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Resource person with the officials and students after the interactive session on ‘Naga political destiny’ at Patkai Christian College.[/caption]
Dimapur, March 12 (EMN): Naga youth are called to struggle for ‘unity in purpose’ which will result in the much desired Naga reconciliation. They were told that truth, justice, mercy and peace should go hand in hand for reconciliation of the divided Nagas.
Dr. Aküm Longchari, Editor, co-founder and Managing Director of The Morung Express, said this during an interactive session on the theme ‘Naga political destiny,’ organised by Students’ Union Patkai Christian College in collaboration with the departments of Political Science and History. The session was conducted with the aim in ‘Reckoning the genesis of our nationalism,’ ‘Awakening the generation amidst political confusion (Naga politics),’ ‘Our roles, contribution, participation and responsibilities towards our definite destiny.’
Dr. Aküm Longchari, who was the resource person, said good understanding of the State at the grassroots level, engagement in conversation among the citizens in the spirit of growing together and good conscience with proper self realisation are essential for resolving the dilemma which the Nagas are faced with today. On being captives of the national body, he said there are two dilemmas prevalent in our State- whether to “go where the wind blows’’ and continue with the new pace, or to relocate, retrace and restore our roots.
Stating that another option is to create our path leading to the fulfilment of our destiny, Dr. Akum said the power lies not with the upper section of the political structure but with the common mass.
The key reasons behind our chaos, according to him, are the absence of shared analysis, no questioning of the structure of power, and critiques which are limited to the function of power. Asserting on the need to reconceptualise power, he said there has to be exercise of power with the people and not over the people. Real power, he said, lies in its redefinition which leads to transformation.
On inquisitions regarding the ignorance and disinterest of most youth in the matters of politics, he attributed to the wrong conception of politics which has been ingrained into the minds of most youth of today. He, therefore, said greater sense of purpose of existence, self awareness of being a Naga, and the broad understanding of the term ‘politics’ are necessary in order to remedy these issues. He said Naga consciousness will get rid of groupism and instil in us a natural response as to who we are as a people.
The speaker further stated that youth of the generation must struggle not for unity but for unity in purpose which will result in the much desired Naga reconciliation. He said truth, justice, mercy and peace should go hand in hand for reconciliation of the divided Nagas.
In the end, many questions were raised by students which were adequately addressed by the speaker. In due course of interaction, the speaker made many demonstrations with the help of some volunteers making the session lively and interesting.
The programme was chaired by Ms Imkongnukla, while the opening prayer was said by Rev. Vichuko Neikha, College chaplain. The vote of thanks was delivered by Yitatu Thurr, president Students’ Union Patkai Christian College and the closing prayer was said by Bothuka, president Sumi Students’ Union (PCC).