[dropcap]A[/dropcap]bout five decades ago, prior to the first ever General Election to constitute the first Legislative Assembly of Nagaland in February, 1964, a few concerned Naga leaders gathered together in closet at Kohima on a wintry, cold morning in late December, 1963. After a long consultation and deliberation, one of them remarked, “WE STILL COULD MAKE GOOD USE OF THE BAD BARGAIN”, with the principle policy on PEACE towards a SATISFACTORY POLITICAL SETTLEMENT.This is a very relevant advice from the goldmine of a mind (prophetic, visionary and prescient) to enable us to move forward in our journey of common hope.Many things have gone wrong in the past (and may in future), but not everything. We are in our Father’s world who will not leave us hopeless. We are not here today to make inventory of what has gone wrong where, asking why and who did it. We are all here to make the best use of what is still intact and what good we can make out of it. Here lies the real test of a people to survive and to thrive even, if we help one another to respond better to our common challenges. We are still on our way; everything has not happened or unfolded yet. In our effort to search together in a world of uncertainties and of revelations, none can figure out everything by his own intelligence or power. Let us not see our cup half-empty (blaming others), but half-filled (past achievements). Remember the couplet of former UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold: “For all that has been, thanks to all that shall be; yes.”
The present government with the tacit support of all is something unusual and profound, it is SERENDIPITY! Is the Sovereign speaking through this House to all Nagas (under-, middle-, and over-grounds) with the message and importance of unity and integrity/integration to teach us that our collective or common benefit is more important and urgent than individual or party interest or benefit? It’s time to think, not for talking only. This is for all, leaders and as well as common people, not to look back with regrets and resentments, but forward with hope and humility. Anybody inadvertently/unwittingly crossing the fair line to bark will be closely watched by the public. Anybody making a good move to take us forward will be loudly applauded and accepted by the people. May God help us to be more humble in His grace. Church (all denominations) and other faiths, what have you to offer or feed the people with at this crucial moment of our journey before we become weary and exhausted?
Dr. Dietho-o, “South Corner”, A.G. Road, Kohima
