‘What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare’
The popular excerpt from Welsh poet and writer, William Henry Davies’ poem ‘Leisure’ find resonance in the Naga society at present as it populace struggle with routine state of affairs.
The author’s bemoaning of the limited amount of leisure time spent by society, albeit in varying degree and context, are verifiable and relatable.
In the process, the moment for thinking and reflection, considered as critical components for progress and empowerment of a society, have become rare commodities.
The populace, thus, cannot be faulted completely for being nonchalant and less empathetic to issues unfolding either in their immediate society they are intricately woven into or other global issues.
Three instances can be cited here. The recurring salary issues of thousands of teachers working at different government schools in the state, particularly, those employed under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Non-payment of salaries for months both affects their ability to teach as well as productively contributing to the society. If one is always worried about when their salary is coming next, they cannot be faulted for being less sensitive to issues surrounding them. Challenging economic conditions inhibit active participation in the affairs of society.
At the higher end, educators in the higher pursuit of knowledge are highly skewed in favour of those working in the government sector. Most in the private sector are coping with comparatively lesser remuneration but with a bigger workload and higher job insecurity. Those engaged in government colleges and university, seldom speak out, due to various considerations while those in the latter group are burdened with uncertainty, devoid of rooms for reflections and insight.
Both constitute the biggest the cohorts with the potentiality for ‘critical thinking and participation’ imperative to effect a change, but unfortunately limited with ‘care.’
We have no time to think, recently commented one participant in the ongoing protests across Sudan a news organisation, due to the daily struggle of survival and subsistence. It can resonate with any locations and brings up the issue of crumbling infrastructure adorning the Naga landscape. No sector is immune to this, but the nearest illustration is roads – a persistent concern.
For instance, an enjoyable ride is considered by many as a time for reflection with lucidity. A teacher riding to school cannot reflect on today’s topic – with bumpy and dusty roads as well limited transports facility, one cannot afford such luxury.
Collaterally, the rampant of proxy-ism and absenteeism in most government department and inability tackle the menace, to a large extent, could be attributed to infrastructural lacunae.
At the top, those at the affairs of the state also seem to be suffering lack of reflections and thinking. As a deficit state, is it a case of running around for funds most of the time, affording little time for other pursuits or just being literally, ‘uncaring’? Else, they might have more time to reflect and think about their past promises and effect some changes.
