Rev Fr G L Khing
NEISSR, Chümoukedima
The State of Nagaland is inhabited by tribal communities. Unique cultural practices and traditions of different tribes add taste and colour to Nagaland. Values and ethics are held high by all, making tribal lives even more stable and praiseworthy. All resources lie within the reach of the people. They need to be activated and actualized so that development and progress find their home in Nagaland. It is time to harness the resources of Nagaland.
1. Harnessing human resources for the sustainable development
The greatest resource of any country or state is human resources. The population of Nagaland is 22,58 lakhs. According to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, the population of Nagaland may rise to 23,67,000 by the year 2030. There is huge potential in terms of human resources. Nagaland will prosper if all the capable youth and elders begin to work as per their capabilities. Nagas must continue to learn and engage in constructive work. Human resources range from the State bureaucrats to the grassroots level of the community. The resources should not be wasted in the guise of unemployment and non-productive life. People with different professions must start working professionally, effectively and efficiently. The resources must be channelized, acknowledged and appreciated. The collective engagement of every individual will energize Nagaland towards sustainable growth. We need to garner all human resources for sacrifice and service. Opportunity should be given to all according to their abilities and capabilities. By this, the state can harness the resources for quality of life.
2. Living heritage: Embracing cultural and traditional practices
The greatest civilization is personal civilization within the culture. Nagaland is rich in terms of culture and tradition. For tribal state like Nagaland, all norms and rules are laid down by culture. Everything is defined by culture and tradition. An important institution like ‘morung’ has the potential to groom young boys towards maturity of life. Necessary knowledge and skills are taught in the morung. Social institutions like family and marriage are sacred among all tribes. Today, observance has become more important than the inherent values and ethics. Keep the focus. The values and ethics of the tribe are more important than the mere external practices.
One may ask, how culture and tradition are inherent resources? Yes, culture and traditions have potential in themselves. They bring forth life and identity to people. The soul of the tribe lives in the culture. For Nagas, the very nature of being a tribal makes it even more potential. Culture progresses along with people and vice versa. What remains till the end is culture and tradition. A healthy culture has the potential to generate a healthy living. This is why culture and traditions have more potential than technology. All technologies will change, but culture and traditions will remain the foundation of life. Two decades ago, there was a strong wave against culture and tradition. Such practices were considered pagan by some denominations. Some parents would forbid their children to take part in cultural programmes. Today, we are rebuilding what we have destroyed. I strongly believe that the resurrection of the culture and tradition will resurrect Nagas to a life where culture is respected and traditions are held high by all.
3. An open door to eco-tourism
Nagaland is rich in natural heritage. The flora and fauna are not less than other states. Natural heritage ranges from the wild hornets to the wild elephants. The hornbills and wild fowls at Itanki forest, the monkeys at Saramati range, the herds of elephants inWokha district, the mithunsand Blyth’s tragopan at Khonoma, Jotsoma and Peren district, wild orchids at Kiphire, glowing Rhododendron at Japfü and Puliebadzie, species of fish in Tizu and doyang are worth cherishing. Mountains and rivers like Mt. Saramati, Mt. Japfü, Dzukou, Kapamodzu, Dzüleke, Shiloi lake, Nsonji lake, Doyang, Tizu, etc. can be magnified into tourist spots. We must acknowledge, appreciate and mobilize people towards the preservation and conservation of these heritages.
What is equally attractive and worth mentioning is the sight of the hornbills relishing red berries at Itanki forest on the way to Ikiesingram. Adding to this, the flocks of wild fowls would sneak around the bamboo grooves. Deer, bears and birds were common sights in New Thewati and Old Thewati. The mountain range of Saramati protects numerous wildlife. Today, most species are losing their existence due to random hunting. The cruelty against animals, birds, rivers and mountains is becoming a fashion.
SDG 11 strongly emphasizes the importance of protecting and safeguarding the world’s heritage and natural heritage. Nagaland must promote its natural heritage because the greater good is better than its parts. Tourism can improve if Nagas care about the natural heritage. Nagaland Economic Survey (2022-23) stated that tourism in Nagaland has grown remarkably a promising factor sharing its potential with other countries (Morung Express, 18th March 2024). Tourism should not end up only in and around the Hornbill Festival.
4. Beneath the surface: Exploring Nagaland’s wealth
The presence of resources beneath the surface of Nagaland is orally transmitted from generation to generation. True to it, some resources were tapped for years but protests and threats brought about their end. Exploration of oil, petroleum, coal and other resources was considered a threat to Nagas. The Naga political groups banned all extractions in view of future use in all freedom. The Central Nagaland Tribe Council called for the resumption of oil exploration and extraction in Nagaland (Morung Express, 6th July 2022).
Wokha district is rich in oil and petroleum. Mon district is rich in coal. I walked with the most excitement on top of the Magnetic Mountain at Pokphor village, Kiphire district in the year 2014. I collected some pieces for proof and memory. Furthermore, there are sufficient limestones in and around Wazeho and Jiphu under Meluri district. There are resources in many parts of Nagaland. Nagas must wisely explore and extract these resources with respect to people, environment and climate. The government must process the action efficiently. We cannot go on with the life of dependency. This will gradually rot the Nagas.
5. Local ideas for the global world: The entrepreneurial journey of Nagaland
Entrepreneurship is multi-dimensional. Entrepreneurship extends from agro entrepreneurship to techno entrepreneurship. Today, numerous people started poultry, piggery, fishery, orchard, music, fashion industries and other businesses, etc. These show that Nagas have equal potential to actualize their dreams. All entrepreneurial initiatives need support and guidance from the State Government and other organizations. Entrepreneurship promotes networking and relationships. The young generation has better opportunities to make hay while the sun shines. Many Naga youth have skilled themselves to climb the ladder of entrepreneurship. Presently, NGOs, organizations and educational institutions are focusing on entrepreneurship to make it relevant and practical. Illegal taxation must end to promote Naga entrepreneurs.
Working in Social Work Professions opened numerous doors to interact with Naga entrepreneurs. The passion to achieve their dreams and aspirations is the real substance behind their names. I would like to mention a few of them. They are:
i. Mr. Geoffrey Yaden – Founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Nagaland Post.
ii. Mr. Akum Longchari – Activist, Trainer and Educator, Publisher of Morung Express.
iii. Mrs. Hekhani Jakhalu– Founder of YouthNet, Dimapur
iv. Mr. Rollan Lotha – Chief operating officer-programs, NSRLM
v. Mr. Kvulo Lorin – Chairman of Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation, an Associate Partner of Sapient Finserv, Director of Tetso College, Chümoukedima.
vi. Mr. Lichan Humtsoe – Founder and CEO of Ete Coffee, Kohima.
vii. Mr. JenpuRongmei – Founder and Director, canyouth, Dimapur.
viii. Miss Rekha Rose Dukru– Proprietor, The Majestic Kapamodzu
ix. Mr. Albert Sangtam – Founder and Director, Cleftnote Music Academy and Store Pvt. Ltd.
x. Mr. Vilhousa Movi – Designer at the Institute of Fashion Design, Chümoukedima.
There are many more in sequence. These people explored their potential despite numerous challenges. They are the gems of Naga society. They created their employment and gave employment to others. Entrepreneurship must find a way to sustain life in the best possible manner.
6. Exploring the scenery of Nagaland’s sports and games
Sports and games both traditional and modern are dear to Nagas. There is a rebirth of traditional games. The community festivals are brightened by traditional games. Some elders resonate traditional games, especially on special occasions. The Naga wrestling is appreciated and loved by all. Traditional games have the potential to pull people to celebrate life as Nagas. The year 2024 saw the formation of the Rengma Wrestling Association. They realized the lost potential lately for good. The Angamis, Chakesangs and Zeliangs are far advanced in wrestling. One or two cups of local wine with a few pieces of pork are good enough to spend a day basking at khouchiezhie(local ground) Kohima and enjoy the game with cheers and whistles.
There are famous Naga personalities in archery, football, cricket, sepak takraw, boxing, short put, kung-fu, etc. Some of them are ChekhrovoluSwuro (Archery), James Kithan (Football), Rongsen Jonathan (Cricketer), Sengtimenla Imsong (Cricketer), Hokato Hotozhe Sema (Short put), Israel G Xuivi (Taekwondo), Ruokou John Sorunou, Meyiesielie Albert Sorunuo and Keneingutuo David Sorunuo (Shaolin Kung-Fu) etc. Nagas have not divorced their love from their dreams. The prospect is positive and bright. Nagaland is still strong enough to persevere to make itself known to the world. The combination of traditional and modern games can be well woven in Nagaland.
7. From folk to future: Exploring Nagaland’s musical potential
Nagas can manage a soft classical song to the heaviest metal rock. Nagas have the potential to play music. They can sing both traditional and modern songs. The traditional musical instruments resonate in the mountains and rivers of Nagaland. The sounds of Tati (Angami),Atütü (Pochury), Ken (Rengma) bring joy to the community. Folksongs are communitarian by nature and spirit. It brings people to participate in community life.It is good to see the rise of traditional music and folksongs among the tribals. While on the other hand, famous musicians and singers like Methaneilie Solo, Nise Meruno, Mengu Suokhrie, Obed Kath, Zuchobeni Tungoe, Alobo Naga, Imnainla Jamir, Tetso sisters, Purple Fusion, Moko Koza, etc impacted the music industry in and outside the country. Nagas are born with a song on their lips and musical instruments in their hands. A little professional touch can refine them to the equal status of global singers and musicians.
The resources and potentials of Nagaland range from people to objects. They are not merely a dream or desire. They are the treasures of Nagaland. We need a collective effort to turn these potentials into a reality. The existing potentials must be enhanced. The undiscovered resources need exploration and research. The past, present and future must be taken into consideration while taping these resources and potentials.
