The Coming of Santa Claus to Nagaland: Shri Narendra Modi

As people are speculating about the coming of our respected Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi in Nagaland, many are curious and anxious to hear from him. Different political parties, organisations, and individuals are pouring their thoughts and ideas regarding his coming. Though his visit is purely based on the upcoming Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections, in 2023, his timely visit would mean a lot to the Nagas. The Nagas, in general, are still waiting for the Naga Solution which our Prime Minister whom himself had agreed upon, signed and declared publicly on 3rd August 2015. Now, it is almost a decade and no positive sign is seen. Many people are losing their faith in his government since he is failing to keep his word.

It is also common thing to witness and hear lots of election manifestos during the rally, but once they come into power, they remained mute and blind. They keep begging the public by making fake promises. They pretend like religious and good human beings. But, when they are elected and elevated, they become devilish. They no longer give importance to the public and their grievances. Although they are elected to serve the people, they become arrogant and egocentric. They enjoy all the privileges by diverting public funds into their pockets. In the end, it is the public who faces the consequences for believing and voting for them. Therefore, the public are fools time and again for their sweet words, money and muscle power.

As everyone knows, Christmas is knocking at the door; the election is also knocking at the door. Shri Narendra Modi is knocking on Nagaland’s door, and ministers are knocking at our doors. Lots of Santa Claus are roaming in our villages, towns and cities. They have fully packed their vehicles with Christmas gifts. They are getting ready to dispatch to our doorsteps for this Christmas. Many poor and innocent people would be happy and thank God for those Santa Claus because they are making the winter and Christmas sweeter and happier. Many would enjoy a delicious meal, with great laughter, joy and happiness. It would be like a honeymoon where a husband and wife enjoy forgetting the world. But, once the honeymoon gets over, they return to the actual world. They would start facing new challenges and problems such as misunderstanding, hatred, anger, and jealousy. They would start complaining and quarrelling for silly reasons and so forth. 

Therefore, since many people are anticipating the coming of our honourable Prime Minister, everyone is keeping their fingers crossed. Uncertain of what he will unfold to us. Would it be like Pandora’s Box unveiling miseries? Or would it be like Aladdin’s Lamp unveiling light, wisdom, intellect, and good works? Therefore, whatever message or good news our Prime Minister transmits to us; it is all just a political gimmick without its fulfilment. As Octavia E. Butler writes, “Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought. To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears. To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists, who control the fool. To be led by a thief is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen. To be led by the liar is to ask to be told lies. To be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery.” Hence, it is absolutely and extremely necessary to be wise to elect the right leaders. A true leader would not be jumping from one party to the other, creating violence, and confusion, and using money and muscle power. A true leader would always give priority and listen to the public and their opinions. They would be available whether in good or bad times, whether in summer, rainy season, winter or autumn. They would give their lives for the welfare of the nation.

It is a due season that the Nagas must come out from the cocoons of clanism, tribalism, communalism and regionalism. To break the barriers of all these evils, one must embrace the quality of truth, love, peace, and honesty. Gandhi says, “My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realising Him.” Therefore, Nagas are Christians and followers of Jesus Christ. But, if we fail to obey and practice what Jesus had commanded and taught us, we are liars. Jesus said, “But whoever causes one of these little ones to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Therefore, as Christians let us walk in truth and spirit and not be deceived.

Paul N Rengma Paulreng015@gmail.com