How long will it be before the people challenge their leaders to work for future generations instead of focusing on their next election?
How long will it be before Nagas realize that there are constructive ways of settling differences other than resorting to the use of force and violence? It seems like the hammer is perceived as the only available tool for ending conflicts and everything else is seen as nails to be hammered. What, then, is the difference between political actions and criminal acts?
How long will it be before the people challenge their leaders to work for future generations, instead of focusing on their next election? How long will it take for the bureaucrats to make policies effective so that they benefit the people who live with the consequences of their decisions? Indeed, how long will it take to achieve freedom with responsibility, service with humility, concern with courage and to act with fairness and equity? How long?
How long can one turn a deaf ear of indifference to the voices that echo reminders of the futility and arrogance of power? How long will it take before everyone realizes that the pain and anger, the hurt and alienation caused by every act of violence is being passed on from one generation to the next? Indeed the chasm has widened and reached a point where any possibility of dialogue for understanding and forming relationships is being broken down by the vicious nature of violence within. How long will it take to recognize that with every missed opportunity for understanding, the chasm only widens and engulfs the voices of freedom? How long before we acknowledge that the chasm within is destroying the very foundation of our shared vision of a peaceful coexistence?
How long will it be before a people overcome mistrust, transcend prejudices and stereotypes? How long will it take to put aside pride and reach out to fellow humans with kindness, genuine caring and compassion? How long will it take for one to look beyond the façade and concede the truth? How long before reaching a point where one can no longer remain indifferent to the injustices that are eating away at the core of humanity?
How long will it be before the society is able to take responsibility for their actions and to accept criticism responsibly without feeling the need to issue rejoinders? How long will it take before civil religion under the guise of institutionalized religion is questioned and transformed into a prophetic voice of faith, hope and compassion? What will it take before people can express their yearning without feeling ashamed about it or labeled into different boxes?
How long will it take before empathy breaks down the walls of hatred, yes, how long? Indeed, how long before every gun is silent, injustices corrected and humans can pursue a life of purpose and fulfillment? Indeed, how long until the realization that change begins by consciously challenging the mindset of status quo?
But then, is anyone out there actually listening and asking, ‘How long?’
