A reflection on reality

Contrary to what the tribal communities of Nagaland have been known for, progress seems to have diverged into a state of decline. They were known for their righteousness and unity in all their activities. But bringing home the bygone aspects has become an impossible thing to achieve. Why strive for an utopic vision when the people in the state have become excessively focussed on material gain?
Why are self-interested leaders being applauded for their skyrocketing increase in their wealth when the people are hardly being met with their needs. It is evident that there is unequal distribution of money in terms of infrastructure and production. It is a pity to see the plight of the higher ups avariciously misappropriating funds meant for child welfare, specially abled and educational funds. We are reflecting on an issue that all of us are responsible for. No citizens should disengage from the responsibility of bridging the gap.
The colonization of the land is believed to have left a sense of awakening amongst the Nagas but the fact is that we had been already awakened in culture, tradition and ethics. A surplus account of appreciation is credited to the colonizers and the missionaries for leading us to education and Christianity without which, today’s progress couldn’t have been possible. Yet, their contribution to the erosion of native cultural and the rich traditional practices remains a concern. If we are to be honest, there are few things to be kept in mind: Westernization of a whole lot, discredit towards cultural art forms and dialects and diluted representation of identity. And if any of the concerned matter is lost, we would be as sure as lost and being as mere phantoms. This is a call to preserve the culture and ecological heritage of the land and the identity of the people as it is at stake to getting lost in a few decades time. Our forefathers have been very cautious of using the land and its resources. They were great conservatives who gave huge regard to the land.
Their practise of planting trees and shifting cultivation presents their awareness and sensitivity towards the land. Commercialization of the land has created a disconnect between indigenous communities and their enviroment. Humankind’s selfish aspects has been exhausting the land of its resources and if a measure is not taken wholly, and the mind of the people do not undergo a shift in the worldview, there should be no anticipation of transformation in this cycle. Today, conservation of ecology is the most pondered phenomenon in the state and it is by our acts that we are made to think of such.
The inhabitants of the state is weighed in terms of rich and poor, private and government schooled students and government jobs and private jobs. In this scene, how can one see the work of the foreign missionaries come to play? Their bringing of Gospel into the land is not spiritually reflected among the people.
They are not to be blamed as they were simply instruments used by the Lord. What we should know is that Nagaland is already a 153 year old Christian state and not forgetting the Nagaland for Christ Movement. There is nothing to be proud of as it was grace alone that led us till here but what we should ponder upon is either to witness our state come to its undeniable deterioration or sacrifice a few of our selfish goals and be a man or a woman with action in anything big or small in one’s capability for the state.
We blame the leaders but let us take a closer look at the knock of the election. Electoral malpractice and the inclusion of an individual with a huge amount has become the criteria of voting one.
One should be well aware of the future of such a candidate who practices unfair means even before being elected. I believe the best opportune time to select best leaders is during the nearing of elections with well aware voters choosing the candidate who loves the state the most and not the one who promises sanctions and jobs.
Lend me your ears as we have already come to the verge of losing all we have. Let us not be all relaxed because of Article 371(A) because every amendment has become a candle in the wind and the political wind have become unstable.
Let us be ethical Christians in praxis doing the best for the smooth functioning of the state and see the potential of fellow comrades unfold.
Aonukshila Kichu
Eastern Theological
College, Jorhat
(This article does not discredit any organization or such in any matter yet, it is written out of deep concern and a desire to raise awareness.)