Imo Pongen
If I am offered an opportunity to point out the philosophy that instill extra false confidence in the minds of Nagas and put our destiny at risk, I would right away point at the philosophy of ‘Misappropriation of cultural value’. Unquestionably, this philosophy plays an ironic role in our society today, which leads people anti-clockwise. This would in due course jeopardize Nagas’ destiny. If corrective measure is not taken right away, we will regret to a great extend for being so ignorant only after considerable number of citizens have perished in shipwreck.
The Cambridge international Dictionary defines culture as "Ways of life", when we view back into the distant past, we can’t just take off our eyes, from simple but admirable lives of our ancestors. They stand filled with courage of heroes, clothed with unchallenged heritage, breath-taking beyond a description that needs no ornaments, worthy of giving second look. Is it not more desirable than foreign cultures? Docs it not deserve to be printed on the tablets of our heart in letters of gold? Why should we clothe ourselves with tattered false philosophy, misrepresenting our forefathers’ rich heritage, One who has lost touch with cultural reality cannot be justified as good citizen, however well-off and well-educated he may be.
The classical example of our forefathers' rich heritage is a great challenge that demonstrates their honesty in personal and interpersonal matters. They enjoyed uncompromised, unique cultural identity, which was no doubt the fabric of their society. But the bewildering problem we face in our days is, we have very shallow understanding about our culture and this has become an open door for inflexion of all evils. The current wave that has dramatically hit through out the length and breadth of our land is the big talks about cultural revival. We don't lack in words, paying extra attention to our culture, this has become household talks. But are we practical too? Have we truly understood it? Cultural value cannot be simply maximized to celebration of festivals; quite unfortunately we have sold our rich culture so cheaply to feasting, drinking and dancing, clothed with traditional attires. And quite ignorantly, with immature head and childish heart, we say: this is the complete field about our culture. I found it difficult to believe my ears, when such an irresponsible statement first fell in my ears, this shocked me right and left, and I believe many Nagas too. Can't we see and understand the cultural value beyond this? What has dimmed our eyes and understandings? It's a serious problem that should not be simply ignored. Does it not prove how immature we arc? This is the very reason I have titled "Culture Vulture" which in fact is the image of our society. I guess I have rightly contrasted our society with this flesh eating bird. Please don't get me wrong, it's not a mockery statement, which would cause our reputation to suffer'. We are already suffering, with deteriorating cultural reputation, almost reducing to skeleton. I am just projecting the areas where we have gone wrong, so that in response, constructive approaches can be implemented by empathetic and responsible citizens.
Culture is more of practical; it is the ways of life, where our behaviors is not questioned, respect elders with due honor, set good examples for the sake of younger generations, without being selfish, dignity of hard labor is encouraged by being industrious and without reluctance absolute cooperation for the up-liftment of society is extended. It doesn't rejoice in the fall of others but stands strong filled with patriotic spirit etc.This was the culture of our forefathers and this should be ours too. Edmund Burke said "People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors.”''', How pleasant a place Nagaland would be , if this is the air we breathe, language we use, hands we place upon and place we live in? Exclusive of these, this beautiful Nagaland would be a dull and scary place, where human has no human heart. Are we not already experiencing such inhuman horrific acts in our society? Don't we fell sorry to identify ourselves with Vulture that has nothing to do with behavior other than feasting?
The western culture has unsuitably influenced our society unnoticed. We are crazy for westernization, especially giving extra attention to fashion culture and free culture philosophies. This is the monster that devours all our earning and discourages our moral value. If we continue to entertain this monster, the deceiver, we will soon end up with folded hands in great desolation. We cannot deny the fact that, we arc citizens of a global village. We cannot be conservative too, but have we not adopted the culture, which appears to be convenient and advanced but on contrary, quite deceptive, destructive and which need to be questioned. But we arc not concerned with difference between Truth and Falsehood; we do not bother to distinguish fact from fantasy no matter what misery may cause our lives. We must learn to say yes and no. This Supplementary culture has entered like a Trojan horse with great attraction as a gift but we were too blind not to identify enemies in it. This culture has squeezed our society and deformed our identity beyond recognition. Are we aware of this?
Who will rehabilitate Nagas from this unhealthy culture? Let's set in motion a new course of action, by taking total U-turn, breaking the old tradition of pointing at politicians, preachers, leaders and even our parents. This kind of judgmental and reliant attitude should be discouraged absolutely. Let's help ourselves, until and unless we locate our weakness and strengthen it, our land cannot be changed land. Mother Teresa said, “If you want peace upon earth, first establish peace in your heart.” To preserve one’s culture is everyone’s responsibility. John F Kennedy said, “My fellow citizens, ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Your decision determines Nagas’ destiny. So let's strengthen our Vertical relationship by adopting Jesus' Culture of honesty besides respecting our forefathers' culture of ethical living. Let's be back to where we belong and live in the light of eternity. Then the mirror will not reflect the vulture anymore. Wiseman says "One smile make two smiles" so lets' be wise by learning to smile and the world will definitely smile with you. John Knox Prayed to God, "Give me Scotland or I die." Let this be our prayer too. Make it real today.
(The writer is from Ungma, Mokokchung)
