pursuing a bachelor’s degree, something with limited opportunities in rural areas,” she explained.

Similarly, Mongmei Y Chungdok, a recent MA graduate in Psychology from Guwahati, said he moved out in order to gain access to advanced courses and specialised training programmes.

“If there were good facilities in my area, there would be no reason to go outside. I went outside only to look for better facilities and education because urban areas are more prestigious and offer a wider range of programmes compared to those in rural areas,” he said.

Beyond academics, the prospect of stable employment in the city appears to be a significant driving force behind this migration.

Affirming this, Machingaulung, who left his village to work as a salesman in a shopping centre in Dimapur, said, “Finding a job and better employment opportunities were major reasons for my move. I wanted to work in a dynamic industry that required me to be in a city.”

Furthermore, urban areas offer easy access to a wide range of amenities, such as restaurants, shops and malls, which can make daily life more convenient and enjoyable, he added.

The perceived opportunities in urban areas, however, are not without its drawbacks. As Heukim Pame, a fifth-semester BA student, shared, “Urban life is more hectic and offers more opportunities compared to my hometown; however, it’s also more expensive and can be overwhelming at times. I miss the tranquillity and close-knit community of my hometown, where life was simpler and slower-paced.”

Besides the longing for families and communities they’ve left behind, there are other challenges, such as a lack of affordable housing and reliable public transportation, as K Mongsen Phom, who is currently preparing for competitive exams, pointed out.

“The urban infrastructure is generally good, but there are areas that could be improved, such as affordable housing and public transportation. Policies that provide more affordable housing options and enhance public transportation would greatly benefit young migrants like me,” he said.

While migration offers numerous benefits, including greater access to educational and economic opportunities, the process also impacts rural communities

Kongba Chungphang, president of the Pongching Students’ Union, raised concerns over the impact on family structures and traditional livelihoods.

“The main occupation in our village is farming,” he explained, “and since all of the households mainly follow the systematic approach of helping each other when it’s the time of harvesting, cultivating, or any kind of farming activity, the need for extra hands within the family is indeed needed but minimised due to migration.”

At present, there are approximately 500 students registered under the three subunits of the Pongching Students’ Union—Kohima, Dimapur and Longleng—and about 120 students registered in the village, Chungphang said.

He noted that while some youth decide to stop their studies or choose to marry early and remain in the village, a significant portion of the student community being away from the village does have its impact, particularly within the families.

Additionally, the outflow of young people can lead to a reduction in community leadership and civic engagement.

The migration of youth from rural to urban areas is not exclusive to Nagaland; it reflects the global trend of urbanisation.

The experiences of these young people in the state highlight the complex factors driving these decisions, including access to education, employment, and desired lifestyles. Understanding these factors and addressing the challenges and opportunities they present will be important for Nagaland’s future development.

(The writer is an English major student at Pranab College. She is currently an intern at Eastern Mirror)