As participants of this global evolution, Nagas need values that reflect the sum total of the many cultures, traditions and memories having overlapping identities, all of which unites their shared humanity. This means exercising values of mutual respect that allows the people to study and learn from other cultures, and to gain strength by harmonising the unfamiliar with the familiar. As a people, Nagas have the right to take fulfilment and ownership in their particular faith, heritage and destinies, and learn to love what they are, without hating what and who they are not. Nagas must put into practice values that enable them to prosper in their own tradition, even as one learns from others, and come to respect their teachings.
It is at this particular point that Nagas, like any other young society in this world needs to engage with the dilemmas of truth, and the truth about dilemmas. Today, real borders are not between divided states. The real borders are between human hearts and human values. They are between the powerful and the powerless, the free and the bonded, the privileged and the unprivileged, the rich and the poor, and the equal and unequal. Today, no one can claim ignorance of the cost that this divide imposes on those who are no less deserving of human dignity, fundamental freedoms, security, food and education. The values of inclusiveness are essential for human life to flourish.
However, Nagas continue to be raised in an environment of degenerating values, where the most basic value to respect human dignity and human worth is being challenged. Invariably, the manner in which their values and culture collectively address these challenges will define and shape the future of their collective destinies. Which values are Nagas pursuing and nurturing? Are they feeding and nurturing the forces that will consolidate a humanity of respect, dignity, justice, freedom and hope. Or, are they only fuelling prejudice, hatred, oppression and the ‘isms’ which destroys human dreams and hopes? The reality remains that one cannot begin building a future founded on ‘fear’ ‘hate’ and ‘exclusivity?’
This period of human crisis is a time for Nagas to engage in self-reflection and truthfully examine their existing value system. The singular idea that there is one group, tribe or organization that possesses the truth, one answer to their tribulations, or one solution to for all their problems, has caused more harm. Today, Nagas need values embracing a human diversity that is both the reality that makes dialogue necessary, and the very basis for that dialogue.
Human value which upholds human-security and recognizes that the well-being of any one tribe, community, or group is connected and interdependent with the well-being of all others is of the essence. Only then can mutual respect, understanding, cooperation, and investment become part of a people’s mutual destiny. Nurturing and building a value-based future invariably means empowering the foundation of one’s own destiny.
