Nagaland for Christ: The dream we haven’t finished

(A reflection on faith, identity and the unfinished task of building a Christ-centered society in Nagaland)
“Nagaland for Christ” is more than a phrase. It is a declaration that carries with it decades of spiritual heritage, collective hope and a shared aspiration to live by the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a motto that has shaped the moral imagination of generations, inspired revival movements and stood as a symbol of a unique faith identity for Nagaland. Yet like all meaningful declarations, it invites ongoing reflection: What does it mean today? Have we lived into its full meaning? And how can we continue carrying it forward not as a statement of perfection but as a gentle reminder of our calling? The word dream in this context is not meant to suggest something fanciful or fictional. Rather, it points to a vision- a spiritual and social hope that began with the arrival of the gospel and continues to guide many today. A vision not just for individual salvation but for a just and compassionate society shaped by Christian principles.
A Vision Rooted in Faith: The story of Christianity in Nagaland is deeply intertwined with its modern history. The early missionaries who arrived in the 19th century were met with challenges but also with curiosity and openness. Their work laid the groundwork for an educational, social and spiritual transformation that changed the landscape of Naga society. With the spread of the gospel came the establishment of schools, healthcare initiatives and translation of the Bible into local languages. Christianity offered not just a new belief system but a framework for peace, forgiveness and dignity. Over time, entire communities embraced the message and faith became a cornerstone of Naga identity. The phrase “Nagaland for Christ” emerged from this spiritual momentum. It was embraced not only as a slogan but as a heartfelt expression of dedication to Christ. Revival movements in the mid-20th century deepened this spiritual consciousness. Many still recall gatherings filled with prayer, music, repentance and a collective hunger for moral renewal.
The Unfinished Task: Over time, the lived experience in Nagaland has not always fully aligned with the ideals embedded in its motto. While Christianity remains a defining part of the state’s identity, the broader social realities reflect a more complex and evolving picture. Challenges such as corruption in public administration, lingering tribal divisions and uneven access to opportunity continue to affect daily life. Educational institutions, though rich in religious content, sometimes struggle to produce leaders grounded in ethical courage and critical thinking. Meanwhile, though churches remain active and well-attended, many young people quietly express a sense of disconnect or disengagement from institutional faith. These realities do not erase the strong foundation that was laid. They simply point to the ongoing work ahead. The structures of faith remain visible but the deeper transformation they were meant to bring is still in progress. This moment in our story invites us to: Appreciate the strong beginnings that have shaped our identity. Acknowledge that the journey is still underway and that key areas of growth remain. Encourage the rising generation to engage this vision with renewed purpose bringing it to life not only in church but in leadership, learning and everyday living.
Faith in the public square: One of the reasons the dream remains unfinished is the limited reach of faith in public life. while personal piety and church involvement are high, these have not always translated into ethical governance, responsible leadership or transparent institutions. The disconnect between belief and behaviour is often most visible in spaces where power and resources are involved. To move forward, “Nagaland for Christ” must extend beyond the pulpit and into the public square. it must shape how policies are made, how officials are chosen, how students are educated and how businesses operate. Faith, after all, is not only a belief system- it is a framework for ethical living. A state that claims to follow Christ must be marked by compassion, fairness and justice in everyday life.
Progress worth recognizing: Over the years, this vision has borne visible fruit. Nagaland remains one of the few places in the world where Christianity is not just a personal faith but a shared cultural anchor. Churches play an important role in community life, Sunday remains a day of rest and worship and public events often begin with prayer. Faith-based organizations have contributed significantly to education, healthcare and disaster response. Christian values continue to inspire charity, reconciliation and community service. Across villages and towns, the presence of faith is seen in daily routines and spoken prayers. It is worth pausing to recognize these achievements. They did not happen overnight. They were the result of faithful work, dedication and a deep sense of purpose. For many, “Nagaland for Christ” is not just a historical statement, it is still a personal conviction and a public commitment.
A gentle invitation to reflect: Yet even as we celebrate how far we’ve come, there is also room to reflect on how far we can still go. Every generation faces new questions and challenges and part of living out a dream is learning how to renew it in changing times. Today’s world is more complex, fast-paced and digitally connected than ever before. Young people are navigating global influences, new forms of communication and shifting moral landscapes. In such a time, the vision behind “Nagaland for Christ” remains deeply relevant but it may require fresh understanding and fresh applications. How does faith influence our approach to education today? How do we ensure our public life reflects the values we profess? How do we support the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of a generation that is more exposed to external pressures than any before it? These are not questions of blame but they are questions of hope. Hope that the dream is not finished. Hope that it can grow deeper, wider and more meaningful for every Naga, in every walk of life.
Living the dream in everyday life: At its heart, “Nagaland for Christ” is not only about public declarations or church structures. It is about the kind of people we are becoming. The kind of society we are shaping together. This vision is lived not only on platforms or during revivals but in classrooms, offices, farms, families and marketplaces. It is reflected in how we treat one another, how we handle disagreements, how we support the vulnerable and how we pursue fairness and kindness in everyday dealings. In that sense, the dream is not something behind us- it is something continually being built. And like all meaningful visions, it requires the participation of all- elders and youth, leaders and citizens, pastors and professionals.
A legacy that belongs to all: One of the strengths of “Nagaland for Christ” is that it has always been a shared vision. It does not belong to one church, denomination or community. It belongs to everyone who desires to see Christ’s values- compassion, humility, justice and love reflected in the life of this land. Each generation has added its own chapter to this story. And today, the opportunity remains open to write another- one marked by humility, service and unity. This may include renewed focus on integrity in leadership, holistic education, care for mental health and constructive conversations across tribal and social lines. The dream is not about being perfect. It is about being purposeful. It is about walking together toward a future shaped by the hope and peace that faith can bring.
Reimagining the dream: What then would it take to finish the dream? It would require a new kind of leadership- leaders who are not only spiritually sound but also socially aware, intellectually humble and ethically courageous. It would require institutions that embody transparency and excellence. It would require families to pass down not just Christian practices but Christ-centered values. The future of “Nagaland for Christ” cannot fulfilled by church leaders or policymakers alone. Its strength lies in the hands of educators, students, entrepreneurs, farmers, artists and public servants- each contributing in their own sphere. This is not a mission confined to pulpits or pews. The message of the Gospel is not merely personal, it carries a purpose for how we live, work and serve in the public square. Fulfilling the dream also requires us to look inward with honesty. Self-reflection is not a weakness- it is often the first step toward genuine renewal. At times, we may have leaned more on emotional experiences than on sustained spiritual formation. We may have confused long-held traditions with deep personal growth or placed greater value on outward expression than on inner integrity. The dream of “Nagaland for Christ” is not forgotten or delayed yet it is still unfolding. Even where its light has dimmed, it can shine brighter again through humility, renewed commitment and the courage to keep building on what was begun.
The Road Ahead: “Nagaland for Christ: The Dream We Haven’t Finished” is not a critique- it is a respectful reminder. A reminder that we are part of something that began long before us and something that can still grow stronger through us. It honors the noble beginning of the vision. It acknowledges the continuing journey. And it invites all who share in the dream to carry it forward- with faith, humility and hope. Dreams like this are not completed in a single generation. They are passed on, protected and practiced. And in doing so, they remain alive not only in our history but in our future.
Bendangliba Andrew