A good citizen is not defined by birth

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 24  

Retired Pro-Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof. A. Lanunungsang called for greater social responsibility as individuals and as a collective, while addressing a programme in Dimapur on September 24. The programme – the golden jubilee celebration of the Mopungchuket Senso Telungjem, Dimapur (MSTD), was held under the theme, ‘Meraket Senso (noble citizen) at the Agri Expo, 4th Mile. People hailing from Mopungchuket village, in Mokokchung district, makes up the MSTD.  

As the theme speaker, Prof. Lanunungsang held that the term ‘meraket senso’ or noble citizen is rather multifaceted; a collective of qualities that personifies an individual’s worth in relation to the society at large. Standing for the good of the society, respect for others, obedience, desire to serve, cultivating attitude that is amiable to all are virtues that defines a responsible citizen, he added. In essence, “A citizen is not an outsider or a guest or slave but in essence an individual who epitomises these qualities.”  

While citizenship is normally established by place of birth, he said that the characteristics of a good human being cannot be measured or defined by birth alone. “Everyone is a citizen of this earth. Wherever we reside we are counted as residents of that place.” However, he stated that a person who cannot stay under the social and cultural milieu of a place cannot be considered a noble citizen, adding, “An irresponsible individual cannot enjoy the rights of a citizen.”  

According to him, a balanced interplay of rights and duties should be allowed to come into play to foment an environment conducive to growth. As for the duties, he quoted John F. Kennedy’s words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” while stating that a citizen must be willing and prepared to say, “What I can do for my country or my people…” rather than expecting from others.  

Contrasting the concept of a noble citizen with that of an ignoble citizen, he said that the latter can act as a hindrance to the progress of the society. Such circumstances can arise, “If we do not preserve our cultural and social values.” Upholding one’s native tongue would go a long way towards preserving one’s cultural identity, he said particularly targeted at the youths. “Don’t be just a learner of cultural and social values but also be a practitioner.”  

MSTD, which began with a membership of 19 is today over 700 strong. This, according to Prof. Lanunungsang, is a manifestation of the village’s noble characteristics. As responsible citizens, he urged the people of Mopungchuket to put more effort towards the uplift of the village, which ultimately would impact the society in general.  

Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining, emphasised on the importance of preserving native identity and language at a time when the world has witnessed the loss of many an indigenous culture over the past few decades. “At this rate, we only can imagine how it will be in a 100 years.” Speaking of unity, he said that it has become the norm for one and all to espouse principle of peace and unity yet, he added, “In practice we hardly practice what we profess in the process creating division.” The circumstances today, he added calls for a serious commitment towards honouring “our words.”