Pfoushuo Ariicho
Dimapur | January 22
“Is Naga society presently in the middle of a period of ‘wrenching change’ in the social, economic and moral behavior of youth?” The question, of course, had set alarm bells ringing, causing concern among confused parents and teachers, unable to decipher whether their young ones are indulging in sexual immorality, alcohol, drug abuse or worse.
The Nagas, who, in the past, were known as ‘God-fearing people’ are today known for their immoral and anti-social activities. Moral and social degradation among the modern Naga youth has become one of the most inevitable threats to the present Naga society, which according to the opinion of the public, will ultimately lead to disaster of Naga society in the future.
Many of the youth, both boys and girls, especially between the age group of 14-25, seem to have been driven away by the amount of freedom they enjoy. “The lack of avenues to spent leisure time has led the young people to indulge in drugs, alcohol, immoral activities……… They land up in the wrong place out of curiosity or boredom” says Ela Kayina, Director of Prodigals’ Home.
“Once you are into drugs and alcohol, sex is not very far” she adds. The ever increasing unwanted pregnancies, abortions, etc shed light on how drugs, alcohol and immoral activities among young people are linked. Drinking, drugs and the resulting high risk behaviour of the girls also lead them into the profession of prostitution.
The church, government and the people should work to keep the young people engaged.
Whether through pledges or by other innovative means, teenagers are making counter-cultural statements about being in control of their own lives, including their sexuality. Overall, teens are making a statement that they are not as immature as some think. The new generation is questioning everything, including both liberal and conservative moral standards. Teenagers now demand intelligent answers about life and sexuality.
Today, young people talk of drugs, alcohol and sex in a negative way which, says a student, “is the pressure from sex-crazed media and popular culture.” “Many teenagers choose not to wait for sex or try out the ‘addictive shot’ not knowing where they are heading to. Television, being a highly influential medium, has been both part of the solution and part of the problem in the area of sex and youth,” he supplements his logic.
At present, HIV infection in Nagaland through Injecting Drug Users (IDU) is decreasing, but on the other hand, infection through the sexual route is on the increase, reveals Ela Kayina. Girls, who at present are said to be catching up with boys in taking alcohol and drugs, has put society at a higher risk. The high risk behaviour of the girls has also made the society more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, she projects.
Morung Express Feature
