The fabric of the phenomenon called life has become more complicated, more interwoven and more delicate in the recent times in the place called Nagaland. In earlier times, life in Nagaland was simple and uncomplicated wherein people pursued their own lives happily breathing free uncontaminated air and drinking crystal clear water both literally and metaphorically.
But ever since Naga lands were trodden by foreign elements in the 19th century, Nagas were introduced to hitherto unknown ideas, beliefs and doctrines. At first most of these ideas were considered not only as foreign and alien to the Naga thinking and way of life but also as intrusive and detrimental. But over time, these foreign ideas and philosophies slowly penetrated into the social fabric of Naga society and have now become interwoven with us.
Today why do the Nagas feel so threatened and intimidated by foreign elements, foreign ideas and foreign way of life while at the same time harbor the feeling that we can’t imagine a life without these foreign elements and people? I guess it’s because our once independent and self-sustaining economy and society has collapsed under the weight of the foreign intrusion. And today we live in such a situation that if we want to keep pace with the rest of the world we have to take full advantage of the forces at play in our land whether we like it or not and whether these forces are foreign or indigenous.
Earlier it was very easy to get a govt. job. We used to say that if a person passes BA, an NLG vehicle is his. And likewise a simple handwritten chit from a minister, MLA or bureaucrat was enough to secure a permanent well paying govt. job. But now our elected representatives and top bureaucrats no longer have that privilege as all aspiring govt. servants now have to go through rigorous competition even to secure a clerical job.
Likewise, earlier it was very easy for any student to pursue a medical or engineering course if he/she has the interest and average caliber to do so. But now even to qualify for these courses has become a matter of life and death as some of the toughest examination systems have been put in place to select only the best out of the best. All these have put immense pressure and burden on our lads leading many to depression, frustration and even suicidal tendencies.
Everywhere we look around massive structures are coming up and the people employed to build these structures are all outsiders whose origin cannot be ascertained for sure. But we no longer care as we can no longer do without them. From the laying of the foundation to the finishing parts like painting and plumbing, the hands involved are all foreign hands and foreign sweat while the people who own the so-called property sit and watch waiting to reward these foreign hands and sweat.
The fight for Naga sovereignty and political self-determination started humbly but firmly and deeply rooted in the fact that the Nagas had never lived under any foreign authority and that we had always been self sufficient and self sustaining and as such we don’t need anyone to survive and be a people amongst people and a nation amongst nations. But over time, this so-called fight for our independence and sovereignty has become and remained just as a slogan, political rhetoric and gimmick where every stakeholders instead of clinging on to what is really true and noble now use it for their selfish agenda and ulterior motives.
While the state government says that it has united and formed an opposition-less government to initiate and bring about the long awaited solution to the decades-old Naga issue, one can’t help but wonder whether the intent of the state government is really sincere here. While on the one hand, the state government says that it is a facilitator and is ever ready to step down and pave way for the new political arrangement in the event of a political settlement being reached between the Naga freedom fighters and the Indian government, on the other hand the so-called leaders at the helm of affairs in the state seem to be having a heyday gloating over and literally bathing in the pool of resources that are being released by New Delhi. And thus when there is such a contradiction between what is being projected and what is actually happening, it is no surprise that the public is left unconvinced.
When it comes to careers and jobs, government jobs still remain as the top and uncompromising choice. And I don’t blame anyone for harboring such a mentality because govt. jobs do provide regular and reliable flow of income, security and countless other benefits. But now, only those who are really dedicated and committed and are willing to burn the midnight oil can enter govt. jobs as the criteria for securing govt. job is now so high that every Tom, Dick and Harry cannot jump over it.
So, amidst all these dooms and gloom in our land, what actually can the average Naga individual do that would suffice or make a worthwhile difference in the present or the future? In the midst of all these dooms and gloom, it is very easy for anybody to join the bandwagon and go along with the flow and get lost in the crowd totally dejected, frustrated, demoralized and disillusioned.
But here I have a solution to offer. And that solution is rooted deep inside me as an individualist. So I wish to share a few of these which may help us to find some rays of peace and hope even as we are surrounded by all these dooms and gloom.
There is a saying “do not despise the day of small beginning”. Many Nagas only think about doing things that are seemingly big and impressive and thus they do not harbor any inclination to start with few things or small things. And thus they spend years preparing for competitive exams for which they neither have the talent, capacity, intellect or commitment to crack. And many also waste precious years of their youth waiting for or preparing for the huge capital which they think is required to set start their dream project or business. In the Bible, there is a story about a man called Samson who defeated a thousand of his enemies with a simple jaw bone of a dead donkey. When Samson was surrounded by his enemies, he could not find anything to defend himself and so he picked up the jaw bone lying nearby and used it not only to defend himself and defeat his enemies but also to display the awesome power of God. In the same way, many solutions to our problems and dilemmas may be just around us nearby like a useless jaw bone only if we can recognize it and use it effectively.
Before societies and communities ever existed, there was the family. The family was the first institution ever created. The family was there long before any educationist could think of schools, colleges or universities. Today we live in a world which seems to be consumed with education provided by schools, colleges and universities and in the process the institution of family seems to have been relegated to the background. But I believe that the family was not only the first institution but it can still be much more powerful and versatile than any college or university. The beliefs, values, dialogues and memories that are inculcated in the family stay with us all our lives. So the importance and power of the institution of family need to be revisited and revitalized in order to let in some rays of hope and reassurance amidst all the confusion.
To top all these are the simple yet awesome utterances of the Lord Christ one of which is “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”. Yes, amidst all these gloom and dooms, sometimes it may seem disheartening to even try to seek God’s Kingdom and his righteousness because everything that is unrighteous and ungodly seem to be running our affairs and getting all the glory and glamour. Yet the scripture says that God’s justice and righteousness persist even in the midst of injustice and unrighteousness. Even a small noble idea, intent, word or action on our part can go a long way sometimes.
There is also a saying “a minor adjustment can lead to major improvements”. And I believe that making minor adjustments in our attitudes, our focus, our dealings with others and in the daily things we do can lead to groundbreaking improvements. And the good news is that our Creator has given us all the ability to discern between what we can change and what we cannot.
