In the Holy Bible it is said that Forgiveness is the highest form of quality which a person possesses. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” .Even Jesus Christ forgave the very persons who crucified him. The same sentiments echo in all the other religions. The value of Forgiveness takes centre stage. It signifies one of the premier human values and is the epitome of humanity.
However moving from an individual level to an organisation or society or race and applying the same principle of forgiveness does not really strike the same chord but the sound is hollow. Rarely you find groups of people forgiving another group of people. Probably the complexity increases as there are numerous individual minds, personalities and consciousness which are involved. Collectively a more apt principle which has been practiced in some form or other is to let “Bygones be Bygones”. It might take a different jargon in politics, corporate culture or in different organisations but the essence remains the same. So what is the fundamental difference between the two. Forgiveness is from the heart leaving no malicious trace behind. It is pure and renewing. Bygones be Bygones approach is a more pragmatic approach in which due to some compulsions and realities the groups move on but without forgetting the past. It is to “LET GO”. and “MOVE ON”.
For how long will we cling on to our past and seek the most ideal environment and solution for our Nagaland. Isn’t it time that we move on from the realm of Forgiveness to Bygones be Bygones and look to build a better future.Not once am I saying that we should forget the sacrifices made by our forefathers but is it correct for the generations to come to cling on to the same legacy, demands and strive for the same ends. Maybe the ends envisaged by our forefathers has changed over time. Maybe while we were looking ahead the goal posts have shifted behind us. After all change is the only constant.Times change and so do the requirements. Gone are the days when our land was an unknown commodity to the people of India. Integration is firmly in place and our young boys and girls are marching ahead shoulder to shoulder with the other youth of the country. Then why should we deprive the gen next from a better future. Let us be practical and not live in a dreamworld. I think it is the right time to think with both mind and heart and urge the Naga National groups to Move On , Let Go and Let Bygones be Bygones. The same is expected from the Government of India as it is always two hands which can result in a clap and produce the applause which we are so eagerly and desperately waiting for!!
Elizabeth
