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Make or break: it is up to the younger generation of Nagas. Do we intend to break away from biased and archaic social norms or continue to perpetuate them? Look at the world around us. It is developing by leaps and bounds. Every day, we come across new discoveries, inventions and innovations from around the globe and even our neighbouring states. Technological advancement, academic progress and an ever broadening outlook are some examples driving many societies forward. To survive in this rapidly changing world, we need to adapt and overcome.
Nagas have a long way to go. We are still held back by many factors. In this day and age where people, societies and nations are striving to be the best, we are still stuck in the past. We allow our primitive mindsets to dictate us way too much. Tribalism is a big menace to our Naga society. It is one of the main reasons why we are not able to take that necessary step forward. What we don’t seem to realise is that the fortune (if I’m allowed to use that word) of a tribe is intrinsically linked to the rest of the tribes. When one tribe gains, Nagaland also gains. We move together and we also perish together. We must all encourage one another to be the flag bearers of Naga progress and enlightenment. We must desist from pulling one another down. We are our own worst enemy, not anyone else. We must be able to accept criticism without being arrogant and also be able to advice one another without being condescending. Take a look around us: no sports infrastructure, no proper healthcare system, no medical college, no engineering institute, hardly any roads, and not forgetting, a much compromised educational system, just to name a few. We are plagued by many diseases of our own making. No one else is to be blamed. I want to question the younger Naga generation: are we to follow the same treacherous path leading to our own self-destruction? We are a small population living in a small territory. We tend to regard ourselves very highly as though we’re so unique and God-chosen people (maybe we are but even then, so what?). More often than not, we seem to be unmindful or ignorant of the fact that there is a big world outside. If we’re not careful, we will be losing out. Societies which are stagnant and static bring about their own extinction. History bears testimony.
We need to think about the future of Naga society. We need to ponder upon what kind of a Nagaland we will be leaving for our younger brothers and sisters. Do we want them to be slaves to laziness, tribalism, biasness, jealousy and lust? Or do we want them to be masters of their own destiny fuelled by hard work, dedication, discipline, love and compassion for Naga society? Breaking away from the past is an important step towards the right direction. By this, I don’t mean that we forget our culture and what-not. What I mean is, break away from the harmful and self-destructive ways.
We simply cannot waste anymore time. Each of us must do our duty. It all starts with the little things. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. Until and unless we don’t realise and accept the fact that we are all members of one big family, we will continue to dwell in oblivion. Even as I pen this down, be mindful of the fact that there are many so-called leaders who advocate Naga unity but do exactly the opposite behind the scenes. Let us continue to pray and ask God for wisdom even as we go about our soul-searching.
I Longkumer